A leaking refrigerant line is a serious problem that can leave you and your family with air conditioning during the summer. Even if it’s a pinhole-sized leak, it will allow refrigerant to escape your air conditioning system. As the refrigerant level begins to drop, your air conditioning system’s performance will begin to suffer.
Most air conditioning systems have two refrigerant lines: a suction line and a vapor line. The suction line is larger than the vapor line. It’s found between the compressor and the evaporator coil. The vapor line, in comparison, is a smaller refrigerant line that’s found between the condenser coil and the evaporator coil. Both of these lines carry refrigerant, and they can both leak. Below are some of the most common reasons why refrigerant lines leak.
Excess Pressure
Too much pressure can cause refrigerant lines to leak. The suction line is designed to carry low-pressure refrigerant in a gas state to the compressor. The vapor line, in comparison, is designed to carry high-pressure refrigerant to the evaporator coil. Regardless, both types of refrigerant lines are pressurized. If either of them exceed the pressure for which they are designed, they may leak.
Missing Insulation
Your air conditioning system may spring a leak if the suction line is missing insulation. The vapor line typically doesn’t require insulation. The suction line, in comparison, does require insulation. Insulation will keep the suction line cold while simultaneously preventing condensation from developing on it. If there’s little or no insulation on the suction line, condensation may build up. If left unchecked, all of this condensation may degrade the suction line to the point where it leaks.
Improper Installation
Improper installation can cause refrigerant lines to leak. Refrigerant lines must be completely sealed. If the suction line or vapor line is loose or otherwise not sealed, it will leak. You shouldn’t attempt to install or replace refrigerant lines yourself. To prevent leaks, contact a heating, ventilation and cooling (HVAC) professional for assistance. HVAC professionals know how to properly install refrigerant lines so that leaks don’t occur.
Corrosion
Refrigerant lines may leak due to corrosion. Most air conditioning systems use copper refrigerant lines. Both the suction line and the vapor line are made of copper. Copper, of course, doesn’t contain iron, so it doesn’t rust. But copper can still corrode due to chemical reactions like oxidation. Corrosion will cause the copper to break down, eventually creating small leaks that allow refrigerant to escape.
