What Causes AC Coil Leaks and How to Stop Them

When your air conditioner in Fairfield is working overtime in the summer to keep your home cool and comfortable, what happens if it starts to lose its cooling power? One of the most common culprits? You have a leaking evaporator coil. These kinds of leaks are frustrating, can be costly, and leave you sweating on the hottest days of the summer season.

The experts at Pearce Heating & Air Conditioning understand how disruptive coil leaks can be. That’s why we’re here to provide fast, efficient air conditioning repair in Fairfield to restore the comfort and efficiency when you need it the most. Here’s what you need to know about what causes AC coil leaks and how to stop them before they get any worse.

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What Is an AC Coil and Why Does It Matter?

AC technology probably works a little differently than you think. Instead of cooling down your house, the AC’s evaporator coil (which is in the unit inside of your house) is actually absorbing the heat from the air in your home, much like a refrigerator. The refrigerant runs through the AC coil to pull heat out of the air and send it outside through the condenser unit. But if the coil develops a leak and the refrigerant escapes, your system loses the ability to cool effectively.

Without enough refrigerant, your AC has to work harder and ultimately drives up your energy bills. It will also shorten the lifespan of your AC, cause costly repairs, and leave your house unbearably hot. 

Common Causes of AC Coil Leaks

Coil leaks usually don’t happen overnight. They develop over time due to several common reasons:

1. Formicary Corrosion

Formicary corrosion is the number one reason we see coils leak. Over time, tiny pinholes form due to a reaction between copper tubing and common household chemicals, like cleaning products, paint fumes, and even air fresheners. These microscopic leaks can add up and cause refrigerants to slowly escape.

2. Poor Indoor Air Quality

Dust, debris, and VOCs circulate through your AC system and can accelerate corrosion on the coil surface. If your home has poor ventilation or high chemical exposure, it’s more prone to an AC coil leak. Beyond repairs, the team at Pearce also offers indoor air quality service, from duct cleaning to air purification.

3. Moisture and Condensation

Coils are cold surfaces and naturally collect condensation. If the surrounding environment is damp or your AC struggles with drainage, the moisture tends to combine with surrounding chemicals in the air and can speed up the corrosion process.

4. Physical Wear and Tear from Vibrations

Homeowners with AC experience may already have rust, corrosion, and chemicals on their mind, but they don’t always consider vibrations. The natural vibration of your AC system can cause copper tubing to rub against aluminum fins. The friction can create small holes in the coil and allow refrigerant to escape, especially in older units where protective coatings have broken down.

5. Normal Wear and Tear

Even well-maintained AC systems will eventually experience metal fatigue. It’s not uncommon to see a breakdown of protective coatings on coils. The older your system is, the more likely a coil leak will occur at some point.

Signs You May Have a Coil Leak

Coil leaks can be a nuisance and cause your house to go from comfortable to alarmingly hot. But leaks also aren’t always that obvious. Here are some warning signs to watch out for:

• Weak cooling or warm air coming from vents even though the AC is running.
• Longer cooling cycles, with your unit struggling to reach the set temperature.
• Higher energy bills without a change in usage.
• Ice buildup on the evaporator coil due to low refrigerant levels.
• Hissing sounds near the indoor unit, which can signal refrigerant escaping.
• Frequent refrigerant top-offs. If you need recharging more than once every couple of years, you likely have a leak.

What Happens if You Ignore a Coil Leak?

An AC coil leak won’t suddenly solve itself and ignoring it will only cause:

• Total system failure if refrigerant levels drop too low.
• Compressor damage, one of the most expensive AC repairs.
• Poor indoor air quality, since leaks can cause moisture issues and potential mold growth
• Reduced system lifespan, forcing early replacement

How to Stop Coil Leaks

The good news is that AC coil leaks can usually be prevented if caught early before they get out of hand. 

Preventative Steps

• Schedule Routine AC Maintenance: Annual air conditioning maintenance in Fairfield includes coil inspections that can catch corrosion or early leaks and make sure your unit is in good working order.
• Improve Indoor Air Quality: Using air purifiers, ventilation, and proper filters reduces the chemicals and debris that corrode coils.
• Control Humidity: Keeping indoor humidity levels balanced helps minimize moisture-related corrosion.
• Install UV Lights: UV lamps near the coil can reduce microbial growth that contributes to breakdown.
• Replace Worn Parts Early: Address blower motors, capacitors, or relays showing strain so they don’t overload the coil.

Remember, preventative care is always less expensive and less stressful than dealing with repairs and premature AC replacements and new installations. 

Final Thoughts: Protect Your Comfort with Pearce Heating & Air Conditioning

An AC coil leak is more than just an inconvenience; it’s a sign your cooling system needs attention fast. The longer you wait, the more damage and costs you risk. Regular maintenance, clean indoor air, and professional inspections are the best defenses against coil corrosion.

If your system isn’t cooling like it used to or you suspect a refrigerant leak, don’t wait until it breaks down completely. Call Pearce Heating & Air Conditioning today for AC repair and maintenance in Fairfield. We’ll pinpoint the problem, stop leaks in their tracks, and keep your home cool, efficient, and comfortable all summer long.

CALL (530) 795-4300