3 Causes Behind Central AC Refrigerant Leaks

Refrigerant leaks can be one of the most challenging air conditioning problems to identify. Worse yet, many homeowners don't know why refrigerant leaks happen in the first place. Read on to learn three causes behind central AC refrigerant leaks.

1. Formicary Corrosion

Home construction materials such as paint, sealants, and insulation let out trace amounts of volatile organic compounds, particularly formaldehyde. When airborne formaldehyde particles land on copper refrigerant lines, a chemical reaction occurs that produces formic acid. Consequently, formic acid starts to break down the copper lines through a process called formicary corrosion.

Formicary corrosion often creates pinhole leaks since it occurs on a molecular level. Replacing the damaged sections of your refrigerant lines is the only viable repair, but these leaks can be difficult to locate. Pinhole leaks in refrigerant lines may produce a low hissing sound as pressurized gas escapes, but it isn't always audible. Your HVAC contractor can locate these leaks for repair with a specialized tool called an ultrasonic detector.

2. Condenser Fan Vibration

Your outdoor AC condenser houses a fan that releases heat from your home by blowing air over the warm condenser coils. The condenser fan vibrates during normal operation any time your air conditioner is running. Modern AC condensers are mounted on vibration isolators that help to protect other sensitive components inside the unit.

Over years of use, the condenser can become unseated from the vibration isolators. If this occurs, excessive vibration from the condenser fan may create a refrigerant leak by loosening connections and fittings in the refrigerant lines. Routine AC inspections give you advance warning when the condenser is unseated so your technician can correct the problem before a refrigerant leak occurs.

3. Faulty Construction or Installation

In some cases, a central air conditioner may be prone to refrigerant leaks from the start due to errors during manufacturing or installation. Problems like malformed fittings or microscopic punctures in refrigerant lines can rarely go unnoticed at the factory.

Improper handling during shipping, inadequate refrigerant line insulation, or failure to level the condenser can set your AC up for refrigerant leaks from the day of installation. Reputable HVAC technicians check the integrity of the refrigerant loop immediately after installation to avoid these issues.

Refrigerant leaks in central air conditioners occur due to a variety of factors, many of which aren't avoidable. Contact a local contractor if you need professional air conditioning repair services.