What is a common sign of refrigerant leakage in a system?

A common sign of refrigerant leakage in a system is the presence of frost on the evaporator coils. This occurs because when refrigerant levels are low due to a leak, the evaporator coil does not have enough refrigerant to absorb heat effectively. As a result, the temperature of the coils can drop below the freezing point, causing moisture in the air to freeze and accumulate as frost. This frost can hinder the system’s efficiency and lead to system performance issues.

While increased energy costs, unusual noises from the compressor, and high pressure in the condenser can indicate other problems within the HVAC system, they are not as direct a sign of refrigerant leakage as frost on evaporator coils. Increased energy costs may result from a variety of efficiency issues, unusual compressor noises can signal mechanical problems, and high pressure in the condenser often points to too much refrigerant or other issues unrelated to leakage. Thus, frost formation directly relates to the refrigerant's ability to absorb heat, making it a clear indicator of potential leakage.