A significant refrigerant leak can prevent your heat pump from functioning, but even a small one can lead to serious declines in performance. Refrigerant can also be quite dangerous to anyone who inhales it. For these reasons, all homeowners in Gramercy, LA, must be able to spot the signs of a refrigerant leak.
The Smell of Ether
Refrigerant smells like ether. Since this odor is unlikely to originate from any other source, it’s arguably the most reliable sign there’s a refrigerant leak. The moment you notice this smell in the surrounding air, we recommend turning off your system, evacuating the home and calling for professional assistance.
Hissing, Whistling or Bubbling Sounds
If holes appear in your heat pump’s refrigerant lines and gas escapes through them, you may hear hissing sounds. This is because the refrigerant travels through your heat pump while in gaseous form. If the gas flows out quickly, the friction it makes with the edges of the holes may generate whistling sounds.
As refrigerant flows out of the lines, air may flow in and replace it. That air may then form bubbles. As the remaining refrigerant and the air bubbles flow through the lines together, you may hear bubbling noises.
Poor System Performance
Without refrigerant, your heat pump can’t extract heat from the air and deposit it elsewhere. Hence, your heat pump won’t be able to perform its core functions. Even a small heat pump refrigerant leak may have adverse consequences.
Of course, there are many other reasons your heat pump’s efficiency and performance may diminish. Regular maintenance can help counteract the sources of this deterioration.
The sooner you detect a heat pump refrigerant leak, the sooner you can take action to set things right. Call Big Chief’s A/C & Heating today to schedule professional heat pump services in Gramercy, LA.
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