AC Refrigerant Leak Detection & Repair in Sacramento

Repair Options

We show you what we found and give you real choices—repair, replace, or honest conversation.

Once we find the leak, you get options:Simple leak: Fitting, valve, or accessible line leak. We braze it, replace the component, pull a vacuum, and recharge. Fixed.Coil leak: Evaporator coil with pinhole leaks. Sometimes we can repair individual leaks. Often the coil has multiple failures and replacement makes more sense. We'll show you the condition and let you decide.The honest conversation: If your system is old, uses R-22, and needs a coil replacement, we'll do the math with you. Sometimes fixing an old leaky system costs more than replacing it. We'll give you real numbers.No pressure. Your system, your money, your call.

Proper Repair

We fix it right—brazing, component replacement, vacuum, and proper recharge.

Refrigerant repair isn't just soldering and hoping.If we're brazing: We flow nitrogen through the system during brazing to prevent oxidation inside the lines. We let joints cool properly. We leak-test the repair before moving on.After repair: Deep vacuum to remove moisture and air. At least 500 microns, held for 30 minutes. Anything less and you'll have problems.Then: Proper refrigerant charge by weight or superheat/subcooling, depending on your system. Not "until it feels cold."We document everything. What we found, what we fixed, how much refrigerant went in. You have a record.

Verification

We test the repair, run the system, and make sure it's actually fixed.

We don't button it up and hope.After repair, we leak test the fix. Run the system, check pressures, verify it's holding. Watch for temperature drop at the registers to confirm it's cooling properly again.We also tell you what to watch for. If it was a coil leak and we repaired one spot, the coil may develop more leaks later. We're honest about that.If it comes back within a reasonable time, we stand behind the repair.

Why Choose JR Putman Plumbing, Heating & Air

• Find It First - Real leak detection, not just topping off and hoping.
• Actually Fix It - Repair the leak, not just the symptoms. Stop paying for refrigerant every year.
• Honest Assessment - If repair doesn't make sense, we'll tell you straight.
• Proper Process - Vacuum, leak test, charge by spec. Done right.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Know if My AC Has a Refrigerant Leak?

Common signs: AC blowing warm air, ice on the refrigerant lines or evaporator coil, hissing sounds near the unit, higher-than-normal electric bills, or the system running constantly without reaching set temperature.

Can I Just Add More Refrigerant to My AC?

You can, but you're treating the symptom, not the problem. If someone keeps 'topping off' your refrigerant, you have a leak that's only getting worse. It's also expensive—refrigerant isn't cheap. Finding and fixing the leak is the right long-term solution.

Is AC Refrigerant Dangerous?

In normal operation, no. But direct exposure to leaking refrigerant in enclosed spaces can displace oxygen and cause dizziness or difficulty breathing. If you smell a chemical odor near your AC or hear hissing, ventilate the area and call us.

Why Is My AC Leaking Refrigerant?

Vibration causes fittings to loosen over time. Corrosion eats through copper lines, especially in humid environments. Factory defects happen. Age plays a role—older systems are more prone to leaks. Sometimes it's just wear and tear.

How Long Does Refrigerant Leak Repair Take?

Leak detection can take 1-2 hours. Simple repairs might add another hour. If the leak is in the evaporator coil and requires coil replacement, that's a bigger job—potentially a half-day to full day.

We'll find it and fix it—for real this time.