JN Electrical Temperature Control, Inc is recognized as a leading provider of Athens AC repair and Athens GA HVAC services, serving both residential and business customers in the Athens area and throughout Georgia. As one of the trusted AC companies in the region, we are dedicated to delivering reliable heating and air conditioning repair solutions that keep our customers comfortable year-round.
Choosing reputable AC companies in the Athens area offers many benefits, including peace of mind, reliable comfort, and expert care for your home or business. Customer satisfaction and positive customer reviews are essential, as they reflect the quality and trustworthiness of the service provided.
Local HVAC companies are often evaluated based on reviews, certifications, upfront pricing, 24/7 availability, experience, and reputation. Many, like JN Electrical Temperature Control, Inc., offer 24/7 emergency HVAC repair services and have large teams (over 200 trucks and 300 technicians) to serve customers quickly. Same-day emergency repairs are also available from providers like Blount Heating and Cooling. Awards such as the A+ BBB accreditation and the HomeAdvisor Seal of Approval, along with positive customer reviews, are indicators of trustworthy service.
Air conditioning refrigerant, sometimes referred to by the brand name “Freon,” is an essential part of how a cooling system works. If refrigerant begins to leak out of an AC system, it’s a serious problem that will first affect the performance of the air conditioner and eventually cause it to completely break down. To prevent this outcome, avoid frequent AC repairs with maintenance.
If you believe your air conditioner is losing refrigerant to leaks, what should you do? Is there a way you can repair it yourself?
What to Do If Your AC Is Leaking Refrigerant
If your air conditioner is leaking refrigerant, take these steps and contact a heating and air repair professional:
- Turn off the AC to prevent further damage to the system
- Check for signs like weak cooling, ice buildup, or hissing noises
- Avoid DIY fixes, as refrigerant handling requires certification
- Call a licensed HVAC technician to locate and repair the leak
- Have the system recharged and tested to ensure proper operation
- Schedule regular maintenance to help prevent future leaks
The simple answer is that you should shut down your air conditioner and call for professionals to come and repair it. You cannot fix this problem yourself for several reasons. In fact, it isn’t even legal for you to repair it yourself, and there’s a threat of injury. We’ll get into the details below, but if you’re ready to call us for AC repair in Hart County to get your leaking AC fixed, please do so now.
Introduction to Air Conditioning Repair
When the summer heat hits Athens, GA, having a reliable air conditioning system is more than a luxury—it’s a necessity for your comfort and well-being. At JN Electrical Temperature Control, Inc, we know how important it is to keep your home at the perfect temperature, no matter how high the mercury climbs. As a leading Athens HVAC company, we specialize in comprehensive air conditioning repair, installation, and maintenance services. Our dedicated technicians are trained to work on all major brands, including Lennox and American Standard, ensuring your cooling system runs efficiently and reliably. Whether you need a quick repair, a new installation, or routine maintenance, our team is committed to delivering top-notch air conditioning services to keep your home comfortable year-round.
Causes and Signs of Refrigerant Leaks
Refrigerant leaks are a common but serious issue that can compromise the performance of your air conditioning system. These leaks often occur due to wear and tear, corrosion, or damage to the refrigerant lines. If your air conditioner is struggling to keep your home cool, you may notice warning signs such as reduced cooling capacity, higher energy bills, or unusual hissing noises coming from the unit. Ignoring these symptoms can lead to bigger problems, including poor indoor air quality and potential damage to your system. Our skilled technicians are equipped to quickly diagnose and repair refrigerant leaks, restoring your air conditioner’s efficiency and helping to maintain a healthy indoor air environment for your family.
Diagnosing an AC Refrigerant Leak: Step-by-Step
It’s not always easy to tell if your AC is leaking refrigerant unless you can physically see the leak. You may suspect refrigerant leaks because of signs like ice along the coils, a drop in cooling capacity, or a hissing/bubbling sound. But it requires a professional to do a correct diagnosis. Homeowners in Athens, GA can often identify or resolve simple HVAC problems in their house before contacting a technician. If your system shows these signs, here’s how to tell you need AC repairs before further damage sets in.
A dirty air filter is the most common cause of HVAC performance issues, and weak airflow from vents is frequently caused by a clogged air filter. Before calling for HVAC repair, homeowners should verify thermostat settings, check air filters, and clear outdoor units. There are other AC issues that can cause these problems, and even if there are refrigerant leaks, it might not be the only repair issue and it may have already caused other malfunctions.
Importance of Prompt Repair by a Cooling Contractor
Addressing air conditioning issues as soon as they arise is crucial to protecting your investment and ensuring your home stays comfortable. Delaying repairs can lead to more extensive damage, higher repair costs, and even complete system failure. That’s why our team at JN Electrical Temperature Control, Inc is dedicated to providing fast, dependable service for all your air conditioning repair needs. As a trusted Athens HVAC company, we offer special financing options to make repairs more affordable and back our work with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Our experienced technicians are committed to delivering reliable heating and cooling solutions, so you can count on your system to keep your home at the ideal temperature, no matter the season.
