Heat pumps have been viable heating sources for decades in our Texas communities. They’re absolutely perfect—able to deal with our hot summers as powerful air conditioners while providing sensible and energy-efficient heating in the wintertime. Those of us with heat pumps here really do have it good!
However, you could still require heater repair in Rowlett, TX if you’re dealing with a refrigerant leak. Heat pumps, whether they’re ductless or not, still rely on refrigerant to move the heat into your home during our chilly nights. Without the specific required amount of refrigerant in your system, you could start seeing drops in the efficiency and effectiveness of your heating system.
So, let’s talk about how we can identify a refrigerant leak in your heat pump this winter and some tips on helping you deal with it. If you need any extra help, be sure to call our phone lines!
Detecting a Refrigerant Leak
You’re probably eyeing your heat pump right now trying to figure out whether or not it’s leaking refrigerant. To be honest, you’re not going to just see refrigerant coming out of the system like you would steam coming from your kettle. It’s going to take a little bit more knowledge about refrigerant and how it works. When it leaks, it leaves some clues for those that know what they’re looking for. So, keep reading as we get into what those clues are and how you can notice them!
Hissing and Bubbling
Oftentimes, the easiest way to tell that your heat pump or refrigerant-utilizing device is leaking is by listening to it. You might be familiar with the bubbling noise that an air conditioner might make, which is actually something you should be wary of. Bubbling or hissing signifies refrigerant leaking from your system since it is caused by air bubbles being formed in your refrigerant lines which should be sealed and pressurized. The hissing is a familiar noise of gas escaping when it shouldn’t be.
Poor Heat Quality
Without the proper amounts of refrigerant in your heat pump, how will it do its job of keeping your home comfortable? Refrigerant is mandatory in the heating process, and it’s not just a fuel source that should be recharged every once in a while. Every heat pump is installed with enough refrigerant to last its entire lifespan. So, pay close attention to the quality of your heat. If it’s not up to your standards, no matter what you set the thermostat to, you may be dealing with a leak.
High Energy Bills
A heat pump that’s leaking refrigerant will consume more energy to work. That means you’ll see a direct result of a refrigerant leak showing up on your energy bills. If they’re steadily getting higher, be sure to get this problem addressed.
Here’s What to Do
Refrigerant leaks can be downright dangerous to try and patch on your own. They are, however, easy to understand and diagnose from a heating repair professional point of view. No matter what you think the cause of your leak is or where it’s located, call a professional to get to the bottom of it.
Call the team at Aire Texas Heating and Air Conditioning. Doing it right the first time, every time!
