Southeast PA AC Refrigerant Leak Repair

RiverView Mechanical is a trusted local HVAC contractor serving residents throughout Southeast PA with high-quality HVAC repair, maintenance, and installation at fair prices and with a satisfaction guarantee. Call us today at 717-810-7276!

Finding an HVAC contractor you can trust to do the job right and treat you fairly isn’t as difficult as you may think. RiverView Mechanical is the go-to heating and cooling solution for homeowners throughout York County, PA.

We’re locally owned and operated, which means we know our customers’ unique needs and how to serve them.

Our expert technicians are highly trained, licensed, and certified to service virtually every major brand, so you can count on us for all of your HVAC repair, maintenance, and installation needs.

If your AC system is freezing during hot weather, you might need an air handler service. Contact us today to book an appointment with our trustworthy technicians!

4 Signs of an AC Refrigerant Leak

One of the most common AC problems we encounter is refrigerant leaks. Refrigerant leaks aren’t just detrimental to your HVAC system; they’re hazardous to your health.

So, how do you know if you have a refrigerant leak?

Frozen Evaporator Coil

Evaporator coils freeze because there's not enough refrigerant circulating through them, so they can't absorb the heat needed to operate correctly. As a result, condensation forms on the coil and freezes. So, if you notice ice buildup on your outdoor unit, it usually means you have low refrigerant.

Higher Utility Bills

There are many things that can cause your AC system to work harder and drive up your utility bills, and one issue is leaking refrigerant. Low refrigerant levels make it tougher for your system to keep your home cool, causing your utility bills to rise.

Warm Air

AC refrigerant absorbs heat from the inside air and sends it outside. So, when your system is low on refrigerant, it can't absorb the heat effectively, and you end up with a warmer house than you intended.

Hissing Noises

If the refrigerant line cracks or develops pinholes from corrosion, you may hear hissing noises as the gas escapes from the line. If you suspect that you have leaking refrigerant, call a professional HVAC technician as soon as possible to keep your family safe and restore your air conditioner's function.

Can You Still Get a Freon Replacement?

If your air conditioner isn’t cooling your home and you think you might have a refrigerant leak, you probably think a refrigerant recharge will solve the problem.

However, that might be more difficult and expensive than you think, depending on your air conditioner, especially if your system uses R-22 Freon.

The EPA banned Freon for sale in the United States starting in 2020 due to environmental concerns, which has driven up costs exponentially.

Freon is no longer being made or imported, but you can still legally purchase it as long as supplies last, and that’s what’s driving up prices. Freon prices used to cost a few dollars per pound, but it’s risen to a few hundred dollars per pound since the ban.

The good news is that most air conditioners in service today don’t rely on Freon. Freon hasn’t been used in systems since 2000, so there’s a good chance your system uses another type of refrigerant.

So, what’s the solution for older systems still using Freon?

If your air conditioner uses Freon, you have a few options.

Option one is to pay the price for a Freon recharge, and option two is to upgrade to a new system.

Upgrading is typically a better option because systems that rely on Freon are reaching 20 years old or more today. Considering the average lifespan of an air conditioner is about 20 years, it makes more financial sense to spring for an upgrade instead of paying the exorbitant cost of adding more Freon.

If you have an older air conditioner and need a Freon recharge, call one of our expert technicians for a consultation to discuss your options. And if you decide that it’s time to upgrade, we have financing options available to make the transition smoother.

Whether you have an AC refrigerant leak or other AC problem, you can rely on the trained professionals at RiverView Mechanical. Call us today in York, PA, at 717-810-7276!