What Does An AC Refrigerant Leak Look Like?

• Refrigerant leaks are rarely visible, but the symptoms are clear.
• Warm air, ice buildup and long run times are common warning signs.
• Refrigerant does not wear out — low levels mean a leak.
• Professional detection is the safest and most effective solution.

An AC refrigerant leak usually isn’t as obvious as a water leak, but your system will show clear warning signs when you know what to look for.

Common signs of an air conditioner refrigerant leak include:

• Warm air from vents, even when the thermostat is set correctly.
• Ice buildup on the refrigerant line or indoor coil.
• Hissing or bubbling sounds near the indoor or outdoor unit.
• Longer cooling cycles and uneven temperatures.
• Higher energy bills without increased usage.
• Reduced airflow from supply vents.

In some cases, you may notice oily residue near refrigerant lines or connection points. That oil travels with refrigerant and can help pinpoint where the leak is coming from.

If your system shows more than one of these symptoms, professional AC refrigerant leak repair in New Braunfels, TX, from Thayer Air Conditioning is the next step.

Common Refrigerant Leak Symptoms Homeowners Notice First

Most homeowners don’t spot a leak — they feel it.
Here’s how refrigerant leak symptoms typically show up in local homes:

• Constant running — Your AC runs non-stop but never quite cools the house.
• Hot spots — Rooms farthest from the unit feel significantly warmer.
• Gradual decline — Cooling feels weaker day by day.
• Heat struggle — The system gives up during the peak heat of the afternoon.

Because New Braunfels homes often run AC systems hard for much of the year, small leaks can turn into major performance issues faster than homeowners expect.

Why AC Refrigerant Leaks Happen

Most AC refrigerant leaks don’t appear overnight. They develop slowly as components wear down, connections loosen or metal surfaces break down over time.

In residential systems, leaks are most often caused by corrosion, vibration or simply wear and tear in refrigerant lines and coils. Installation issues or past repairs can also weaken joints and fittings.

Because of this, leaks tend to show up in a few predictable places — indoor evaporator coils, refrigerant line connections, service valves and outdoor condenser coils — rather than in easily visible areas.

That’s why DIY sealants and quick fixes rarely work. Accurate refrigerant leak detection requires professional tools and training to locate the source and repair it correctly.

Why Low Refrigerant Is A Serious Problem (And Not A “Top-Off” Issue)

Refrigerant is part of a closed system. If it’s low, something is wrong.
Running an AC with low refrigerant can lead to:

• Compressor overheating
• Ice formation that restricts airflow
• Higher energy use
• Permanent system damage

Adding refrigerant without repairing the leak only delays the problem and often causes more expensive repairs later. Proper HVAC refrigerant leak repair addresses the cause, not just the symptom.

How Professional AC Leak Detection Works

Professional HVAC leak detection is precise, not guesswork.
Depending on the system and suspected issue, technicians may use:

• Electronic air conditioning leak detectors
• Pressure testing
• Nitrogen testing
• Visual inspection of oil residue and corrosion

Once the leak is confirmed, the repair is completed before refrigerant is safely recharged to manufacturer specifications.

When to Schedule AC Refrigerant Leak Repair In New Braunfels, TX

You should request service if:

• Cooling performance drops noticeably
• Ice appears on refrigerant lines or coils
• The system runs longer without improved comfort
• Energy bills rise unexpectedly

Addressing leaks early helps protect your system, improve efficiency and restore reliable comfort, especially during South Texas heat.

If your AC isn’t cooling as it should and refrigerant leak symptoms sound familiar, request service with Thayer Air Conditioning. Our team provides professional AC leak detection and repair to help restore comfort and efficiency — without guesswork.
Always THAYER for You.