As the HVAC system circulates air a

As the HVAC system circulates air and moves it through the ducts, it uses refrigerant to absorb heat from the indoor air. But when you use cleaning products, aerosol air fresheners, adhesives for craft projects, and other chemicals in your home, they often contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs). As VOCs combine with moisture in the air, they can produce acids that form small pinhole leaks in the coil. These tiny holes, also referred to as “formicary tunneling corrosion,” allow air from the outside into your home. They will also cause refrigerant to leak out slowly, which can be damaging to the environment and your cooling system.The problem that many property owners face is knowing whether they have refrigerant leaks. The holes in the copper coil are extremely small, so they’re difficult to detect just by looking at the component. Your evaporator coil also isn’t immediately visible to someone looking at the HVAC system, so a leak requires diagnosis by an experienced HVAC professional.