Utilizing air moisture sensor and compressor power sensor data within a laundry appliance to detect refrigerant leaks

A laundry appliance comprising:

• a cabinet;
• a tub positioned within a cabinet, the tub defining a tub inlet and a tub outlet;
• a laundry basket rotatably mounted within the tub, the laundry basket defining a chamber for receipt of articles for washing or drying;
• a heater configured to heat and remove moisture from air within the chamber;
• an air moisture sensor positioned within the laundry basket;
• a compressor positioned within the cabinet;
• a compressor power sensor in operable communication with the compressor;
• and
• a controller operably coupled to the heater, the controller configured to direct a laundry operation comprising:
• executing, by the laundry appliance, a drying cycle;
• measuring, during the drying cycle, a compressor power value by the compressor power sensor;
• comparing the measured compressor power value to a predetermined power threshold value;
• measuring, following the drying cycle, a humidity value by the air moisture sensor;
• comparing the measured humidity value to a predetermined humidity threshold value;
• determining, based on the comparison of the measured humidity value to the predetermined humidity threshold value and the measured compressor power value to the predetermined power threshold value, a status of a refrigerant charge;
• and
• directing, based on the status of the refrigerant charge, the laundry appliance.