Normally, this occurs at the location of the evaporator coil, but is not the only place a leak can stem from. If you lose enough freon from your HVAC system, your air conditioner won't work and will need servicing.
Simple Methods
Visual Inspection: Technicians look for hissing sounds, water or ice buildup that can reveal a leak. Soap Bubble Test: By applying soapy water to pipes and connections, it allows you to see any bubbles that form at leak points.
Watch the pressure gauges for fluctuating air pressure, which confirms the presence of a leak. indicate the location of the hole or puncture. As an alternate to a nitrogen test, add an ultraviolent dye to the system and use a black light to search for traces of leaks.
If you suspect a freon leak, head outside to the exterior AC unit. The evaporator coil is in the back of your AC unit and leads directly into your home. If this coil is physically cold and there are visible signs of frost, your refrigerant levels may be leaking.
For small, easily accessible leaks, you can expect to pay anywhere from $150 to $500. This price includes the cost of the refrigerant, which can vary depending on the type your system uses.
Can you stay in a house with a Freon leak? While a small leak in your AC unit may not pose an immediate danger, it's essential to address the issue promptly. Leaking refrigerant can lead to inefficient cooling and higher utility bills, and prolonged exposure might cause health issues.
As a rule of thumb, your air conditioner should leak condensation only while running. If a puddle of condensation pools under your compressor, it should dry up after a hot day. Suppose the unit has been leaking for a full day or longer or the puddle of water is consistently getting bigger.
A leak from your air conditioner can cause significant damage to the system. Whether there's more moisture on or near your AC than usual or water is ponding near the drain line, consider it an emergency. The damage from water can quickly escalate and spread to nearby equipment, materials, and furnishings.
If a leak is present, the refrigerant will simply leak out as soon as it is replaced. So, the coolant will last no more than a few weeks to a few months, depending on the severity of the leak. There may also be more than one leak, which could cause the refrigerant to disappear sooner.
So, what happens if you do just add refrigerant to a leaking AC system, or don't get it fixed once the leak is reported? The EPA will fine you. There is no way to sugarcoat this. The fine can be as high as $37,500 per day.
Your homeowners insurance may cover AC unit leaks that cause water damage. Typically, homeowners insurance will not cover the cause of the leak but will pay for the damage the leak causes. For example, if a pipe bursts and causes water damage, the damage is often covered, but the pipe replacement will not be covered.
For a typical home, testing can range from $100 to $450 and repairs often cost between $300 and $1,500.
In our experience, if there is a Freon leak in your air conditioner, 9 times out of 10, the leak will be located in the copper tubing of your evaporator coil.
Operating an air conditioning system with a refrigerant leak could cause considerable damage to the system. The compressor, a key component of your AC, relies on refrigerant to function and cool.
On a summer day in a hot, humid climate, you can easily find each window A/C unit leaking up to two gallons of water per day, while central air conditioning systems may drip 20 gallons daily. Keep in mind that this water can be diverted for reuse in landscape irrigation.
The soap bubble method is one of the most convenient ways to detect a refrigerant leak. All you need is a soapy water solution and a spray bottle. Spray the soapy water on the suspected leak point. If there's a leak, the leaking refrigerant will cause the water to bubble.
Air conditioners have experienced leaks since they were first invented. It's an extremely common problem that can also lead to time-consuming and costly AC repairs.
Each make and model of air conditioner needs a slightly different amount of AC refrigerant. According to PG&E, most central air conditioning systems use two to four pounds of refrigerant per ton of cooling capacity. A three-ton air conditioner would typically have six to 12 pounds of refrigerant for a proper charge.
The Bathroom. Most water leaks are found in the bathroom, as all water supply lines eventually lead here. In fact, a leaking shower alone can waste more than 500 gallons of water annually! Flapper Leak: The flapper is the rubber seal at the bottom of the tank.
The drain line is blocked. Mold, dirt, algae, and rust can block the drain line and cause the AC unit to leak. The condensate pan is damaged. Your AC unit contains a pan to collect normal condensation.
Light an incense stick and carefully pass it around the edges of common leak sites. Wherever the smoke wavers or is sucked out of or blown into the room, there's a draft. You can also use a damp hand to locate leaks; any drafts will feel cool to your hand.