Common Causes and Solutions for a Heat Pump Leaking Refrigerant

If you own a heat pump, you’re likely familiar with the term “refrigerant.” Refrigerant is the lifeblood of a heat pump; without the right amount, it can’t effectively transfer heat to facilitate the heating and cooling process which keeps your home comfortable throughout the year.

A refrigerant leak can disrupt your system’s performance, leading to inefficiencies, higher energy costs, and reduced comfort. HVAC.com explains common causes of a heat pump leaking refrigerant, the potential risks involved, and how a technician can locate the leak and recharge the system.

Common Causes of Refrigerant Leaks

Some of the most common reasons heat pumps may leak refrigerant include:

• Wear and Tear: The lines that transport refrigerant through your heat pump can wear out, degrade, or crack over time, leading to a refrigerant leak. It’s difficult for homeowners to identify these leaks, as they often start as the size of pinholes.
• Physical Damage: Storms can wreak havoc on HVAC systems. Refrigerant lines can become damaged due to rocks, branches and other debris that are picked up by strong winds. Lawn mowers and weed wackers can also puncture refrigerant lines, leading to leaks.
• Improper Installation: Improperly installed refrigerant line sets – which are copper tubes that connect the outdoor unit to the indoor evaporator coil – can create stress points that cause leaks. Hire a qualified technician for any heat pump-related repairs to ensure the job is done correctly.
• Manufacturing Defects: Occasionally, manufacturing errors can cause faulty seals or connections that may develop refrigerant leaks over time.

The Impact of a Refrigerant Leak

Ignoring a refrigerant leak can have serious consequences, both for your heat pump and your home, including:

• Reduced System Efficiency: A leak causes your heat pump to work harder to maintain desired temperatures, increasing energy consumption that result in higher utility bills.
• Environmental Impact: Refrigerants can be harmful to the environment. Both R-22 and R-454B – which are being phased out for more environmentally friendly alternatives – have a high global warming potential (GWP) which contributes to climate change.
• System Damage: Your heat pump can overheat because of low refrigerant levels, causing mechanical failures and costly repairs.
• Reduced Comfort. A lack of proper cooling from a refrigerant leak can make your home feel uncomfortable. Your system will also struggle to remove moisture from the air, causing your home to feel humid and stuffy.
• Health Issues: Certain refrigerants can be harmful if inhaled in significant quantities, potentially leading to dizziness, headaches, or more severe health problems.
• Frozen Evaporator Coil: A refrigerant leak also reduces the system’s ability to absorb heat, producing a drop in temperature in the evaporator coil. When the coil gets too cold due to insufficient refrigerant, moisture can freeze on its surface, resulting in ice buildup and reduced efficiency.

Recognizing the signs of a refrigerant leak – including hissing sounds, frozen evaporator coils, high energy costs, and inefficient heating and cooling – can help you quickly identify a leak and contact a technician.

How an HVAC Technician Repairs a Refrigerant Leak

Because of the dangers and potential environmental repercussions associated with HVAC refrigerants, you should not attempt to repair a refrigerant leak or recharge the system yourself. Only HVAC technicians who are certified to handle refrigerants should inspect, diagnose and repair leaks.

A professional HVAC technician will perform the following tasks:

1. Diagnosis: They will first assess your heat pump to locate the source of the leak. This often involves using specialized tools and techniques to identify where the refrigerant is escaping.
2. Repair: Once the leak is identified, the technician will repair or replace the affected components. This may involve sealing connections, replacing tubing, or even changing out the entire unit if it’s severely damaged.
3. Recharging the System: After repairs, the technician will recharge the system with the appropriate type and amount of refrigerant. The amount required typically ranges from 1 to 20 pounds, depending on the specific heat pump model and the extent of the leak.
4. Testing: Finally, the technician will run tests to ensure the system is operating efficiently and that there are no further leaks.

Invest in Regular Heat Pump Maintenance

Investing in regular heat pump maintenance twice a year – before the heating and cooling seasons – can catch issues such as refrigerant leaks. During a heat pump tune-up, technicians check the refrigerant levels to ensure they are within the manufacturer’s specifications. They also inspect for potential refrigerant leaks, repairing any issues to maintain system efficiency and prevent harm to the environment.