Sealing AC Refrigerant Leaks the Right Way
Once technicians arrive at your home, certified specialists are ready to assist with all aspects of AC repair, including leak detection and sealing. They’ll test your air conditioning system’s refrigerant pressure to determine if the system has indeed lost its refrigerant charge. (ACs run on a specific amount of refrigerant that should never change during the system’s service life.) If they find the AC has lost its charge, they’ll then locate the leaks using tools like smoke pencils. After that, they’ll seal the leaks with special tools. This process requires training and equipment you don’t have unless you’re an AC professional. NATE certification indicates that technicians have undergone specialized training and meet national proficiency standards; local company like JN Electrical Temperature Control, Inc. employ NATE-certified technicians to meet the needs of every home and business owner in Athens.
AC Recharging After a Leak: What to Expect
It’s not enough just to seal refrigerant leaks. The amount of refrigerant lost must be replaced so the AC is brought back to its original charge. It’s extremely important that this gets done correctly, because this is the stage where amateur work will lead to major problems and even dangers:
- The refrigerant put into the system must be the right type or it will cause permanent damage to the air conditioner.
- The refrigerant charge must be exact: it cannot still be too low, and it also cannot be too high. Overcharging an AC with refrigerant is a common amateur mistake, and the high pressure and excess refrigerant will eventually cause the air conditioner to break down.
- Refrigerant can be harmful, both to people and the environment, if it is not handled properly.
A reliable heating system is just as important as cooling, and professional heating repair, furnace repair, and heat pump services are available to keep your home comfortable year-round. If your system is over 10-15 years old or if the cost of repair plus the system’s age exceeds $5,000 (the “$5,000 Rule”), it may be time to consider a new system or heating installation. Upgrading to a high-efficiency heating cooling system can lower your energy costs and improve comfort. Ductless heating and cooling systems are available for homes without existing ductwork, and heat pumps offer versatile heating and cooling options. Smart thermostats can enhance the efficiency of your hvac system by optimizing energy use. Regular maintenance of your hvac system is essential for extending its lifespan and maintaining efficiency. We provide reliable service and cooling service for all your heating and air conditioning repair needs. Our plumbing and electrical specialists are also ready to assist with related home comfort needs. Dust, mold, and allergens can build up in your air ducts, affecting indoor air quality—air purifiers, germicidal lights, humidifiers, and advanced filtration systems can help improve the air you breathe.
For these reasons, the only people who are permitted to charge an AC with refrigerant are those who have the proper certification. I.e. HVAC pros. If your system is old and leaking, it might be time to replace it.
Preventing Future Leaks and Maintenance
The best way to avoid unexpected breakdowns and costly repairs is through regular maintenance of your air conditioning system. Our comprehensive HVAC services include routine inspections, duct cleaning, and preventive maintenance to keep your system running smoothly and efficiently. We also offer installation services for energy-efficient air conditioning systems that can help lower your energy bills and improve your home’s comfort. By choosing our Athens HVAC team for your maintenance and installation needs, you can trust that your system will receive expert care from dedicated technicians. Let us help you protect your investment and enjoy reliable cooling and clean indoor air throughout the year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What should I do first if my AC is leaking refrigerant?
Answer: If you think your AC is leaking refrigerant, the first step is to turn off the air conditioner and stop using it. Then, call a certified HVAC professional to inspect and diagnose the issue, since refrigerant leaks can damage your system and are not safe to fix on your own.
Question: Can I fix a refrigerant leak in my AC myself?
Answer: No, repairing a refrigerant leak yourself is not recommended or legal in many areas. Handling refrigerants requires special training, certifications, and tools. Professionals also ensure the right type and amount of refrigerant is used when recharging the system.
Question: How do technicians diagnose an AC refrigerant leak?
Answer: HVAC technicians use specialized tools to check pressure levels and detect leaks, such as electronic sniffers or smoke pencils. They may also look for physical signs like ice on coils or listen for hissing sounds to pinpoint the leak’s location.
Question: Why is it important to repair a refrigerant leak promptly?
Answer: A refrigerant leak reduces cooling efficiency, increases energy costs, and can cause long-term damage to your AC system. Prompt repairs help maintain performance, extend the system’s life, and protect indoor air quality.
Question: What happens after a refrigerant leak is fixed?
Answer: Once the leak is sealed, the technician will remove any moisture or air from the system, then recharge it with the correct refrigerant. This restores your AC’s cooling capacity and ensures the unit operates efficiently and safely.
JN Electrical Temperature Control, Inc works hard to ensure customer satisfaction with custom comfort solutions. Contact us 24/7 when you have emergency air conditioning repair needs.