3 Signs Of A Refrigerant Gas Leak

Posted at July 1, 2016 By : Categories : Leak Detection Comment: Comments Off on 3 Signs Of A Refrigerant Gas Leak

3 Signs Of A Refrigerant Gas LeakRefrigerant gas is used in equipment such as air conditioning systems and industrial refrigeration units. For air conditioning and refrigeration systems the refrigerant gas is what absorbs the heat from inside and releases it outside. If there is a leak, it will therefore be less effective. While refrigerant gas is crucial to keep certain industries in business (food industries in particular), it can also be extremely harmful, even fatal, for people who are exposed to it through leaks. This means it’s very important to to know the 3 signs of a refrigerant gas leak.

1: HVAC/Refrigeration System Not Cooling Properly

One of the most straightforward signs of a refrigerant gas leak is if your systems just aren’t cooling properly. Watch out for your air conditioning unit taking longer than usual to cool the building, or the air flow being warmer than usual. Similarly for refrigeration units, watch out for a higher than normal temperature or signs such as food not being fully frozen.

2: Warm Air From Air Conditioning Registers

If you have air conditioning in your building, hold your hand over one of the registers that lets cool air into the room. If there is warm air coming from the register, there is a good chance that you have a refrigerant gas leak.

3: You Hear A Hissing Sound

Quite often refrigerant gas leaks are due to punctures in the refrigerant lines. Make the area in question as quiet as possible and listen for a hissing noise. If you hear hissing, then it is likely that you have a refrigerant leak, especially if you have coupled it with any of the other signs.

If you suspect that your refrigerant gas is leaking watch out for your system not cooling properly, warm air coming from your air conditioning registers and hissing sounds. As refrigerant gas is colourless, tasteless and mostly odourless it can be difficult to spot. If you are ever in doubt call us on 021-486-6133. We can use our specialist non-invasive gas imaging cameras to diagnose the problem quickly and efficiently. Visit us online today.