What is a common issue that can lead to a refrigerant leak?

Corrosion of the refrigerant lines or connections is a prevalent issue that can lead to refrigerant leaks. This occurs when the material of the refrigerant lines, often copper or aluminum, deteriorates due to exposure to moisture, contaminants, or other corrosive agents within the system. Over time, this corrosion can create pinholes or weakened areas in the lines, allowing refrigerant to escape.

Proper material selection and installation practices can help mitigate corrosion, along with regular maintenance checks to identify any early signs of wear. Monitoring for signs of leaks and performing preventive maintenance can prolong the life of an HVAC system and ensure it operates efficiently.

While overheating of the compressor, incorrect refrigerant type, and insufficient refrigerant charge can cause problems in an HVAC system, they are not direct causes of refrigerant leaks in the same way that corrosion is. Overheating typically leads to compressor failure, incorrect refrigerant type can cause system inefficiency, and an insufficient refrigerant charge can lead to reduced cooling capacity but don’t inherently create leaks.