As a homeowner in Fountain Hills, AZ, you rely on your air conditioning system to keep your home cool and comfortable—especially during our long, hot summers. So, when your AC isn’t working like it should, it can be frustrating and uncomfortable. One of the most common reasons your system might not be cooling properly is due to refrigerant leaks.
At Shadrach Plumbing & Cooling, we’ve helped many families in our community find and fix refrigerant leaks fast. In this blog, I want to help you understand what refrigerant does, how to spot a leak, and what you should do if you think your system has one.
What Is Refrigerant and Why Is It Important?
Refrigerant is the chemical in your AC system that makes cooling possible. It moves through your air conditioner, absorbing heat from inside your home and releasing it outside. Without refrigerant, your air conditioner simply can’t cool your home.
Think of it like the blood of your cooling system. When it’s low or leaking, nothing works the way it should.
How Do Refrigerant Leaks Happen?
Refrigerant leaks don’t usually happen all at once. Instead, they develop slowly over time due to wear and tear, corrosion, or damage to the AC lines or coils. Here in the desert climate of Fountain Hills, the intense heat and dust can speed up the process.
Here are a few common causes of refrigerant leaks:
- Corrosion in copper coils
- Loose fittings or joints
- Factory defects
- Vibration damage over time
Even a tiny leak can lead to big problems if it’s not caught early.
Signs You Might Have a Refrigerant Leak
If you suspect a leak, don’t wait. Here are some signs that your air conditioning system may be leaking refrigerant:
- Your home isn’t getting cool: The system runs but doesn’t cool the air.
- Your energy bills are going up: The AC works harder to cool your home, using more electricity.
- You hear hissing or bubbling sounds: This could mean refrigerant is escaping from a damaged line.
- There’s ice on your AC coils or refrigerant lines: Low refrigerant causes the coils to freeze.
- You notice warm air coming from the vents: Especially if your thermostat is set to cool.
If any of these symptoms sound familiar, it’s time to call in an AC repair professional from Shadrach Plumbing & Cooling. Our professional technicians are ready to help!
Why You Should Never Try to Fix a Leak Yourself
I get it—DIY is tempting. But refrigerant isn’t something you want to mess with. It’s a chemical that needs to be handled carefully, and the tools to find and fix leaks are specialized.
Trying to refill or patch a leak yourself can:
- Make the problem worse
- Damage your system
- Void your warranty
- Put your health at risk
A trained HVAC technician from Shadrach Plumbing & Cooling will know exactly how to locate the leak, repair it properly, and refill your system with the correct type and amount of refrigerant.
Our AC Repair Process for Refrigerant Leaks
When you call Shadrach for help, we follow a step-by-step process to fix the issue quickly and safely:
Step 1: Inspection
We start with a full system check to confirm there’s a refrigerant leak. We’ll also inspect for other possible issues that could be affecting your system.
Step 2: Leak Detection
Using specialized equipment, we pinpoint the exact location of the leak.
Step 3: Repair and Recharge
We repair or replace the damaged part, then refill the system with refrigerant to the correct level.
Step 4: System Test
Before we leave, we test the system thoroughly to make sure it’s cooling efficiently and running smoothly.
Preventing Future Leaks
Routine maintenance is the best way to prevent future refrigerant leaks. When we perform regular tune-ups, we check for early signs of wear and tear, tighten fittings, clean coils, and ensure your AC is in great shape.
Keeping your unit clean and scheduling seasonal maintenance goes a long way in keeping your system leak-free and efficient.
Call Shadrach for Expert AC Repair
If you think you have a refrigerant leak or if your AC just isn’t cooling like it used to, don’t wait. Reach out to us at Shadrach Plumbing & Cooling. We’re a family-owned company that’s proud to serve our neighbors in Fountain Hills and the surrounding areas with honesty, integrity, and professional service.
We’re here to help you stay cool and comfortable, no matter how hot it gets outside.
Need fast, reliable AC repair? Call Shadrach Plumbing & Cooling today and let us take care of your refrigerant leaks the right way.
