How Much Does Coolant Leak Repair Cost?

Picture this.

It’s summer in Sacramento, CA, and the forecast says the temperature can reach, even exceed 100° Fahrenheit. So, you decide to chill in the comfort of your air-conditioned home.

However, you soon realize that little cold air blows out of your HVAC vents. Your air filters are clean and new, so you’re sure they’re not the problem.

In that case, the culprit could be a coolant (refrigerant) leak, an issue you need an HVAC expert to address ASAP.

So, how much will an AC coolant leak repair cost you? Is this problem even fixable, or would replacing the entire AC system make more sense?

This guide explores what you need to know about AC coolant leak repairs, so read on.

 

How Much Does AC Coolant Leak Repair Cost?

 

According to a Forbes guide, repairing an AC refrigerant leak can cost anywhere from $125 to $1,550. HomeGuide puts the range at $200 to $1,500. HomeAdvisor, on the other hand, says you can expect to pay around $225 to $1,600.

Those estimates should give you an idea of how expensive refrigerant leaks can be. However, your repair bill will still depend on several factors, including the following.

 

Severity of the Leaks

 

A refrigerant leak can be as minor as a pinhole leak. Hopefully, this is the kind of leak you have, as it’s typically easy to fix through soldering or with epoxy. Since the repair will require minimal work, you can expect your bill to be on the lower end.

However, coolant leaks could also be severe, such as if they’re due to completely worn seals or massive cracks caused by corrosion. In this case, expect your repair cost to be higher.

 

The Repair Process

 

The first step in addressing refrigerant leaks is to locate the source. To do this, reputable HVAC contractors in Sacramento use refrigerant leak detectors or UV dyes. They’ll test the coils, connections, and joints, as these are the most common places where coolant leaks occur.

Once the professionals have identified all leakages, they’ll check the refrigerant level using specialized pressure gauges. They’ll compare their readings to your HVAC manufacturer’s specifications. This comparison lets them determine how far the current level is from its appropriate range.

Next, the technician must determine if the leaks are:

A. Small enough to repair through sealing methods

B. Too extensive and would require replacing the damaged components

As you can imagine, option A will likely cost less than option B since the latter involves replacing entire components.

 

Type of Coolant

 

The type of coolant or refrigerant your air conditioner runs on also dictates the cost of leak repair. HCFC-22, more commonly known as R-22, is the most expensive, as the federal government has banned its production and importation in the United States. However, used and cleaned-up HCFC-22 is still available, albeit in limited supplies, hence the high cost.

R-22 is more common in air conditioning units manufactured before 2010. So, if this applies to your AC, expect to pay more for its coolant leak repair.

 

Amount of Needed Coolant Replacement

 

The price of air conditioner refrigerants is typically per pound. So, the more pounds needed to top up your system, the more expensive your overall repair cost would be. That’s more likely to happen if your air conditioner has severe or multiple leaks or if the problem has been going on for a long time.

 

Repair vs. Replacement

 

If your air conditioner is only a few years old and has a minor, fixable leak, it makes more sense to have it repaired by a Sacramento HVAC Company. In this case, the repair may only cost you a few hundred dollars.

However, if your AC is old (e.g., ten years old) and has severe and multiple leaks, it may be better to replace it altogether. Besides, replacing it with a newer, more efficient model can save you 20% to 40% on your cooling energy bills.

 

Consequences of Unaddressed Refrigerant Leaks

 

The longer you allow a refrigerant leak to go unaddressed, the more refrigerant will go to waste. The more AC coolant you lose, the more you’ll need to recharge your system. That can ultimately result in thousands of dollars in potential repair costs.

Also, refrigerant leaks increase in size the longer you ignore them.

As your air conditioner loses more refrigerant, you’ll likely encounter the following problems:

• Continued decrease in your AC’s cooling power
• Humid indoor air
• Higher electricity bills
• Ice build-up on your AC
• Water leaking from the system

There’s also the risk of refrigerant poisoning. It can result in symptoms like breathing difficulty, vomiting, and pain in the nose, throat, and sinuses.

