Reasons Behind Gas Leakage in AC can be plenty. The issue is as common as it is serious, as not many users are aware of gas leakage in Air conditioners. While we focus on other appliances like the gas stoves for gas leakages, not many know that similar leakage also occurs in an Air Conditioner. Let us examine a few vital reasons as to how and why gas leakage in AC occurs and what we can do about it.
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What are the reasons behind gas leakage in AC?
There are various reasons as to why gas leakages occur in an Air Conditioner. Here are a few prominent ones:
1. Too Much Wear and Tear
This is quite obvious that wear and tear can lead to gas leakage in your unit over time. This occurs when your AC is under prolonged usage. Subsequently, the service valves wear off over time, and leakage occurs. The same can occur at the assembly joint of the AC units due to rust over time.
What you need to do:
Though tough to locate, the leakages can be detected by professionals. The best solution is to replace the parts with new ones and to remove the rusted parts completely.
2. The 'peekaboo' leaks
These are the pinhole leaks that are actual demons. The pinhole leaks are also most prevalent and can cause some real damages. This leakage type occurs in the Copper coils of the Condensers that leads to these ‘invisible leaks.’ It mainly occurs because of the Formaldehyde deposits on the coils that lead to the formation of Formic Acids. It is because of this that the ‘pin hole’ leaks occur.
What you need to do:
Most manufacturers prefer Aluminium coils instead of the Copper ones as it is corrosion free.
3. Damage along the Refrigerant lines
The refrigerant lines are made of Copper and function by circulating the refrigerant across the Condenser and evaporator. In case of damage to these pipes, gas can leak from the AC. This offers us a glimpse of how ‘flimsy’ the refrigerant lines are, especially those that run on the outside walls.
What you need to do:
Get professional help immediately and replace the refrigerant lines or repair the leaks as required.
4. The 'Connections'
Some HVAC has shown the reasons for the leakages to be due to defective solders and flare fittings in the refrigerant pipes.
What you need to do:
These do not require replacement, as basic repairs are just as good. All that is required is to solder the joints and the connections properly.
5. Installation Issues
Sometimes, the problem lies in the manner in which your Air conditioner has been installed. This is mainly as the fittings are faulty in some parts of the Air Conditioner, which causes the coolant to ‘leak out.’
What you can do:
Get the professionals to either ‘pack the Air conditioner’ properly in the existing place or relocate to another place with proper fittings.
6. At The Factory
Sometimes, the problem lies in the manner in which your Air conditioner has been installed. This is mainly as the fittings are faulty in some parts of the Air Conditioner, which causes the coolant to ‘leak out.’
What you can do:
Get the professionals to either ‘pack the Air conditioner’ properly in the existing place or relocate to another place with proper fittings.
7. The Valve Of A Problem
Another culprit for unwanted coolant leaks can be the defective Schrader Valve. Slight damage to the seal coverings of the valve can cause massive leakages over time.
What You can do:
Either repair or entirely replace the Valve coverings for preventing gas leakages in the future.
8. The Control Valves
The control valves are easily a major ‘soft spot’ for coolant leakages. These can be detected by the professionals or yourself if you have an ‘eye for the details.
What you can do:
Simply tighten up the Valves and clean them up as well for better results.
FAQs: Reasons For Gas Leakage In AC
Well, there are various ways by which one can detect gas leakage in AC:
- Loss of cooling power: your machine will no longer cool if the coolants are escaping out.
- The vents are not working well: check the air releasing from the vents. If it is not cool enough, there are chances that your AC is suffering a leak.
- Cold Coils: This refers to the frost formation on the evaporator coils that can lead to system breakdowns.
- The Bills: Have you noticed that your electricity bills have hiked up lately? Well, give the leaks a check and put a lid on the bills.
- The Smell of a Leak: This refers to the specific odour of the coolant that one can detect in case of a leak. This is pungent and can be noticed only if the leaks occur indoors.
- The ‘Hum’: Has your Air Conditioner been singing a different tune lately? Well, this is from the internal valve of the Aircon unit. The noise can also be whistling, hissing, and even ‘screaming.’
The best way to avoid leaks is to watch out for them. Get professional help if needed and do the needful immediately.
The reasons could be various and innumerable. However, one of the major reasons could be the metal corroding due to the Formic Acid deposition.
Leakage of coolant affects both man and the machine. While it can damage the compressor over time, it can also cause major health issues for the users. Symptoms like Nausea, Asphyxiation are common due to coolant leaks.
Yes, you can. But the same will not be possible if you need to turn the heat on.
Huge Bills is one of the major tell-tale signs of coolant leakage.
Under good care and maintenance, the lifespan of AC gas can go up to two decades.
Yes, it can.
Conclusion
Now that you know about the various reasons for gas leakage in AC, it is time to take some action. An Air conditioner is one of the most sold and used electronic appliances of all times. Therefore, it is essential to understand a few basic ’causes,’ ‘reasons’ and ‘problems’ that can lead to the malfunctioning of your unit. However, the good news is that rightful detection on time can go a long way in ensuring your AC continues to serve you better for years to come.
Also Read:
- Which Gas is Used in Air Conditioner?
- How Air Conditioner Works?
- Air Cooler Vs Air Conditioner(AC): Which is Better?
- What Is The Best Temperature For AC in Summers?
- Reciprocating Vs Rotary- Air Conditioner(AC) Compressor-which one is Better?
- The Most Common Reasons For AC Not Cooling
- Central AC Vs. Split AC-Which One You Should Buy?
- Split AC Vs. Window AC- Which One Should I Buy?