How to Identify Refrigerant Leaks on a Trane Rooftop AC

Leaking refrigerant is both unsafe and detrimental to HVAC equipment operating. So if you get a call and the symptoms have you wondering if there could be a leak present, you need to narrow down where it’s coming from. This guide on how to identify refrigerant leaks on a Trane rooftop AC will help you determine what the leak will look like and the likely culprits of where it’s occurring. 

Condenser Coil Refrigerant Leaks

There is some common signs to look for around the condenser coil if there’s a refrigerant leak present there:

• Check the bottom corners of the coil – Signs of a leak will typically be present in that area. 
• Check for a discolored coil – Refrigerant will discolor your condenser coil, making it easier to identify that a leak is present. 
• Check along the bottom of the coil for oil – If you notice a liquid or oil along the bottom of the condenser coil pooling up, there could be a refrigerant leak there. 

Evaporator Coil Refrigerant Leaks

You’ll need to look behind the filters to see if any key indicators of a leak are located at the evaporator coil.

• Check the bottom corners of the coil – Signs of a leak will typically be present in that area. 
• Check for a discolored coil – Refrigerant will discolor your evaporator coil, making it easier to identify that a leak is present. 
• Check along the bottom of the coil for oil – If you notice a liquid or oil along the bottom of the coil pooling up, there could be a refrigerant leak there. 

Fittings & Brazed Joints Leaking Refrigerant

If there isn’t a leak present at either coil, you need to check these areas next. There’s two ways to check for leaks.

• Soap bubbles – Mix a soapy water solution and apply it to joints, fittings and other brazed connections. If bubbles form, that means there is a leak at that location. 
• Refrigerant leak detector – You can purchase electronic detectors that you can wave over brazed areas to check for a leak. Check all joints along your refrigerant line, around the compressors and filter drier. You should also check the valves as well.