Does My Heat Pump in Sarasota, FL, Have a Refrigerant Leak?
In Sarasota, FL, where we have year-round warm weather, efficient cooling is essential to keep your home or business comfortable and energy efficient. Even a small refrigerant leak in your heat pump can severely impact your system’s performance and your energy bills. Here’s how you can identify signs of a refrigerant leak in your heat pump:
Reduced Cooling Efficiency
If your heat pump isn’t cooling your home or commercial building as effectively, you may have a refrigerant leak and need repairs. Think of it this way: lower refrigerant levels mean your heat pump has less cooling power. Plus, over time, even a leak that seems small can cause damage to the compressor, which is one of the most expensive components to replace.
Longer Cooling Cycles
When refrigerant levels drop, your system has to work harder and longer to achieve the desired temperature. If it takes longer to cool your space, that means increased energy consumption.
Higher Energy Bills
If you notice that your energy bills are higher than usual, this likely means there’s a problem with your heat pump making it less efficient. If you suspect that your heat pump is working overtime due to insufficient refrigerant or another issue, it’s time to call an HVAC contractor for help.
Hissing or Bubbling Noises
These sounds coming from the heat pump can indicate a refrigerant leak. In this case, it’s likely that you need an air conditioning repair rather than an AC replacement, but keep in mind that ignoring a refrigerant leak can lead to more serious problems. Get an inspection to identify the problem just to be sure.
Ice Build-Up on the Evaporator Coils
Low refrigerant levels can often cause the evaporator coils to freeze. This leads to a buildup of ice and will reduce the efficiency of your system.
If you notice any signs of a refrigerant leak, don’t wait to address the issue. Get an expert to inspect and diagnose an issue as soon as possible. Whether you need a repair or maintenance, you can trust our team at Custom Air & Plumbing to keep your HVAC system running smoothly year-round.
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