About Ambrose Air, Inc.
has been a family-owned AC repair and HVAC company in Orlando for over 25 years. Our slogan, “Honesty and Quality at a Fair Price,” speaks directly to our aim of keeping our customers happy.
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AC Refrigerant Leak
Yet another leading cause of a faulty HVAC unit is the occurrence of a refrigerant leak. This is a problem that is commonly diagnosed by an Orlando AC repair company like Ambrose Air, Inc., but the reasons why it happened are unknown to the home owner. What causes refrigerant leaks, and why are they so bad for your home? Believe it or not, they aren’t just bad for your home, but they cause damage to the environment as well.
Leading Causes for Leaks
Shrader valves, heat pump accumulators, and capillary tubes are the three leading parts that cause this problem to occur. We’re going to lay out in more detail what each part does, and why it can cause the leak.
Every unit has a similar structure to it, and within that is the shrader valve. This is where you will hear the coolant leak, and the need to replace this part is extremely important. The shrader valve allows technicians to check pressures or charge the system, and if it is indeed this problem, then you are in luck, as it is traditionally one of the easiest to fix.
Another leading cause is when the heat pump accumulator begins to rust, and therefore holes begin to appear, where Freon or refrigerant can leak out. This is not an easy fix, as the entire system needs to be recovered and replaced, and a new accumulator installed. The best way to prevent this from happening is to apply a rust preventing paint to the accumulator, thus preventing the steel from rusting and creating cavities.
Capillary tubes inside the evaporator coil can also get small fissures in them, because they are constantly rubbing together due to the system running, and the friction that occurs can ultimately cause these little holes. Fixing capillary tubes is as easy as cutting the affected area and soldering a larger piece of copper tubing over this capillary tube.
Contact an experienced AC repair company if you hear the hissing of a refrigerant leak. While some of the problems may be addressed by the home owner, we highly suggest having an expert give the system an entire look. A leak may lead to other problems for you, and you may not be able to spot them if you don’t have the eye for it. Don’t wait to have the issue resolved, because the cost can increase substantially the longer that you wait. We’re ready to assist you in whatever way we can to get your system running again the way you need it to.
FAQ On AC Refrigerant Leak
Is a refrigerant leak dangerous?
A refrigerant leak can be dangerous in certain scenarios. If the leak gets to a certain level, the toxins can become dangerous if they are inhaled. If inhaled, nausea, asphyxiation, and headache can happen. AC repair may be needed ASAP.
Should I refill the unit if it is leaked?
It is not recommended that the unit be refilled if there is a leak. The leak should first be stopped and underlying problem should be resolved before adding refrigerant to the system.
What comes in a leak repair kit?
A leak repair kit will come with a valve, sealant and hose. It’s important to note that these kits are best suited for smaller leaks. The kits may lose their charge within a year’s time.
What caused the refrigerant leak to happen?
There are several common causes for the problem. A shrader valve may need to be replaced if the leak originates from that area. If the leak is caused by a rust hole in the accumulator, the heat pump accumulator should be replaced. There may be additional repairs that need to be made to the system prior to replacing the piece. If the problem stems from capillary tube damage, then there may not be much that can be done without professional assistance. The entire system has to be taken apart to access the capillary tube. The tube would have to have copper tubing soldered over it in order to restore the system. If the leak results from the flare connection, the piece may have to be replaced or reworked, which may require the expertise of a technician. If the leaking problem is because of the heat pump coil, replacing this component will resolve the issue.
How do larger leaks need to be addressed?
How does the refrigerant leak impact performance of the system?
If the leak isn’t repaired and properly tested once charged, the system will perform inefficiently. The system cannot be undercharged or overcharged if optimal efficiency is the goal.
Ambrose Air, Inc. has been a family-owned AC repair and HVAC company in Orlando for over 25 years. Our slogan, “Honesty and Quality at a Fair Price,” speaks directly to our aim of keeping our customers happy.
Ambrose Air, Inc. has been serving Central Florida since 1990. Our company was founded on the principal of Honesty and Quality at Fair Price. We have done jobs ranging from a simple repair to as large as 3/4 of a million dollar
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We are a state licensed contractor License # CACO42735
What is the SEER Rating?
The SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio) is how the efficiency of your heating and cooling equipment is measured. The SEER is the amount of cooling your system will deliver per dollar spent on electricity, as compared to other systems. For example, a 3-ton unit may have a SEER efficiency rating of 13, 14, or 15. The higher the SEER the more efficient the system will be. The SEER rating of any given unit can range anywhere from 13 to 21.
Which brand of AC is the best?
Why is the SEER rating on the Energy Guide different than what my dealer quoted?
Why should I have regular (or preventative) maintenance? And how often should I have it performed?
Your heating and cooling systems work incredibly hard to perform their functions for your home everyday. The constant stopping, starting and continual operation can wear down any machine if the proper care and maintenance is delayed. However, by performing regular maintenance, you can maximize the lifecycle of your heating or cooling unit and guard against many common equipment failures. Preventive maintenance inspections performed on a regular basis can uncover leaks, rust, rot, soot, frayed wires and corroded electrical contacts that the naked eye may not notice. You should have maintenance done on your system regularly to ensure maximum efficiency and allow prevent possible problems that may occur in the near future.
What equipment requires regular (or preventative) maintenance?
At least twice a year heat pumps and air conditioners require a professional tune-up. Because gas-fired equipment functions with greater efficiency, they only need to be serviced every other year. Inspections on boiler and furnace systems should include ductwork, pipes, dampers, valves, the chimney, registers, radiators, pumps, blowers, fuel lines, the gas meter, oil tank and every part of the actual furnace and boiler. Meanwhile, heat pump and air conditioning unit inspections should also include inspections of the fan, compressor, indoor coils, outdoor coils, line kits and refrigerant lines.
I need help troubleshooting a problem with my equipment.
As your local Daikin dealer, Ambrose Air, Inc. is your troubleshooting expert, and is glad to help you. In addition, Daikin also provides a network of troubleshooting technicians at Daikin Distribution centers across the country which Ambrose Air, Inc. will utilize to solve your concern. Should we encounter a situation that requires additional factory help, we will contact our factory supported Service Manager(s) for assistance.
What are the advantages of a programmable thermostat?
Since they are electronic, programmable thermostats are more accurate and efficient than thermostats that contain mercury. With programmable thermostats you can control the temperature in your home at different times of day without ever touching your thermostat. Because everything is automatic, you will never forget to change the setting on your own.
What type of filter should I use? And how often should I replace it?
Standard filters work to keep your system and its ductwork clean, but they don’t really improve indoor air quality. To do that you need a media filter. The media filter rests between the main return duct and the blower cabinet and will improve dust and particle removal by seven times that of a standard filter. However, upgrading to a pleated media filter will remove everything from insecticide dust to airborne viruses from the filtered air. Always choose a filter that matches your blower’s capacity. For optimum efficiency and filtration,Ambrose Air, Inc. recommends that you replace your disposable filters at least once a month. If you have washable filters, they should be cleaned once a month.
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