Have you noticed your AC isn't cooling like it used to? Maybe the air feels warm, or your energy bill has mysteriously spiked. That could be a refrigerant leak, a common but serious issue. When your system loses refrigerant, it struggles to cool your home efficiently, making you uncomfortable and costing you more.

But how does an HVAC contractor Markham determine if a refrigerant leak is the culprit? They mix tools, testing, and knowledge rather than merely hypothesizing. We'll walk you through the methodically detailed approach experts follow to identify a leak in this blog. By the end, you'll know what to expect when phoning in the pros and why fast action can save you money and trouble.

An HVAC Contractor Markham Checks for Reduced Cooling Performance

The first sign of trouble is often poor cooling. A refrigerant leak could be to blame if your AC runs longer than usual but doesn't keep your home cool.

• The air coming from the vents may feel warm.

• It might take much longer to reach the desired temperature.

• Your energy bills might be climbing without explanation.

An HVAC contractor will start by asking about these symptoms. If the cooling power is weak and the system is struggling, it's time for a deeper inspection.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, an AC system with just a 10% refrigerant loss can see a 20% drop in efficiency, leading to higher electricity bills.

Inspecting the AC Coils for Ice Buildup

A sure indication of refrigerant low is ice forming on evaporator coils. This is because refrigerant collects heat, and when it's in short supply, the coils become too cold, so condensation freezes.

• Ice may form on the indoor coils or even the refrigerant lines.

• Your AC might make a hissing sound as the ice melts.

• The unit may shut down completely due to the freeze.

If an air conditioning contractor Markham spots ice, they'll likely suspect a leak and move on to more precise tests.

HVAC specialist Dr. Eric Matthews states that running an AC unit with low refrigerant levels for an extended period can cause compressor failure up to 40% faster than expected, leading to expensive repairs or full system replacements.

Listening to Unusual Sounds

Some leaks are audible clearly. Should the refrigerant leak via a small hole, the system may emit a slight hiss or bubbling sound.

• Hissing means the refrigerant is leaking from a pressurized area.

• Bubbling suggests air is getting into the system, often from a hole in the coils.

• Larger leaks may even cause a sudden loss of cooling power.

An HVAC technician will verify whether the noise indicates a refrigerant problem using their hearing and other equipment.

Expert Insight: "Listening for unusual sounds is a simple, effective first step. A trained ear can often detect small leaks before they become costly repairs." – James Cole, Senior HVAC Technician at Cool Breeze Services.

Using Electronic Leak Detectors

An HVAC contractor employs specific tools for a correct diagnosis. Among the best is an electrical leak detector. Sensing leaking gasses, this portable tool finds even the smallest refrigerant leakage.

• The contractor will run the detector along the refrigerant lines.

• The tool beeps when it finds a leak.

• This method is quick and reliable, pinpointing the issue's exact location.

This step also helps confirm whether a refrigerant leak is causing your AC troubles.

Applying the Soap Bubble Test

A simple but effective way to spot leaks is with soapy water. When applied to suspected leak points, escaping refrigerant creates visible bubbles.

• The contractor will brush a soapy solution on the connections and coils.

• If bubbles form and grow, there's a leak.

• This method helps check visible areas of the system.

While not as precise as electronic detectors, this test helps confirm suspicions.

Conducting a Pressure Test

A pressure test can expose the issue if a leak is suspected but not immediately apparent. The technician will pump safe gas—like nitrogen—into the system as she watches pressure levels.

• The AC is pressurized beyond normal levels.

• If the pressure drops, there's a hidden leak.

• This method helps detect leaks deep inside the system.

This step ensures no leaks go unnoticed before moving forward with repairs.

Checking for UV Dye Leaks

Another method is to add a UV-reactive dye to the refrigerant. When the system is operational, the dye spreads across the lines. The contractor then uses a UV light to look for leaks.

• The dye glows under UV light, making leaks easy to find.

• This method works well for small, hard-to-detect leaks.

• It provides visual proof of the problem.

If you've been searching for an "HVAC installation service near me," choose a contractor who uses this advanced technique.

Expert Insight: "UV dye testing is one of the best ways to locate slow refrigerant leaks. It provides a clear visual indicator that takes the guesswork out of the diagnosis." – Emily Harrison, HVAC Specialist at ProTech Cooling Solutions

Reviewing the AC's Performance Data

The final step is analyzing system performance. Many modern AC units also have sensors that track refrigerant pressure and cooling efficiency.

• A contractor will check pressure levels in the refrigerant lines.

• Low readings confirm the refrigerant loss.

• Data comparison helps determine if a slow or severe leak is occurring.

This full analysis ensures a proper diagnosis before repair recommendations are made.

What Happens Next?

Once a refrigerant leak is confirmed, the next steps include:

• Sealing the leak (if repairable) or replacing faulty parts.

• Refilling refrigerant to restore cooling power.

• Checking for further damage caused by the leak.

Moreover, catching leaks early prevents costly repairs and keeps your AC running efficiently!

Fix Your AC Before It Gets Worse!

Ignoring a refrigerant leak won't make it disappear. The longer you wait, the more damage it can cause—leading to higher energy bills, compressor failure, and complete system breakdowns. If you suspect a leak, don't hesitate to call an HVAC contractor Markham. A professional will diagnose the issue quickly and restore your AC to peak performance. Whether you need a small repair or a full system recharge, taking action now saves you money and stress.

At Ace Heating & Cooling, we specialize in diagnosing and fixing refrigerant leaks fast. Call us today, and let's get your AC running like new.