When we write blogs, we’re mainly trying to aim them at community members who might need our helpful services. We’ve got a lot of heat pump owners in the area, so we like to write insightful blogs about heat pumps so that they know when to call for help. Today is going to be one of those days, so if you’re encountering heat pump issues, you’re in the right place!
A refrigerant leak is one of the most insidious problems you can encounter as a heat pump owner. Heat pumps rely on refrigerant to both heat and cool a home, so when the system starts accidentally ejecting refrigerant, your efficiency, comfort, and heat pump will suffer as a result.
Keep reading to learn more about refrigerant leaks and remember to call us for heat pump services in Winnetka, IL! We are standing by and ready to patch your system’s leak.
1. Hissing and Bubbling
A refrigerant leak makes a very specific sound when it occurs. This is what we call the “hissing and bubbling” that many people associate with refrigerant leaks. Below, we’d like to explain what exactly it is. If you’re experiencing this sound, then you need to call a professional to patch or repair your refrigerant leak.
The “hissing” sound comes from gaseous refrigerant escaping from the lines of refrigerant extending out of your heat pump system. The “bubbling,” is actually more interesting of a phenomenon. When refrigerant is in its liquid form, it’s denser than air, so the bubbling is actually air bubbles being formed in your refrigerant lines. Regardless of whether you’re experiencing “hissing” or “bubbling,” both of them require essentially the same services.
2. Low Efficiency
Your heat pump requires a nominal amount of refrigerant in order for it to heat or cool your home efficiently. When refrigerant leaks out of the system, what ends up happening is the system needs to compensate by running a longer cycle and consuming more energy in the process. This is inefficient and is going to cause your energy bill to increase.
If you want to improve the efficiency of your heat pump and stop a breakdown in the making, then we urge you to invest in repairs so a professional can patch the leak and return your heat pump back to normal.
A quick repair from a professional technician should return your heat pump back to the efficiency levels described by its HSPF or ENERGY STAR rating.
3. Lukewarm Air
One of the most obvious signs of a refrigerant leak is lukewarm air coming from the air vents. This is because the blower fan is still pushing the same amount of air into your home through the vents, but it’s not being heated or cooled properly since there’s not enough refrigerant. This limitation on your compressor is going to make it push lukewarm air where you can feel it, and that’s probably not very comfortable when you expect better.
Be sure to get your system looked at by a professional when you’ve got one of the three problems occurring above!
For professional help with your leaking heat pump, contact Roberts Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc.