Our Guide to a Refrigerant Leak

The term “refrigerant leak” is probably one you never want to hear when you’re the owner of an air conditioning system. It’s a toss-up on whether this will spell an expensive disaster for your home comfort and your system, or if it’s just going to be a quick patch and recharge. Only a professional can tell the difference, and you will need to call for one no matter what.

However, just because you’re wary of encountering a refrigerant leak doesn’t mean that you can’t be more informed about it! Refrigerant leaks are pretty common problems, and while they can be caused by any number of different things, they’re usually detectable through a few signs. And, to make things a bit easier, refrigerant leaks always need to be fixed with air conditioning repair in Marrero, LA, if you care about your home comfort or your energy efficiency. They can only really get worse over time.

The Many Causes of a Refrigerant Leak

Refrigerant leaks can be caused by a number of different things. Sometimes it’s foul weather like a storm. Other times, a pest can chew on your air conditioner’s refrigerant line and cause it to rupture. The cause of the problem isn’t the important part, since once you’ve already detected a refrigerant leak, you need to start investing in ways to stop it. In some cases, external damage can also result in visible dripping or water pooling near the unit.

Three Ways to Detect One

Here are three simple ways to detect a refrigerant leak:

Bubbling and hissing noises. A bubbling or hissing noise can often be made from an air conditioner that’s leaking refrigerant. The bubbling is air bubbles forming inside the system, and the hissing is the sound of gaseous refrigerant escaping! If this is paired with other symptoms, it could indicate major system issues on the horizon.
A spiking energy bill. With less refrigerant in the system, your air conditioner will have to work harder to provide the same level of cooling. This will consume more energy and cause a spike in your electricity bill.
Lukewarm air coming from the vents. Even if your AC can’t cool the air because it’s low on refrigerant, it will still blow lukewarm air into the rooms of your home. This can be a sign of an impending problem.

No, Refrigerant Isn’t Toxic

We want to clear something up today. Refrigerant isn’t dangerous to breathe in, nor is it going to cause any immediate side effects when you’re around it. That being said, if refrigerant is leaking into the rooms of your home. This can be a sign of an impending problem like short cycling or compressor strain. Then we still recommend you call for immediate help and evacuate the premises.

Refrigerant is denser than air, which means it fights against oxygen inside your home when there’s only a limited amount of space. That refrigerant can push out the oxygen inside your home and cause suffocation in certain situations. So, while refrigerant itself isn’t toxic, it can be dangerous for your family if it’s leaking inside your home.

You’ll be able to notice it’s there by a sweet, chloroform-like scent that wafts through the air. If you detect this, it’s time to get out! For your long-term comfort and safety, it’s worth asking whether your aging AC might be ready for retirement.

We Value Service Honoring the Golden Rule. Contact Natal's Air Conditioning, Plumbing & Electrical to have your refrigerant leak fixed.

Ryan Swafford

HVAC Operations Manager

My name is Ryan Swafford, I serve as the HVAC Operations Manager at Call Natal’s. With over 13 years of hands-on experience in the trades, I’ve had the privilege of working across both residential and specialized environments.

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