Why Is My Heat Pump Leaking Refrigerant?

It is not only frustrating when your heat pump springs a leak; it can also be potentially hazardous. At Classic Aire Care, we understand the frustrations and concerns that arise when leaks occur, and we assure you that our team has the skills and expertise necessary to promptly identify the cause of the leak and perform the required repairs. Fortunately, most leaks are quickly repaired, and our team can promptly restore your heat pump to operational condition.

When your heat pump springs a leak, contact the professionals at Classic Aire Care at 314-329-1943. We will promptly diagnose the cause of the problem and apply the necessary repairs to your heat pump.

Common Causes

There are many potential causes of heat pump leaks. Some of the most common causes our NATE-certified technicians encounter include:

• Frozen evaporator coils: When refrigerant levels drop, it can cause ice buildup within the system. As the ice melts, the dripping water can appear as a leak.
• Clogged condensate drain: Condensate drains expel the moisture from your heat pump. If the drain is clogged, the water will buildup within the drain and overflow.
• Damaged coils: When coils are bent or punctured, it can cause refrigerant to leak out. Because refrigerant is odorless/colorless, you may not see visible signs of a leak.

Signs and Symptoms

It’s important to pay attention to visual and non-visual signs that you have a leak within your heat pump system. If you notice any of the following, it’s advisable to schedule a service appointment without delay:

• Pooling water
• Dripping water
• Low airflow
• Inconsistent heating/cooling capacity
• Ice buildup
• Nausea, dizziness, difficulty breathing, or fluid buildup within the lungs

Potential Risks and Consequences

Heat pump problems don’t resolve themselves on their own. When your heat pump is low on refrigerant or springs a leak, hiring a professional, NATE-certified HVAC technician to perform the required repairs is important. The longer you wait, the more strain the damage will cause to your system.

Further, ignoring required heat pump repairs increases wear and tear on components, which can diminish system performance, reduce the life span of your heat pump, and cause the cost of the required repairs to rise exponentially. Moreover, if it’s a refrigerant leak, there is considerable risk to health and safety. For these reasons and many more, it’s always wise to schedule prompt service any time you suspect the presence of a leak. If a leak is present, it will take a few hours to a full day to repair, but it’s more than worth taking care of it and scheduling heat pump repairs as soon as possible.

Steps To Prevent and Address Refrigerant Leakage in Heat Pumps

Annual heating inspections are worth their weight in gold for protecting your heat pump from leaks. During a preventative maintenance appointment, our HVAC technicians perform various tasks, including changing air filters, cleaning cooling coils, confirming proper refrigerant charge, inspecting coils, and more.

You should also give your heat pump a break from time to time. On days when it’s not needed, allow the unit to rest so it doesn’t become overworked. It’s also a good idea to periodically inspect the heat pump to confirm that everything is in good condition and clean so that dust, dirt, and other debris don’t impede system operation.

Professional Services for Diagnosing and Repairing Refrigerant Leakage in Heat Pumps

For more than 90 years, our teams have proudly served residents throughout the region. You can always count on our NATE-certified technicians when you want top-quality solutions and reliable workmanship! We adhere to strict heat pump inspection and repair protocols that ensure the quality of our services. If it leaks, we will fix it quickly and effectively.

When you choose Classic Air Care, you will always receive:

• Free estimates
• 100% satisfaction guarantee on installations
• Classic Ultimate Quality Guarantee
• 24/7 emergency service
• And more

We understand how concerning heat pump leaks can be for our clients and encourage you to call us at 314-329-1943 to schedule prompt and reliable heat pump repairs in St. Louis and surrounding areas.