If you suspect an AC refrigerant leak, turn off your AC, avoid touching refrigerant or trying to recharge the system, and call a licensed HVAC professional. Refrigerant leaks can damage your AC, reduce cooling performance, increase strain on major components, and pose safety concerns if ignored.
A leaking air conditioner needs more than a quick patch or store-bought sealant. Whether you’re turning on your AC after winter or you’ve noticed recurring problems, ARS/Rescue Rooter is here to help. Our team can inspect your system, locate the leak, and recommend the right repair. Call 866-399-2885 now.
What Should You Do if Your AC Refrigerant Is Leaking?
1. Turn Off Your AC System
If you suspect an AC refrigerant leak, shut off your AC right away. Running the system with low refrigerant can overwork the compressor and cause expensive damage.
2. Avoid DIY Refrigerant Handling
Refrigerant requires EPA-certified handling, so don’t try to recharge, seal, or patch the leak yourself. An incorrect repair can worsen system damage, create safety risks, and lead to more expensive repairs.
3. Schedule a Professional Inspection
A professional inspection is the safest and most reliable next step. Our HVAC technicians can test the system, check refrigerant pressure, and use leak detection equipment to pinpoint the issue. From there, our team can determine whether a repair, a part replacement, or a system recharge is needed.
4. Repair the Leak Before Recharging Refrigerant
A technician should identify the source of the leak, repair it, and restore refrigerant levels. Trying to recharge refrigerant alone won't resolve the underlying cause of the leak. A professional must first find the reason for the leak and fix it, then replenish the refrigerant. Otherwise, they won’t stop the Freon leak, and you'll keep having the same issues.
What Is an Air Conditioner Refrigerant Leak?
Refrigerant is the fluid your AC uses to absorb heat from inside your home and move it outdoors. Many homeowners still call it Freon, though newer systems may use different types of refrigerants.
An AC refrigerant leak means that fluid is escaping from the system. As refrigerant levels drop, your AC may cool poorly, run longer, and put extra strain on key components.
Signs Your AC Refrigerant May Be Leaking
Longer Cooling Time
Refrigerant leaks make your air conditioning system work harder, especially during the summer months. It may take twice as long for your house to cool down, or rooms may stay hot, because the system is struggling to remove heat efficiently.
Rising Utility Bills
Rising electric bills can be a sign of an AC refrigerant leak. The AC system works harder and uses more energy to keep your house cool, which can lead to substantially higher summer energy bills.
Increased Indoor Humidity
If your home is becoming more humid, it could be due to a Freon air conditioner leak. When there’s not enough refrigerant, your home may start to feel humid, which can lead to other problems, such as mold. A properly running unit will produce cool air and keep humidity at bay.
Hissing or Bubbling Sounds at Outdoor Unit
Hissing or bubbling sounds from your AC could indicate a compressor issue or refrigerant leak. Never try to check it yourself, as you could damage internal components.
Frozen Evaporator Coils
Low refrigerant levels can cause evaporator coils to freeze. Too little refrigerant can lower coil temperatures enough to cause ice buildup. Blocked air ducts could also cause an evaporator coil to freeze. Avoid blocked air ducts by keeping airways open and refraining from placing a rug or furniture over vents.
AC Blowing Warm Air
If your AC is running but the air feels warm or barely cool, low refrigerant may be the reason. Without enough refrigerant, the system can’t absorb and transfer heat as it should.
Weak Airflow
Weak airflow can occur when an air conditioner’s refrigerant leaks, leading to frozen coils or increased strain on the system. You may notice less air coming from vents, even when the AC is running.
What Does AC Refrigerant Coolant Smell Like?
Refrigerant is often odorless, though some leaks may have a faintly sweet or chemical smell. If your AC smells bad, the issue could also be mold, wiring problems, or other system concerns. When in doubt, contact our team for a detailed inspection.
Suspect a Refrigerant Leak? Call 866-399-2885 Now
What Causes an AC Refrigerant Leak?
Corrosion and Metal Erosion
Erosion can cause significant issues in an HVAC system, including tiny holes that allow AC refrigerant to leak. Air conditioning units are typically located outdoors, so outdoor exposure and corrosion can gradually damage refrigerant lines and coils, leading to small leaks.
Wear and Tear on Older Systems
Wear and tear are common on older units. The rubber seals on the valve stems of air conditioning systems tend to wear out over time, which can cause a refrigerant leak. In addition, outdoor elements may rust or deteriorate over time, resulting in a Freon leak in the AC system.
Home appliance insurance can help offset the cost of repairs and complete AC system replacement. An insurance plan may save you a lot of stress and give you peace of mind. Without sufficient insurance or a warranty, you’ll pay for everything out of pocket.
Improper Installation or Repairs
Leaking air conditioners can result from poor installation or improper repairs to your HVAC unit. For instance, the most common cause of an AC coolant leak is overtightening the flare connections. To avoid a refrigerant leak, you should only allow a licensed professional to install or repair your air conditioning system.
Factory Defects
A common misconception is that a new air conditioning system won't have any issues if installed correctly. However, as with any mass-produced product, there's a possibility of factory flaws.
Over time, defects can lead to a leak in the refrigerant lines. Efficiency issues and higher energy bills may indicate that something is wrong.
Is a Refrigerant Leak Toxic or Dangerous?
If your AC unit is leaking refrigerant, it could become harmful to your health and the environment. While small leaks are not usually life-threatening, refrigerant contains toxic chemicals that impact air quality. Large refrigerant leaks in enclosed spaces may cause symptoms such as:
Nausea
Dizziness
Headaches
Respiratory irritation
If you suspect a Freon leak in your AC system, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Call our team at 866-399-2885 for diagnostics and repair.
Professional AC Repair Helps Protect Your System
Have a coolant leak? Don’t attempt to fix the issue on your own, especially for larger AC refrigerant leaks. Call ARS/Rescue Rooter for emergency air conditioning repair services and routine AC tune-up service to check for AC refrigerant leaks and keep your unit in top shape. We also replace AC units, cooling systems, and heat pumps.
Find your nearest ARS/Rescue Rooter location or call us at 866-399-2885 to schedule an appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
DIY products may temporarily slow a small leak, but they do not properly repair the system and are not recommended. To stop Freon leak issues safely, you need an EPA-certified technician to find the source, repair it, and recharge refrigerant correctly.
The cost to fix an AC refrigerant leak depends on where the leak is, how much refrigerant is needed, and whether parts must be repaired or replaced. ARS/Rescue Rooter offers financing options, and we back all of our work with an Exceptional Service Guarantee.
A new HVAC installation may make more sense if your AC is older, uses outdated refrigerant, needs frequent repairs, or has a major leak in a costly component. Our technicians can help you compare repair costs with the system’s long-term value.
