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How much does it cost to repair a refrigerant leak?

Is your air conditioning system not operating at its optimum capacity? Doubtful about it! There could be a refrigerant leak. If you want to enjoy the breeze without any hassle, then seek professional repair service as soon as possible. Various reasons can be responsible for causing leaks in refrigerants.

Initial diagnosing and repairing will offer you great peace of mind with HVAC systems, or else contact to HVAC expert in Canada. Still haven’t found a satisfactory answer regarding Refrigerant Leak! Yes, then you have landed in the right place.

Cost to repair and prevent refrigerant leaks in Canada

Refrigerant leaks are common, but how much it costs is a complex question that needs to be budget-friendly. However, replacing the leaked refrigerant will cost you around $160 to $375. If you want to do the repairs yourself, you need to pay between $550-$1500 or more.

Depending on accessibility, the shelf life of the unit, the severity of the damage, and whether any counterparts need to be replaced, the cost will vary. The following are common refrigerant leak causes at various parts and require complete replacement rather than repair:

• Air conditioning condenser coil replacement costs: $1000 to $2,200
• Air conditioning evaporator coil replacement costs: $500 to $1,000 (in warranty), $650 to $2500 (if not in warranty).
• Air conditioning refrigerant refilling cost: $100 to $330
• Air conditioning compressor replacement cost: $600 to $1,200 (in warranty), $1,300 to $2,600 (if not in warranty).

Check the table below to understand the average cost you may need to spend for treating refrigerant leaks:

Average Cost range: $200 to $1,600

To know about an accurate approximation for repairing refrigerant leaks in Canada, contacting nearby HVAC professionals or ac service companies is advisable. The expert can determine the complexity and location of the leak, inspect the cooling system, and offer you a more accurate cost for the repair.

Leakage at pipe joints, if detected immediately, may demand only on-site brazing. This HVAC repair will be comparatively budget friendly and fast. If the leak is severe or not repairable, you may need to replace it. For example, a problem with the condenser coil, evaporator coil, or line set usually requires the entire part to be replaced, and repairs take longer.

Factors that influence the cost of refrigerant repair

In Canada, repairing a refrigerant leak encompasses various elements influencing the overall cost. These elements are:

• The severity and location of the leak
• The kind of refrigerant you have
• The complexity and size of the ac,
• The certain service provider you opt for

Note:  Service costs may vary from city to city and province to province.

Signs and Symptoms of a refrigerant leak

Finding a refrigerant leak, in most cases, can be hard for a user. The leak will typically be a small hole that can’t be seen with the naked eye. Here we are trying to mention the notable signs that may appear when there is refrigerant leakage. These signs and symptoms are as follows:

• Air conditioner vents blow hot air.
• An air conditioner uses the whole day but could not cool the property.
• Weird sounds like gurgling, hissing, or bubbling coming from the air conditioning system.
• Sudden rise in electricity bills.
• Ice or frost is found on the evaporator coil.
• Humid indoor environment.
• Puddling and water leaks were found nearby the condenser.
• Residue found on the refrigerant lines.

If your air conditioner is causing annoying noise, it will be sure that it is leaking. Another possibility for a leak is corrosion or damage found in a pipe. On top of this, you may have noticed indoor systems running through your unit with ice frozen up and through the wall. In this case, the evaporator coil of your AC might be cold. If frost ice is on the evaporator coil, turn off the air conditioning system and talk to the air conditioner repair expert beforehand. If run during this period, its compressor will end up with damage.

Different types of refrigerant leaks

In most cases, refrigerant leaks are SL or standing leaks caused by the condenser coil or evaporator. Such kind of leaks is generally not repairable. Instead, these parts require complete replacement. If leaks are detected in the refrigerant line, they can be fixed with welds. Other leaks, such as cumulative micro leaks or pinhole leaks, can form in refrigerant lines or coils with use. This can be caused by pressure, vibration, or regular wear and tear.

How to detect a refrigerant leak?

Once your experts determine that your refrigerant is low, they will use one of a variety of improvised methods to locate the leak. In the beginning, they can trace the grease that has accumulated on the air conditioner’s refrigerant leak. This problem will only be experienced by users who are using oil-based refrigerants.

An electronic detector is useful for finding small amounts of refrigerant gas. Or, you can use the DIY method. To do this, pour soapy water or dab on the parts. By following this, if enough refrigerant gas is pressed out, it will form bubbles that will dispel it.

How can I stop future refrigerant leaks?

When it comes to repairing refrigerant leaks, it is important to address them without delay. Refrigerant leaks can cause damage to the environment as well as reduce the overall cooling efficiency of the air conditioner.

Some refrigerants, including hydrochlorofluorocarbons and chlorofluorocarbons, are the reason for the adverse effect on the environment, as they contain ozone-depleting substances.
In Canada, the management and use of refrigerants are regulated by Environment and Climate Change under the Ozone Depleting Substances and Halocarbon Substitutes Regulation.
Moreover, rather than installing the air conditioning yourself, you should contact a professional to prevent the risk of future leaks. If the HVAC is expertly installed, it will surely run efficiently and smoothly, not causing vibrations which are the biggest cause of leaks.

Keep your refrigerant line away from cracks:

Along with knowing the basic guidelines for finding and fixing refrigerant leaks, you should also understand that some leaks are more expensive to fix than others. Note that avoiding problems will not make them go away and may lead to significant repairs. Most importantly, keep your ac safe from cracks. Due to this, regular maintenance and care are recommended.

Where are refrigerant leak detectors?

Generally, refrigerant leaks are caused when the pipes are vibrating or loose. Let us understand with an example: Fittings and joints of pips can create leaks. Sometimes, more corrosion finds its way through the weld faster. Most technicians service the system with the help of valves. In addition, the evaporator coil is a prime location for the specialist to locate leaks, especially at welded joints or U-shaped bends.

Bottom Line:

AC refrigerant leaks occasionally build in hard-to-visible chambers of the air conditioner. In most cases, the hole can be so tiny that it is hard to find using DIY or other quicker methods.
If the shelf life of the air conditioner is more than ten years, or the cost of repairs is about 50% of the cost of a new system, or the cost of repairs is twice the age of the AC, it is better to replace your unit than repair the leak is even better.