As the summer season sets in, you'll need to look into your AC's performance. An assessment of the unit's condition is vital for detecting malfunctions such as Freon or refrigerant leaks early. Normally, your air conditioner's Freon is constantly pressurized, and the lines carrying it degrade over time. If the lines leak, the coolant will deplete gradually, causing a ripple effect on other components. Having the leak fixed in time is crucial, owing to the refrigerant's vital role in the cooling system. The following refrigerant leakage signs indicate it's time for AC repair. 

Hissing Noises 

If you hear a hissing noise emanating from your unit, the refrigerant could be leaking. The noise arises when the refrigerant or Freon starts leaking through the narrow openings in the coolant lines. Usually, the hissing noises will escalate into a bubbling sound as the leaks become bigger. Even though the sound will be more noticeable in the indoor unit, you can also hear it from the outdoor unit. Call your AC repair professional as soon as you hear these unfamiliar noises in your cooling unit. They will locate the leaks and patch them to ensure effective refrigerant circulation.

Insufficient Cooling

The right amounts of refrigerant facilitate heat transfer by absorbing heat in the coils and dissipating it outdoors. However, if the coolant lines develop a leak, the refrigerant levels will reduce, compromising the heat transfer process. This diminishes cooling power, leading to weak airflow from the vents. Therefore, if you notice that your unit no longer keeps up with the cooling demands during the time of the day when it's hottest, schedule an appointment with an AC repair technician. They will examine the unit, seal the leaks and recharge the refrigerant from proper heat transfer.

Indoor Air Is Humid

Your AC unit will cool your indoor air as it dehumidifies it. However, low refrigerant levels impede the heat exchange process where moisture from the air is collected through a condensate line. This results in warm air that creates a stuffy indoor atmosphere. You should employ the services of an AC repair expert when you notice increasing indoor humidity. They will fix the coolant leak so as to enhance the dehumidification process.

Higher Electricity Bills

If you notice a spike in your utility bills, the AC's refrigerant is likely to be leaking. A refrigerant leak usually causes the cooling unit to overwork to perform basic cooling operations. As a result, the AC will consume more energy, translating into more electricity costs. In this case, you should call your AC contractor to conduct a load calculation to ascertain whether your AC consumes excess energy. If so, they will repair the refrigerant leaks to remedy the situation. 

If properly serviced, your AC refrigerant will sustain adequate cooling power in your home. Therefore, you should contact an aircon expert to examine your unit for leaks, patch them and recharge the refrigerant to ensure optimal cooling performance.

For more information on AC repair, contact a professional near you.