Bensalem, PA, AC Refrigerant Leak Services

An air conditioner refrigerant leak not only compromises your HVAC system but can also be dangerous to children and pets. Call the local experts in Bucks County at Plumbing Pals for fast refrigerant leak repair.

Whether you need air conditioner repair, maintenance, or a new system installation, you can count on the trusted professionals at Plumbing Pals. We’ve proudly served Bensalem, PA, residents for over a decade, giving them high-quality service at fair prices.

What Happens When Refrigerant Leaks

Refrigerant is a chemical your air conditioner uses to remove heat from the air and lower the indoor temperature. The bad news is that refrigerant leaks are common and cause many problems.

Reduced Cooling Capacity: One of the most noticeable effects of a refrigerant leak is a decrease in the AC’s cooling capacity. As refrigerant leaks, the system can’t absorb heat, leading to warming indoor air despite what the thermostat says.
Inefficient Operation: Refrigerant is critical to your air conditioner’s cooling cycle, and low levels can cause the system to work harder to maintain the desired temperature. This stresses the system, causing it to wear out faster and use more energy.
Icing and Frost: Refrigerant leaks can cause temperature imbalances in the air conditioner, leading to ice or frost forming on the evaporator coil. A frozen coil further reduces the system’s ability to cool the air.
Health Issues: While there are many kinds of refrigerants, they’re all chemicals that could be dangerous to young children or pets.

Call a professional HVAC technician in Bensalem, PA, like Plumbing Pals, immediately if you suspect you have leaking refrigerant.

Dangers of Refrigerant Leaks

Refrigerant leaks can be dangerous, as they can release harmful chemicals into the air. This can be particularly hazardous for children and pets, who may be more vulnerable to the effects of these chemicals.

Leaks can also lead to inefficient operation of the air conditioning system, causing it to work harder to maintain the desired temperature and increasing energy costs.

Refrigerant Recharging Options

While Freon (R-22) is being phased out, there are still options available for recharging your air conditioning system. Newer refrigerants, such as R-410A, can be used as a replacement.

It’s important to have a professional HVAC technician perform any refrigerant recharging to ensure it is done safely and properly.

Get your home ready for Old Man Winter by calling us for expert heater repair.

Can You Still Get a Freon Recharge?

Maybe you’ve heard that the refrigerant R-22 (Freon) was discontinued in the United States in January 2020. Many people with older air conditioners wonder whether they can still get a Freon replacement. The answer is complicated.

Because of the discontinuation, Freon is becoming increasingly difficult to find and expensive. Many HVAC manufacturers and service providers have transitioned to other refrigerants like R-410A, which is better for the environment and more efficient.

If your air conditioner still relies on Freon, replacing the system may be more cost-effective in the long run. You can retrofit some air conditioners to use newer refrigerants, but this may be as costly as upgrading to a new system.

Ask your local HVAC technician for their recommendations on Freon repairs. Plumbing Pals is here to assist you expertly.

You can get all the benefits of a central air conditioner without ductwork by installing a ductless mini split air conditioner. Call us to learn more.