Does My Heat Pump Have a Refrigerant Leak in Fairfax, VA?

Refrigerant is the lifeblood of your heat pump because it removes heat from your home in the summer and brings heat inside in the winter. A leak can significantly impact its performance in your Fairfax, VA home. Here is how to identify a potential refrigerant leak in your heat pump.

Inconsistent Temperatures

If you notice a decline in cooling or heating ability despite the thermostat settings, this could signal a refrigerant leak. The leak reduces the amount circulating, and this makes it harder for the heat pump to maintain a comfortable temperature in your home.

Unusual Sounds

Your heat pump normally produces some sounds during operation. However, a hissing or gurgling sound can indicate a refrigerant leak. As it leaks, it creates a sound similar to air escaping from a tire.

Frozen Coils

Refrigerant absorbs heat from the air inside your home. When there is a leak, the system has less refrigerant to absorb heat. This can lead to the evaporator coil becoming frozen.

Sometimes, dirty filters or coils can cause frozen coils. Regular heat pump maintenance can help prevent this problem.

Change your filter to see if it solves the problem. If you have a clean filter and still have a frozen coil, there’s a higher chance that you have a leak.

Rising Energy Bills

A refrigerant leak can also lead to increased energy bills. As your heat pump runs more frequently to compensate for the leak, it uses more energy to achieve the desired temperature.

If you suspect a refrigerant leak in your heat pump, our professional HVAC technicians can properly locate and repair the leak. Ignoring this can lead to further damage and even a complete system breakdown. Call Vernon The Heating & Cooling Specialist in Fairfax, VA for quality heat pump repairs.

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