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

A common sign of a refrigerant leak in a system is manifested through high energy consumption with no cooling. When there is a refrigerant leak, the system might struggle to maintain the desired cooling capacity. As a result, the compressor has to work harder and for longer periods to compensate for the loss of refrigerant, leading to increased energy consumption. However, this extra effort does not effectively cool the air, resulting in inadequate system performance.

In contrast, increased system noise may be indicative of mechanical issues, such as worn bearings or misalignment, rather than a refrigerant leak. Frost build-up on the evaporator can occur for multiple reasons, including insufficient airflow or a malfunctioning expansion valve, and while it can also relate to refrigerant issues, it is not as direct a sign of a leak as energy consumption issues. Delayed compressor start-up typically suggests electrical problems or issues with the start relay and does not directly correlate with refrigerant levels in the system.