The air conditioning system in your home is a completely sealed unit. The only way that your system could be low on Freon is due to tampering or a leak in the system. If you have a leak, you must address the situation, they will not go away on there own. Leaks in the system can cause your unit to operate less efficiently by using much more electricity, even if the system is only a couple of ounces low on Freon. Leaks in the system will shorten the life of your compressor as well. The motor operates at higher temperatures, causing it to run harder. Let’s not forget that service calls can be expensive, and if you opt to only recharge a system without making the needed repairs, you are definitely wasting your hard earned cash. There are three basic ways to detect a leak in your system, they are:

1. Electronic Leak Search

 2. The injection of an ultra violet solution

3. Nitrogen pressure boost in conjunction with an electronic leak search

The cost for the various methods will vary depending on what is involved. After the leak is located, your HVAC professional will make the needed repair, pressure test the system and re-charge it to the proper refrigerant levels. Under the Clean Air Act of 1990, Section 608, leaks must be found and repaired when a unit leaks at a rate that would release 15 % or more of the charge over the course of a year. The EPA does have federal authorization to access fines of up to $32,500.00 per day for non repaired leaks. OUCH!!! Remember, your HVAC system has hundreds of joints and connection that can develop a leak. If you have a leaking system that is over eight years old, it is not worth the investment of making a costly repair, especially with all the current tax credits, rebates and incentives available for the purchase of a new system. As always, if we can be of any assistance, please contact us @ www.artplumbingandac.com