IF YOUR A/C SYSTEM EVER NEEDED REFRIGERANT, YOU MAY HAVE A LEAK.
An efficient A/C unit will not need refrigerant added over time. In fact, this is a sealed system where the refrigerant continually circulates at a mfg. recommended level, properly cooling the home in a safe and cost-effective manner.
The proper refrigerant charge can be measured by reading pressure/temperature with digital gauges, measuring pressures/temperatures: temperature differential (Δ ºT) between supply and return air; system superheating (S/H), subcooling (S/C),vapor saturation temperature (VSAT), suction line temperature (SLT) – Photo 1.
Disregarding a known leak (on top of being very environmentally unfriendly and discouraged by EPA) will cause having to add refrigerant once – or more times – a year, which is costly and may lead to other issues in the system: iced/frozen coils, blocked evaporators, condensation leaks, a shorter lifespan for compressor, motors, and the overall system. Moreover, a refrigerant leak causes the unit to run inefficiently, leading to higher utility bills and poor cooling, as the system will run continually, trying to satisfy the needs of the thermostat set point.
The good news is that a homeowner does have options!
The first option is to perform a proper, documented leak check and find out where the leak is located.
A leak check consists in the pumping of the system with high pressure Nitrogen (N2 -according to the mfg. maximum test pressures, written on the unit label). While the pressure of the system is monitored by the connection of our digital gauges (Photo 2), an electronic leak detector (Photo 3) is operated to detect the presence of refrigerant coming out of the system - indicating the area of the leak.
Once the area is identified, we use soap/bubbles to determine the exact point of leak (Photo4). We document everything with photos and videos: the N2 start pressures, as well as any decline in those pressures, the electronic leak detector display (seen as parts per million on the digital tool), etc.
See video for a detailed visual description.
At the end of our leak check, the office sends a detailed report, with visual details, as well as recommendations for repairs (if possible) and/or replacement of the leaking component, if the leak cannot be repaired.
Our estimate will include: the repair/replacement of the leak/leaking component; a pressurized test after the repairs are completed, confirming that the system is leak-free (again using high pressure nitrogen and electronic leak-detector); the pulling of a vacuum below 500 microns, ensuring that the system is dry and free of any moisture and/or contaminants; the performing of a decay test, ensuring the system can hold a vacuum; the replacement of the liquid line/filter drier (recommended whenever a system is opened to the atmosphere); the recharging of the system with refrigerant at proper mfg. recommended working pressures/temperatures; and a full inspection/test to ensure your system is working efficiently and safely.
J&G Heating and Air Conditioning always stands behind all work performed. As our standard procedure, our leak check has a 1-year warranty, which means that, as our customer, you can have peace of mind that your system is working properly and efficiently.
