An AC's refrigerant does the crucial task of carrying away heat and causing the cooling effect. The AC's performance goes down markedly or fails completely when it leaks. Luckily, there are signs you can look out for that will help you figure out if your air conditioning is leaking refrigerant. Here are the top signs you need to call an air conditioning repair service to check for AC refrigerant leaks ASAP.

1. A Sudden Hissing Sound From the AC 

If you hear a sudden hissing sound when you turn on your air conditioner, it's a strong indicator the refrigerant has leaked. This is because the refrigerant is under high pressure, so if there is a break or a puncture, it will escape with a hissing sound. It's often accompanied by a strange smell. You will notice the AC fails to work from that point onwards. Call an AC technician ASAP. 

2. Longer Cooling Cycles 

In many cases, refrigerant leaks are slow, gradually lowering the levels until the evaporator coils are empty. When the levels are going down, you will notice that your air conditioner is not cooling as quickly as it used to. This is a sign that your air conditioner is not working as efficiently and should be checked by a professional AC repair service. 

3. Higher Than Usual Indoor Humidity Levels 

If you see your indoor humidity levels hover higher than usual, it's time to check your air conditioning system. The AC controls humidity by adding moisture back into dry air; if something is wrong with your AC, it may be due to low refrigerant levels. Call an AC service if you notice too much moisture in your house. 

4. The AC looks Like It's Leaking Water 

If your air conditioner is leaking water, it's probably condensation forming on your air conditioning unit. Condensation happens when there is warm air blowing over cold surfaces. There will be a freeze over evaporator coils when the refrigerant cannot carry heat out. The ice then melts and forms leaking puddles. Call an AC repair technician when you see water pooling from your AC.

5. Higher Power Bills 

The AC is the biggest appliance in many homes, so it is top of the suspect list if there is a spike in power bills. Longer cooling cycles translate into higher energy use, hence spiking power bills. Since optimal refrigerant levels are essential to cooling, the AC repair technician will check for refrigerant leaks.

An AC breakdown can be disastrous for your family, especially in summer, so you should ensure it's always at peak performance. Call an AC repair service if you suspect your air conditioner is leaking refrigerant.