What to Do if Your AC Is Leaking Coolant

There is nothing worse than walking into your house on a hot summer day, expecting to feel the refreshing coolness of your air conditioner, and instead finding a pool of water surrounding your AC unit. While some amount of moisture is normal, excessive water around your cooling unit is not normal at all. This can be a sign of leaking coolant, which is a more serious issue than you might think. Here is what to do if your AC is leaking coolant, and why this problem is important to fix right away.

Step 1: Turn Off Your AC Unit

If you suspect that your air conditioner is leaking coolant, it is important to act fast. The longer you let this problem go unresolved, the more damage it can do to your system. The first step is to turn off your AC unit, as this will prevent any further damage from occurring. If your AC unit continues to run with a coolant leak, it can result in a complete compressor failure, which can be costly to repair.

Step 2: Call a Professional

Once you have turned off your AC unit, it is time to call a professional HVAC technician. This is not the time to try to fix the problem yourself, as these systems are complicated and require a professional touch. While it might be tempting to try to save money by handling the repairs yourself, you run the risk of causing more damage or even harming yourself in the process.

Step 3: Find the Source of the Leak

When the technician arrives, they will need to diagnose the cause of the coolant leak. This could be caused by a variety of issues, such as a damaged coil, a cracked or damaged line, or even a faulty valve. If the technician cannot immediately identify the problem, they might need to conduct an in-depth inspection of your AC unit to locate the source of the leak.

Step 4: Repair or Replace Any Damaged Parts

Once the source of the leak has been identified, the technician will either repair or replace the damaged parts. Depending on the severity of the problem, this could be a quick and easy repair or a more complicated fix that requires extensive work. In some cases, it might be more cost-effective to replace the entire AC unit, especially if it is an older unit that is not running efficiently.

Step 5: Prevent Future Issues

After the repairs have been made, it is important to take steps to prevent future coolant leaks. This could include regular maintenance and inspections of your AC unit, ensuring that the system is properly cleaned and maintained, and making any necessary repairs as soon as you notice a problem. By taking these steps, you can prolong the life of your AC unit and prevent future issues from occurring.

If your AC is leaking coolant, it is crucial to act fast to prevent further damage to your cooling system. To learn more about AC repair, contact a professional near you. 

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