Refrigerant leak detection & repair
An AC doesn’t use up refrigerant. If it’s low, it leaked, and the fix is finding the leak, repairing it, and charging the system correctly.
At a glance
Why this happens in Florida
Copper indoor coils can develop pinhole leaks from formicary corrosion, a reaction driven by moisture and certain household chemicals. Humid air gives it plenty of moisture to work with.
Long run times mean constant vibration on tubing and fittings, and outdoor coils near the coast deal with salt air. Running low also stresses the compressor, which depends on returning refrigerant to keep cool.
Finding the leak
Adding refrigerant without finding the leak means paying for it again. Venting refrigerant is illegal under federal law, and Mr Gary holds EPA Section 608 Universal certification to recover and handle it.
We confirm the charge with superheat and subcooling, then search with an electronic leak detector and bubble solution at the spot it points to. Common leak points include valve cores, flare fittings, brazed joints and service valves.
When the leak is hard to find, we recover the charge and pressure-test with dry nitrogen, isolating the coil and line set. UV dye is used only where the equipment maker allows it.
After a repair, the system is pressure-tested, evacuated to a deep vacuum measured on a micron gauge, and charged by weight to the nameplate.
Repair or replace
R-22 systems: U.S. production and import of R-22 ended January 1, 2020. Existing systems can still be serviced with recovered and reclaimed R-22, but supply is limited. R-410A can’t go into an R-22 system, and other refrigerants should never be mixed into it.
R-410A systems: R-410A is still used to service existing equipment, but the federal AIM Act is cutting HFC production and imports in steps, reaching 85% below the baseline by 2036.
Newer systems: Many new systems are built for lower-GWP A2L refrigerants such as R-454B or R-32, which are classified as mildly flammable and need A2L-rated tools and procedures.
Repair or replace: An accessible leak on a younger system is usually worth repairing. A coil leak on an older R-22 system often points toward replacement. You get both options in writing.
How the job runs
Call (904) 467-1100 or book online. Tell us if you’ve seen ice or had refrigerant added before.
The diagnostic fee is $129 for homes, waived if you go ahead with a recommended repair over $250. Commercial is $149, waived on repairs over $300.
You see the readings and the leak location, then a written quote to repair or replace. Financing is available.
Related service
Straight answers
No. Refrigerant circulates in a sealed system and isn’t used up. If the charge is low, there is a leak that should be found and repaired.
Yes, existing R-22 systems can still be serviced with recovered and reclaimed R-22, but U.S. production and import ended in 2020, so supply is limited. A leaking R-22 system is a good time to price replacement too.
We confirm the charge with superheat and subcooling, then use an electronic leak detector and bubble solution. Hard-to-find leaks get a nitrogen pressure test with sections of the system isolated.
It depends on the system’s age, refrigerant type and the cost of the coil compared to a new system. You get a written quote for both options so you can decide.
Langston’s Heating & Air Conditioning · Licensed CMC1251311 · Mon–Sat 8 AM–8 PM
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