How to Check for Leaking Air Conditioning Units

This summer, your air conditioning equipment will probably the most used electronic appliance at your home. These equipment requires regular maintenance, for many equipment owner, a leaking AC is an early sign of trouble.

Electronic equipment show its wear and tear overtime. Aging air conditioning equipment will leak even if you do regular maintenance. To avoid further damage to your AC unit, you need to learn how to spot these refrigerant leaks and ask for help from HVAC experts.

On this post, we will cover five easy steps that you can do to inspect your air conditioning equipment for refrigerant or Freon leaks.

1. Inspect the unit for leaking liquid by using a dry tissue paper

The easiest step to check for leaks is by gently wiping dry tissue paper to your AC unit, particularly on the bottom and the side part where leaks can flow.

Naturally, air conditioning units should be dry all the time. Though it involves cooling, It should cool your room without over working itself and leaking something. If you notice that your tissue paper gets wet, then without any doubt, your AC equipment has a leak.

2. Use the soap test to detect refrigerant leaks

If you are not yet convinced on damping dry tissue paper to your AC unit, you should try the soap test. All you have to do is create a soap solution by using dishwashing liquid and water. Put your solution on a spray with small mist tip and spray it on hard to reach areas. Switch on your AC unit and watch for bubbles.

If you notice bubbles forming inside the equipment, then there is a leak in your system. You should spray your tube with the solution too, to further identify holes in your tube that is source of leaks.

3. Go for ultraviolet (UV) light testingfor oil leak

Naturally, refrigerants has oil content to its form to make it functional. Whenever there’s a refrigerant leak in your equipment, expect to find oil on these leaks too. These oil contain ultraviolet component in it and could easily be detected by using UV light.

The ultraviolet element that comes from refrigerant leaks is cannot be seen with normal lights. Get a UV light device from your local mall which cost $5 to $10.

4. Use an electronic device for refrigerant leak detection

Electronic leak detector is the most common leak detection testing device that is used by many professionals. These machines are very accurate and easy to use.

Refrigerants air consist of fluorine and chlorine, these chemicals will be pumped to the electronic device and be amplified into an electric signal.

5. Consult with an HVAC repair specialist

Still confused as to where to start? Your AC price is definitely worth more than what you need to pay for a good and expert HVAC consultant. You can never go wrong on asking help from an HVAC professional near you. These people are experts on heating and ventilation to air conditioning support.

HVAC professionals can give you a more accurate assessment when it comes to refrigerant leaks. They can also provide you a solution that you can’t solve without professional help. Whenever you discover leaks in your unit, contact an HVAC professional to help you.

Safety first Tips on DIY Leaks Inspections

Do not try to experiment on checking for leaks in your AC equipment. Using bare hands to check for leaks can become very dangerous. If you will DIY your leak check-up, always make sure that you have all the necessary protection like gloves for safety purposes.

As always, seek help from people who have the knowledge and professional license in air conditioning maintenance and repair.