Lastly, remember that some refrigerants, particularly R-22, have high Global Warming Potential (GWP). One pound of R-22 has a GWP nearly the same potency as one ton of carbon dioxide (CO2). That means it’s far more destructive and polluting to the environment than CO2.

Those are all good enough reasons never to delay HVAC repair in Sacramento if you suspect your AC has a refrigerant leak.

 

Preventing Future AC Coolant Leaks

 

Considering how expensive it is to repair AC coolant leaks, you should do your best to minimize the risks of this problem happening again.

Proper maintenance and regular monitoring are crucial to preventing future leaks. Just as vital is choosing the right HVAC repair company in Sacramento.

 

Proper and Regular Maintenance

 

One of the best ways to avoid refrigerant leaks is to schedule spring AC maintenance every year. During one, an expert HVAC technician will perform several tasks, some of which can prevent leaks from occurring in the first place, while others address existing leaks.

 

Inspecting and Cleaning AC Coils

 

Dust, dirt, and chemical accumulation can result in evaporator and condenser coil corrosion. Over time, the corroded sections can develop pinhole leaks or cracks that allow refrigerants to leak.

The good news is that professional HVAC maintenance includes inspecting and cleaning AC coils. Since these tasks minimize the risk of the coils developing corrosion, they can also help prevent leaks.

 

Checking and Replacing Worn Seals

 

The HVAC technician performing your spring AC maintenance will also check the seals in your air conditioner. They’ll replace worn seals before they can spring a leak. They’ll do the same to seals that have already broken down, preventing more refrigerant from going to waste.

 

Assessing Insulation for Decay

 

Refrigerant lines typically have insulation that helps maintain the lines’ optimal temperature. These insulating materials also help control moisture and condensation, which, if uncontrolled, can lead to premature corrosion.

Over time, though, the insulation can decay, crack, or become brittle. When any of that happens, the insulating materials become less effective at controlling moisture and condensation. That can then make your refrigerant lines more likely to develop corrosion.

That’s why HVAC technicians also assess insulation for damage during AC maintenance. If they find any problem, they’ll advise you to replace the damaged insulation.

 

Testing Refrigerant Levels

 

You can also expect a reliable HVAC technician to test your AC’s refrigerant levels during your spring maintenance service. That allows them to confirm whether the levels are appropriate or low, indicating potential leaks. If it’s the latter, then at least you’ll know early and have more time to address the issue before it worsens.

 

Regular Monitoring

 

Monitor your air conditioner for signs of refrigerant leaks whenever you run the system. If you notice any, you can take some troubleshooting steps to determine whether it’s a coolant leak or another issue.

For example, if you have poor airflow, check the filters first and ensure they’re clean. You should also confirm that all your air vents are open. If none of these help, you likely have a refrigerant leak, especially if your energy bills are high.

In that case, you should contact a Sacramento HVAC company immediately.

 

Choose the Right HVAC Repair Company

 

Not all HVAC companies in Sacramento have technicians who can work on systems with refrigerant leaks. Only EPA-certified technicians who’ve earned the Section 608 Technician Certification can perform such work.

So, before choosing an HVAC company, please ensure they have EPA-certified technicians. That way, you can rest assured they’ll do the job correctly, which entails finding and fixing the leaks, testing the repair, and charging the system with the appropriate amount of refrigerant.

If you hire a non-certified tech, they may simply recharge your system without fixing the leak first. That won’t do your system any good, as it will only continue wasting refrigerant (and your money).

 

Stop Refrigerant Leaks

 

Now you know the answer to the question, “How much does AC coolant leak repair cost,” is between $125 and $1,600. So, even if it’s on the lower end, it’s still a lot of money.

That should be enough reason to contact the pros if you suspect you have a refrigerant leak.

The highly trained, certified HVAC technicians at American Energy Air are ready to help. We have over 40 years of experience providing residents of Sacramento and the surrounding areas with high-quality HVAC solutions, which our many 5-star reviews reflect. You can also count on us for 24/7 emergency help.

So, contact us today for all your HVAC repair needs! We’ll gladly provide a free estimate.