Does Your Heat Pump Have A Refrigerant Leak? Here's How To Tell

The refrigerant in your heat pump plays a crucial role in ensuring the proper flow of heated air around your home. Therefore, you must watch out for any refrigerant leaks to ensure that the heating process isn't compromised. But how can you tell that you have a refrigerant leak? Check out common signs of refrigerant leakage.

There's a Significant Rise In Your Energy Bill

When refrigerant levels become too low, it puts undue strain on the crucial components of the unit, such as the compressor. This causes your heater to work harder than usual to provide adequate heat to your home. When this happens, you'll see a rise in your energy bills. So if you suspect a refrigerant leak, get it fixed by a heating repair expert to avoid costly energy bills. 

The Evaporator Coil Contains an Ice Buildup

When the ice starts to form on your evaporator coil, there's a possible leakage of the refrigerant. Your heat pump evaporator coil is responsible for absorbing heat, and when it loses this ability, ice will start to form. Removing ice from the coil can address the problem, but this is a temporary fix. You should call a heating professional to inspect your heating unit and execute the necessary repairs.

There Are Unusual Noises From Your Unit

When you start to hear any unusual sounds from your heater, there is a looming problem that needs to be addressed quickly. Though unusual noises can result from many things, gurgling sounds often signal a refrigerant leak. Remember that air will get in and create bubbles that give off this noise when there's a leak in the line.

The System's Heating Cycles are Unusually Frequent

When your heater turns on and off frequently, leaking refrigerant could be the culprit. That is because leaks in your refrigerant can cause your heat pump to malfunction. So, when your heater doesn't maintain the normal heating cycle, call an experienced technician to inspect the unit and fix the leaks, if any.

There's a Pool of Liquid Near Your Unit

When you notice a pool of liquid below your heater, your refrigerant is likely leaking. Remember that your refrigerant will be in the liquid state at room temperature. Additionally, it will leave a greasy film on the surface. Therefore, call a heating repair technician for the relevant repairs on the first sign of a visible leak. 

A heat pump makes the winter bearable. For this reason, you should address a refrigerant leak as soon as you notice it. Ignoring it can cause many inconveniences later. Contact heating services near you for more information.