HVAC freon refill/ceiling water leak...help!

[eugenero]

We just had our HVAC repaired.

Our freon was refilled (in the outside unit).

I think beginning from that day or the following day, the ceiling started leaking water.

It is not the ceiling directly in between the inside and outside unit.
So I did not initially think it would be the AC.

I also didn't want to touch the ceiling till I got the permission of the upstairs condo people to hire plumbing services to open it up.

Well, the AC has actually stopped blowing cold air again and the water has stopped leaking just around the same time.

I opened up the ceiling to look and I see some pipes running across but I don't know if they're related to the HVAC.

Is the HVAC freon possibly responsible for the water leak?

[LazyPup]

It is not impossible although the series of events that you outline would be contrary to the common leak problems associated with an air conditioner.

When the refrigerant level is low the evaporator coil will super cool and generally ices up. Once the coil is iced over some of the liquid refrigerant that should flash to a gas in the evaporator is then flooded over into the suction line and flashes to a gas in the line. This causes the suction line to be super cooled and condensate will form on the suction line. As the suction line super cools it will form condensate moisture on the exterior of the line, which may freeze forming an ice covering on the line. In a worst case scenario is not corrected the ice may form on the suction line all the way back to the outside condensing unit and may form in the compressor causing permanent damage to the compressor section. Restoring the proper refrigerant level would normally correct the problem, on the other hand, if the fan or fan motor is defective or if there is an obstruction in the return air path to the unit such as a dirty filter, dirty coil or furniture or personal belongings blocking the return air grille it can also cause the super cooling conditions stated above.

Normally an HVAC tech would take a temperature differential reading during the recharging operation and that test should reveal if there are any problems with the air flow.

The fact that your AC has again stopped cooling in a short time is a prime indicator that there is a refrigerant leak in system and should be checked out immediately.

Another possibility is that there may be a leak in your AC condensate drain line.

In either case you should have the unit checked out by a trained HVAC tech.