A couple of months ago, the HVAC unit in my home started malfunctioning. The temperature inside my home soared to over eighty degrees Fahrenheit, even though my air conditioning system ran nonstop. After inspecting my air conditioning unit, my knowledgeable HVAC contractor recommended I purchase a new system. He discussed the pros and cons of installing different sizes of HVAC units with me. After considering my HVAC contractor’s advice, I decided to purchase a three and a half ton HVAC unit. Shortly after my HVAC contractor installed my new air conditioning unit, my house started feeling more comfortable. On this blog, I hope you will discover how an HVAC contractor can help you select the right air conditioning unit for your home. Enjoy!
Refrigerant is the most potent component of an air conditioning system—the one that is responsible for transforming warm air into cold. Yet that refrigerant is also a serious hazard to you and to the environment should it begin to leak from your AC. A refrigerant leak will also significant compromise the efficiency of your unit. If you would like to learn more about where refrigerant leaks commonly occur, read on. This article will outline two of the most common leak points.
Condenser Coil Holes
In order to retain its ability to cool the air in your home again and again, the refrigerant inside of your system must be periodically condensed from a gas to a liquid. This process takes place inside of the appropriately named condenser coil. The condenser coil consists of a thin metal tube (generally constructed of copper) through which the refrigerant flows.
Over time, it is not uncommon for the condenser coil to develop small holes. These are often caused by friction, as the coil rubs up against nearby components. Such friction is often derives from the vibrations of the condenser motor. Likewise, holes may develop as the result of corrosion inside of the tube. Such corrosion is caused by moisture that has penetrated into the system.
Depending on the location and severity of the hole, it may be possible for an air conditioning professional to repair. This is usually accomplished by welding a patch of metal over the hole. In some cases, it may not be possible to reach the damaged area. If this is the case, or if the portions of damage are more widespread, it may be necessary to replace the entire coil instead.
Loose Flare Fittings
Flare fittings are a special type of compression fitting used specifically when dealing with tubing made of metal. This means that flare fittings are commonly found in and around an air conditioner's condenser coil. These fittings work through the conjunction of two parts: a flare nut and a tapered piece of tubing. The flare nut is tightened around the tapered end, thus creating a leak-proof point of attachment.
Problems still tend to ensue with flare fittings. That's because over time they have a nasty way of working loose. When that happens, refrigerant is often able to leak out of the connection point. Sometimes the problem can be corrected simply by tightening the loose flare nut. In other cases, however, it may be that the tapered end has simply become too condensed. This will require that the fitting be replaced entirely in order to eliminate the problem.
To learn more about fixing the refrigerant leak, contact local AC repair services.
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