In the hot, humid climate of Louisiana, your air conditioner is more than a comfort—it’s a necessity. But what happens when your AC just isn’t cooling like it used to? One of the most common and serious issues we see here at Hall’s Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration is a refrigerant leak. While it might sound minor, a refrigerant leak is a big problem that can cause serious damage to your air conditioning system if not caught and fixed promptly with AC repair.
Let’s take a closer look at what refrigerant does, how leaks happen, the warning signs to watch for, and why you should never ignore a low refrigerant charge.
What Is Refrigerant and Why Does It Matter?
Refrigerant is the chemical compound inside your air conditioner that absorbs heat from inside your home and releases it outdoors. It circulates through a closed-loop system of coils, evaporating and condensing to keep your indoor air cool and comfortable.
Your AC system doesn’t “use up” refrigerant the way a car uses fuel. So if your system is low on refrigerant, it means one thing: there’s a leak. And that leak can do more than just reduce performance—it can cause a cascade of costly issues.
What Happens When There’s a Refrigerant Leak?
When your air conditioner loses refrigerant, it loses its ability to properly cool your home. But the problems don’t stop there. Here’s what a low refrigerant charge can do:
1. Reduced Cooling Power
With less refrigerant circulating, your AC can’t absorb enough heat. This leads to warm air blowing from the vents, longer run times, and uneven cooling throughout the home—especially during peak summer heat.
2. Frozen Evaporator Coil
Low refrigerant pressure can cause the evaporator coil to become too cold and freeze over. When this happens, airflow is restricted, your system struggles even more, and eventually, the entire AC can shut down.
3. Compressor Damage
The compressor is the heart of your air conditioner—and it depends on the right refrigerant charge to operate. Running your system with low refrigerant puts extreme stress on the compressor, which can overheat and fail, often requiring a full system replacement.
4. Higher Energy Bills
When your system has to work longer and harder to cool your home, you’ll notice it on your energy bill. Inefficiency caused by low refrigerant leads to unnecessary energy waste month after month.
Signs You Might Have a Refrigerant Leak
Watch for these warning signs in your Louisiana home:
- AC takes longer to cool your space
- Warm air coming from vents
- Ice buildup on the outdoor unit or evaporator coil
- Hissing or bubbling sounds from the unit
- Higher-than-normal utility bills
- AC running constantly without reaching the set temperature
If you notice any of these issues, call Hall’s Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration right away. Our skilled technicians can locate the leak, make the necessary repairs, and recharge your system with the correct amount of refrigerant.
Why You Should Call the Pros
Handling refrigerant isn’t a DIY job. Not only does it require EPA certification, but an improper repair can lead to further damage or environmental harm. Our team at Hall’s is trained in precise leak detection, safe refrigerant recovery, and EPA-compliant practices to ensure your system is restored correctly and safely.
Contact Hall’s Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration today for fast, professional AC repair in Mansfield, LA. We’ll get your AC back in top shape and keep your home cool, efficient, and worry-free all season long.
Hall’s Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration. Call the doctor of home comfort today.
