What are the main causes of Aircon Gas Leakage? Air conditioning systems require some form of refrigerant to make your home or building comfortable, especially on hot days when the weather doesn’t cooperate with your schedule.
Because these systems need refrigerants to operate, it’s not uncommon for leaks in your aircon system to occur over time as wear and tear take its toll on moving parts and materials that get exposed to hot or cold temperatures over long periods.
But what are some common causes of aircon gas leakage, how can you tell if your system has a leak, and what do you do about it? Let’s explore the main causes of aircon gas leakage and how to address them.
The Main Causes of Aircon Gas Leakage
Blocked Condensate Pipe
A blocked condensate pipe is a common cause of air conditioning gas leakage, as this pipe is where condensed water from the AC evaporator coil drains.
When a blockage occurs, such as an accumulation of dirt or debris that causes a seal between two sections of pipe to break, it will result in water overflowing out of the pipe and into your living space. This can also happen when you install a new air conditioner with incorrect drain piping.
The installation process involves inserting one end of the system into the other and then connecting them with brackets. If not done correctly, brackets can trap water inside pipes and cause them to become blocked.
Clogged Drain Valve
In many cases, air conditioning gas leaks are due to clogged drain valves. When the drain valve gets clogged, water and other material can build up, increasing pressure that eventually causes a leak. In addition, dirt and debris inside the drain valve can lead to a buildup in pressure and eventual leak.
To prevent this from happening, be sure that you regularly flush out your drain valve by running water through it. If you notice any unusual sounds or smells coming from your unit, there may be an issue with your drain valve. If so, contact a professional technician immediately for assistance.
Dirty Drain Tray
A dirty drain tray is one possible cause of aircon gas leakage. The filthy tray collects all the water from the condensation, and it’s usually a good idea to clean out your drain tray every 3-4 months, but if it’s not adequately cleaned, water will collect on top and overflow onto your floor.
This is not only unsightly but could lead to mold growth as well. A quick way to check if this is the issue is by looking at your outdoor condenser unit – if there are leaves or debris near it, then you know that you require a cleaner drain tray!
Corrosion
Just like chlorides contained in chemicals and detergents, the fluorides present in water can trigger pitting corrosion. The ions present in fluorides and chlorides will hit the coil, and this corrosion will give rise to gas leakage from the refrigerant.
Faulty Compressor
A noisy compressor can be a sign that it needs servicing. It is vital to take note of any unusual noises coming from your air-conditioning system, as they may signify a gas leak. If the noise persists, you should contact an air conditioner service technician to rectify the issue before it escalates into a bigger problem that can prove costly to fix in the long run.
Low Refrigerant Charge
The most common reason for air conditioning gas leakage is a low refrigerant charge. Low refrigerant levels can cause pressure drops in the system, eventually leading to leaks or failure.
If your unit has been running continuously, it’s possible that your compressor is wearing out and may need replacement.
It’s also possible that there is a leak in the evaporator coil or seal that needs attention. If you’re unsure what’s causing your problem, call for service from an HVAC specialist to diagnose the issue so that repairs can be made as soon as possible.
Broken Fan Motor
A broken fan motor can cause air conditioner gas leakage. The most common symptom is that the unit will not produce cool air, but you may also notice a burning smell. If your A/C is not working and you see water dripping from the vents or coils, this might indicate a defective fan motor.
A broken fan motor may cause other issues besides air conditioning problems. For example, if the unit has been running for an extended period without sufficient airflow, it could cause water damage to your home. It’s essential to have this problem looked at as soon as possible, so you don’t end up with more costly repairs than necessary.
Faulty Ductwork Connections or Installation
If your air conditioning unit is leaking gas, this could result from faulty ductwork. This can happen due to poor installation or a loose connection. Regardless of what has caused it, this is something that needs to be addressed as soon as possible so that you don’t have any further problems.
To fix it, you should contact an HVAC professional and have them come out and take a look at the situation. They should be able to tell you if there’s anything wrong with your installation or connections and will make any necessary repairs for you. If not, they’ll need to replace some parts of the system so it works properly again.
Defective Thermostat/Capacitor
Thermostats are responsible for regulating the temperature inside your home and should be set to a comfortable level. However, if you notice that your air conditioning is leaking gas, it could be due to a faulty thermostat or capacitor.
A faulty thermostat can cause an excessive buildup of pressure in your system and may result in leaks. Another possibility is that there’s not enough refrigerant in the system.
This might be due to a faulty capacitor, which supplies power and pressure into the system. This can lead to heat build-up, increased leakage, and eventual compressor failure.
Conclusion
As you can see, aircon gas leakage is caused by several things, including but not limited to the aforementioned ones. So, if you’re air conditioning unit is leaking gases, contact an HVAC professional right away, as continued exposure to these gases can pose a threat to your health and that of your loved ones.