Refrigerant leaks are among the most common reasons your air conditioner compressor could fail. And let’s face it—compressors are expensive to replace. That’s why it’s so important to catch a refrigerant leak early. During routine tune-ups, your technician can spot potential issues before they become major problems. If your AC is low on refrigerant, the compressor has to work overtime, which can lead to overheating and eventual failure.

At United Air Temp, we’re dedicated to offering Atlanta homeowners top-quality service and peace of mind.

Let’s take a closer look at how refrigerant leaks happen, how we detect them, and why regular maintenance is key to keeping your system in top shape.

How Does an AC Compressor Work?

Think of your AC compressor as the heart of your air conditioning system. It plays a vital role in cooling your home by compressing the refrigerant and circulating it through the system.

The compressor squeezes the refrigerant, pushing it through the condenser coils and releasing heat outside. From there, the refrigerant travels through the expansion valve, loses pressure, and absorbs heat from the air inside your home. Without a properly functioning compressor, your AC system can’t cool effectively.

What Causes a Compressor to Leak Refrigerant?

Refrigerant leaks happen when parts of your AC, like the coils or refrigerant lines, develop cracks or holes. This can happen over time due to normal wear and tear or corrosion.

Even the smallest leaks can lead to big problems. Low refrigerant levels can make your compressor work harder, potentially leading to overheating and failure.

Signs of a Refrigerant Leak

Wondering if your system might have a refrigerant leak? Here are a few signs that something’s off:

• Warm air blowing from the vents: If your AC can’t keep up with the heat, a refrigerant leak could be the cause.
• Ice buildup on the evaporator coils: Low refrigerant can cause freezing, damaging your system.
• Hissing or bubbling sounds: These noises might mean refrigerant is escaping.
• Frequent short-cycling: If your AC turns on and off more often, it might struggle to maintain the right temperature due to a refrigerant leak.

Tune-Up Tasks That Maintain Your AC Compressor

You can do a lot to keep your compressor operating optimally, like clearing debris around the outdoor unit and changing air filters regularly. For a more thorough approach, regular tune-ups are important.

During regular AC maintenance, there are a few key tasks  performed to help your compressor stay in top shape:

• Checking refrigerant levels: We ensure your system has just the right amount of refrigerant to run efficiently.
• Cleaning condenser coils: Keeping the coils clean ensures your compressor doesn’t overheat.
• Inspecting electrical components: We check for any electrical issues that could cause compressor problems.
• Lubricating moving parts: This reduces friction and helps your compressor run without issues.
• Looking for refrigerant leaks: Catching leaks early can help prevent compressor damage down the road.

How Does Refrigerant Leak Detection Work

Today, we use advanced tools to detect refrigerant leaks, which are much more efficient than the old methods.

Here’s how we do it:

• Electronic leak detectors detect refrigerant in the air, pinpointing the leak.
• Ultrasonic leak detectors pick up sounds of refrigerant escaping through small leaks.
• Thermal imaging cameras can spot temperature changes that indicate a leak.
• Dye injection involves injecting a special dye into your system and using UV light to locate the leak.

Request AC Maintenance From UAT

At United Air Temp, we’ve been helping homeowners keep their ACs running smoothly for over 90 years. If you think your cooling system might have a refrigerant leak or it’s time for a tune-up, we’re here to help with comprehensive air conditioning solutions in Atlanta and the surrounding areas.

We offer same-day service and 24/7 emergency repairs to ensure your system gets back on track quickly so you can stay comfortable all year long.

Don’t wait for a breakdown—schedule AC maintenance for your Atlanta home and keep your system in top shape!