Freon Leak in HVAC System: Reasons & How to Fix it?
You recently had an HVAC system installed in your building. For months, everything was running like a dream. But then, out of the blue, you spot a leak. After a quick inspection and some digging, you came across the term freon leak in HVACs.
Hundreds of Indian businesses running operations that require HVAC find ‘freon leak’ a bit of a mystery. Since they can’t grasp it, it leads to missed opportunities for timely action. Consequences? Skewed performance, skyrocketing bills, and in worst cases, total HVAC system failure.
So, what exactly does a freon leak mean? What causes it? And most importantly, how can you fix it? In this blog, Kelvin – leading provider of HVAC maintenance services in India – will answer all these questions for you. Reading this guide will equip you with freon leak HVAC knowledge, and help you act quickly.
Let’s start.
What is Freon Leak?
A Freon leak is the escape of refrigerant gas called Freon out of your HVAC system. Freon is a substance that absorbs the heat inside the indoor air and releases it outside. Because of it, cooling is achievable. But once it starts to leak, your system becomes incapable of cooling efficiently.
You can think of it as a car running out of fuel. Unless there is enough refrigerant, the whole process either slows down or stops entirely. Usually, managers think that Freon leak in HVAC means they’ll notice water drips. Actually, that’s not the case. It’s an invisible gas that escapes via pipes, coils, or links in the unit.
What Causes Freon Leak in HVAC?
Freon leaks don’t happen overnight. They develop slowly, and usually start with tiny cracks or weaknesses in your HVAC system. If not noticed on time, they keep getting worse.
HVAC systems face persistent strain due to temperature swings, vibrations, and environmental exposure. We have just given you the short answer. Let’s discuss the reasons in detail:
Corrosion of metal components: With time, copper tubing inside your HVAC system can corrode due to moisture and chemical reactions. This corrosion cuts through the pipes, forming pinhole leaks that allow Freon to escape without notice.
Loose connections and joints: The refrigerant lines are connected by a number of fittings, valves, and joints within the HVAC system. When such connections become loose due to vibration or improper installation, small holes may fall open, acting as a door for Freon to escape.
Factory defects or poor installation: Yes, it’s true. Sometimes, the problem begins right from the start. Manufacturing defects in the refrigerant lines or improper installation can create weak spots. Later, these become a leakage.
Wear and tear over time: HVAC systems are prone to natural wear and tear like any other machine. Seals, gaskets, and joints may deteriorate due to years of use.
Vibrations and physical damage: Vibrations can be caused by the compressor and other moving components of an HVAC unit. When the refrigerant lines are not properly sealed and are subjected to a lot of shaking, they can break or crack, causing Freon leakages!
High pressure in the system: When your HVAC operates with too much pressure (caused by bad maintenance, clogged filters, and improper refrigerant levels), it creates some pressure on the pipes. This accumulated pressure then leads to bursting of refrigerant lines.
External environmental factors: Harsh weather, debris, and even rodents also cause serious damage to refrigerant lines. These external threats particularly attack outdoor units and can cause puncture or weakening of the system. Letting freon leakages in your HVAC system.
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How to Fix Freon Leaks in HVAC Systems?
Now that you know about causes, one thing might be clear to you – you can’t afford to delay. The more you wait, the more your HVAC system asks for HELP. There’s no doubt that temporary fixes exist but we are here to fix the problem once and for all.
Here are some practical ways to deal with Freon leaks in HVAC systems:
Identify the leak early: They say fortunate are those who take early steps. We 100% agree, especially in this case. You should identify the problem first. Watch out for signs like decreased cooling, abnormal hissing sounds, and coating of coils with ice.
This early leak detection will reduce the damage to your HVAC system.
Perform a soap-bubble test: In the case of smaller Freon leaks, HVAC technicians frequently apply a soap solution on refrigerant lines. Bubbles appearing on the different parts of lines are where Freon is escaping from. This is an easy and efficient method for investigating leakages.
Use electronic leak detector: Modern-day leak detectors can easily sense even the slightest traces of escaping refrigerant. They are much more precise than the visual inspections and serve to confirm hidden leaks within coils or pipes.
Seal minor leaks temporarily: There are sealants available in the market. For those unaware, these are capable of temporarily fixing minor holes that occur in refrigerant lines. Although not a long-term solution, it will help you to hold and buy some time until a proper repair or replacement is performed!
Replace damaged components: If freon leakage is happening due to corrosion, cracks, or broken parts, replacement is the only reliable solution. Replace tubes, coils, or valves to achieve efficiency once again and prevent recurring leaks.
Recharge the refrigerant: Once leaks are covered, make sure to replenish levels of your refrigerant. Also referred to as recharging, your HVAC system will have sufficient Freon to cool minimally. Make sure you don’t skip this step!
Hire certified HVAC experts: Although the aforementioned DIY tricks are appealing, Freon is a controlled substance. Handling it requires professional training. That’s why we recommend hiring the best HVAC professionals in India. Not only will they fix the leaks but also make sure that your system is up-to-date and in accordance with any regulations for safety and environment.
Hire Kelvin for Freon Leaks Maintenance
Like we said before, quick action and professional expertise can truly make a difference when it comes to Freon leaks. Kelvin has a team of certified HVAC experts with 15+ years of experience. Using advanced tools, proven techniques, and industry best practices, we help businesses detect, repair, and prevent refrigerant leaks with accuracy.
Consult us today by calling on +91 8108555060 or +91 7045509909. Keep your building’s cooling system running like a well-oiled machine.
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