How to Detect Leaks in an AC System

Now you can find that leak in your air conditioning system yourself.

In an air conditioning system, refrigerant gas is hermetically cycled through a system under pressure. If a leak forms in the system, the refrigerant gas will escape and will cause a reduction leading to a full stoppage of cooling. Detecting where the leak is located is essential in the repair of it. Using commonly found household materials, you can find the leak and replace the faulty element.

Things You'll Need

• Dish soap
• Sponge
• Bucket
• Air compressor (optional)

Instructions

1. Turn on the air conditioning system. If there is absolutely no cooling effect occurring, all refrigerant gas may have already escaped. Connect an air compressor to the refrigerant inlet nozzle to fill the system with pressure, if necessary.

2. Apply soapy water over the compressor, the condenser and the evaporator. Look for bubbles forming in the soapy water over the site of any leakage. If no bubbles are seen, move on to the next step.

3. Apply soapy water over the pressure lines connecting the compressor to the condenser, condenser to the evaporator coil and from the evaporator coil back to the compressor. Look for bubbles forming especially where the lines meet as the culprit is often worn-out rubber O-rings.

4. Replace seals or elements of the system which are found to be leaking. Refill the system with appropriate refrigerant gas.

References

• 240sx: Finding A Leak in the A/C System
• Mobile Air Conditioning Society :Soap bubbles and leak detection