AC Refrigerant Recharge and Leak Testing in Las Vegas

In Las Vegas, NV, air conditioners experience harsher conditions than other areas of the country. With intense heat, hard water, and high UV levels, air conditioners must work extra hard to keep up with cooling demands. If you experience an AC refrigerant leak, you’ll need a professional AC refrigerant recharge.

This blog post will share common causes of AC refrigerant leaks, what to do if you have one, and what BEST’s leak testing services include.

Understanding AC Refrigerant Recharge and Leak Testing

Refrigerant is the cooling agent that allows the system to absorb heat from the air and release it outside to cool your home. When your AC’s refrigerant is low, your system may blow warm air, which leads to frozen evaporator coils, damage to the compressor, and higher electricity bills.

You may need an AC refrigerant recharge or leak testing if you suspect your AC is leaking its cooling agent. Air conditioners are closed loop systems and do not consume or burn off refrigerant, so if your refrigerant levels are low, it means that refrigerant is leaking from a crack, hole, or damaged component.

Our EPA 608-certified HVAC technicians are skilled in freon recharging and leak testing in Las Vegas. We are familiar with all low refrigerant signs and can promptly identify where a leak is coming from. A professional technician can quickly check for signs of refrigerant leaks, recharge refrigerant if necessary, and fix leaks.

Common Signs and Symptoms

It’s critical to understand the signs and symptoms of refrigerant leaks as a Las Vegas homeowner. By knowing these signs and symptoms, you can catch leaks early to prevent damage to your unit.

There are several common signs you have a refrigerant leak, including:

• AC struggles to maintain set temperature: If your AC struggles to meet your cooling needs in Las Vegas’ high temperatures, your system may be low on refrigerant.
• AC is blowing warm air: Refrigerant is what cools the air, so when there’s not enough, your AC may blow warm air.
• Hissing sounds: When there's a crack or hole in the refrigerant lines, you may hear hissing or bubbling noises.
• Frozen coils: Your AC’s evaporation coils may freeze from condensation on the coils, which can lead to expensive repairs.
• Exhaust odors: With significant leaks, you may smell exhaust odors from the chemical substance. If you smell exhaust odors, turn off the unit immediately and call a professional.
• Higher electric bills: Your AC must work harder to cool your home when it’s low on refrigerant, which results in higher monthly energy costs.

What Las Vegas Homeowners Should Do

If you suspect that you may have a refrigerant leak at your home in the Las Vegas Valley, there are a few safe steps you can take right now.

1. Turn your AC off: If you notice any of the signs above, especially hissing or exhaust smells, turn off your AC at your thermostat. If you continue to run the AC with low refrigerant, you can overwork the system and cause compressor damage.
2. Check air filters and vents: Before assuming that your AC is low on refrigerant, you should check to make sure your air filters aren’t clogged, and your vents are clear. Blocked vents and dirty air filters can mimic some of the signs of low refrigerant.
3. Document the experience: Take note of when the symptoms started, what they are, which room feels the warmest, and whether you see any ice buildup on the unit. These notes will be helpful for the HVAC technician when diagnosing the issue.
4. Call an HVAC professional: After completing the steps above, call a licensed professional to come take a look at your AC system. Do not attempt a DIY fix, as it could void your warranty or damage your system. If you’re experiencing the signs we discussed, the best option is to call a licensed Las Vegas HVAC tech.

When to Call BEST

How do you know when to call a professional AC repair service? It’s crucial to stay proactive in maintaining your AC by scheduling routine service visits and inspections. An annual tune-up helps prevent refrigerant leaks and keeps your AC operating efficiently.

If your AC is blowing warm air, not turning on at all, or is making strange sounds, it’s best to call an HVAC technician. BEST recommends calling (702) 970-4911 or scheduling an appointment online if you experience any of the signs we mentioned earlier.

Schedule AC installation, maintenance, or repair with BEST today.