Adding refrigerant to a leaking system is a lot like putting air in a tire with a nail in it. It works for a little while, and then you are right back where you started. In early September, our team took on a leaking air conditioner at a home in Fort Smith and fixed it for good.
Finding the Leak
When a leak is not easy to see, we do not guess. Our technicians ran a leak search on the system and tracked the problem to the evaporator coil. That is the indoor coil that sits on top of the furnace and actually chills the air before it goes through your ducts.
Once a coil is leaking, topping off the refrigerant only buys time. The right fix was to replace the coil. The good news for this homeowner: the new coil was covered under the manufacturer’s parts warranty.
What We Completed
- Ran a leak search and found the leak in the indoor evaporator coil.
- Recovered the refrigerant from the system.
- Replaced the evaporator coil with a warranty coil.
- Installed a new filter drier on the liquid line.
- Pulled a vacuum to clear air and moisture out of the system.
- Recharged the system with R-410A refrigerant.
- Sealed the coil cabinet and duct seams with foil tape.
Why the Extra Steps Matter
Replacing a coil is more than swapping one part for another. Any time the system is opened up, air and moisture can get inside, and they do not belong there. The new drier and the vacuum take care of that. Sealing the cabinet keeps the cooled air going into your ducts instead of leaking out around the coil.
The Result
With a new coil, a fresh drier and a proper charge, this system is set up to hold its refrigerant instead of needing another top-off. Learn more about our AC repair service.
What Homeowners Can Learn From This Job
- Refrigerant does not get used up. If your system needs more, it is leaking somewhere.
- Ask for a leak search. Finding the leak saves you from paying for the same refrigerant again and again.
- Check your warranty. Major parts like coils are often covered by the manufacturer, which can lower the cost of a repair.
Need AC Repair in Fort Smith?
Our team serves homeowners across Fort Smith and the River Valley. If your air conditioner has needed refrigerant more than once, call us or book online and we will take a look.
