During Edmonton’s hot summer months, a working air conditioner isn’t just about comfort—it’s about keeping your household livable. When your AC stops cooling effectively, indoor temperatures can rise quickly, especially during peak afternoon hours. One of the most common and often unnoticed problems behind poor cooling is a refrigerant leak. It doesn’t always cause the system to stop entirely, but it’s enough to affect how well it performs.
Refrigerant is what drives the cooling process. It cycles through the coils, absorbing heat from the inside and releasing it outdoors. If a leak develops, there isn’t enough refrigerant left to remove the same amount of heat. That reduced capacity means longer run times, rising bills, and an overall drop in comfort. Left unresolved, a refrigerant leak can lead to even bigger system issues down the line.
Common Causes of Refrigerant Leaks
Refrigerant leaks can happen for several reasons. Some are just the result of age and wear. Others relate to small defects or corrosion that builds up over time. Identifying what causes the leak is the first step to solving the issue and preventing it from happening again.
Here are the most frequent culprits:
1. Wear and Tear
As the AC unit runs season after season, the metal components inside it experience stress. Vibration, temperature changes, and pressure cycles can gradually weaken joints, seals, and valves. Over time, these small cracks or loose fittings allow refrigerant to escape.
2. Corroded Coils
The copper coils that carry refrigerant are exposed to moisture, especially if the unit isn’t sealed properly or if there’s poor ventilation around it. Over time, exposure to moisture and air pollution can corrode the metal. Corrosion eats away at the tubing, leading to pinhole leaks. This is especially common in older systems.
3. Manufacturing Defects
Even new systems can run into trouble if the materials or assembly were flawed. Sometimes, a weak weld or subpar joint leaves the system vulnerable from the start. These types of leaks usually show up within the first few seasons of operation.
In most homes, it’s impossible to tell which of these is the cause without a full inspection. That’s why our technicians always carry out a full diagnostic to isolate the leak and determine the right repair method.
Signs of a Refrigerant Leak
Spotting early signs of a refrigerant leak is key to getting timely repairs. Ignoring these indicators can strain your entire system and lead to expensive fixes later on. If your AC isn’t keeping up the way it used to, it may not just be old—it could be leaking.
Watch for these warning signs:
1. Hissing or Bubbling Sounds
Unusual sounds near the unit can point to a leak. Hissing usually means refrigerant is escaping in a gas form, while bubbling suggests a leak in the liquid phase. These noises often come from the coils or lines, especially when the system is running.
2. Ice on the Coils
If there isn’t enough refrigerant moving through the system, the coils may not absorb heat as they should. That can cause condensation on the coils to freeze up, forming a layer of ice. This restricts airflow and makes the cooling even less effective. It’s something Edmonton homeowners may overlook at first, especially when it’s hot outside.
3. Decline in Cooling
The most noticeable sign is just a lack of cold air. If your rooms take longer to cool or never reach your set temperature, reduced refrigerant could be the cause. It may also cycle more often, turning on and off without actually cooling the home. One Edmonton customer noticed their system running frequently but still sweating indoors. A check revealed low refrigerant levels caused by a small corroded connection.
If you notice one or more of these symptoms, it’s a good idea to get your system checked. The sooner a leak is diagnosed, the easier it is to fix before more damage occurs.
Impact of Refrigerant Leaks on Your AC System
An unnoticed refrigerant leak can quietly create a chain reaction of problems. One of the earliest impacts is a spike in energy bills. Since the system doesn’t have enough refrigerant to cool effectively, it ends up running longer to reach the desired temperature. That extra runtime translates into more electricity use every day, especially during peak summer heat in Edmonton.
The extra strain also wears out your AC components faster. When the compressor is forced to work under low refrigerant conditions, it may overheat or even fail entirely. This type of breakdown is one of the most expensive AC repairs and can sometimes lead to needing a full unit replacement. Other parts, like fans and sensors, may also start to show signs of wear when the system can’t maintain proper pressure levels.
On top of the performance issues, leaking refrigerant isn’t good for the environment. Modern ACs usually use refrigerants designed to reduce environmental impact, but any chemical released into the air still contributes to pollution. Quick action limits how much is lost and keeps your system safer for your home and surroundings.
Professional Solutions for Refrigerant Leaks
Fixing a refrigerant issue is never a guesswork job. The first step is finding the source of the leak, and that requires the right tools and knowledge. Our technicians begin with a detailed diagnostic process that includes testing system pressure, checking coil conditions, and pinpointing leak locations using sensors or UV dye. This step matters because just adding refrigerant back in doesn’t solve the problem—it will only leak out again.
Once the leak is found, repairs vary depending on where and how severe the damage is. In many cases, small leaks can be sealed and tested on-site. If components like coils or service valves are damaged, those parts may need replacing. After sealing or repairing the affected areas, the system must be recharged to the correct refrigerant level. Our professionals use proper techniques to ensure refrigerant levels match the manufacturer specs.
Skilled repair is only one part of the solution. Keeping the system leak-free long-term requires thorough maintenance. Regular checks allow our professionals to spot early warning signs like slight pressure drops, corrosion, or loose fittings. Preventive care helps avoid a repeat of the problem and cuts down on surprise mid-season issues.
Ensuring Reliable Cooling in Edmonton
A refrigerant leak doesn’t always bring your AC to a complete stop—but the effects build quickly. Reduced cooling, rising bills, and worn-down parts will keep getting worse unless the issue is diagnosed and resolved. Your comfort depends on your system working properly during Edmonton’s hottest weeks, and refrigerant is at the heart of how your unit performs.
Having a professional inspect your system each season goes a long way in keeping it running reliably. Identifying small leaks early protects your equipment and your budget. You don’t have to wait until your AC fails to take action. With consistent maintenance and timely repairs, your home can stay cool without the stress.
If your cooling system struggles to keep up during Edmonton’s hot summer periods, you may need professional air conditioner repair in Edmonton to restore optimal performance. Mobil Heating & Air Conditioning Inc is here to help ensure your comfort remains unaffected by unexpected leaks or excessive energy use. For a quick estimate or to book a service visit, please contact us today.