Is a Refrigerant (Freon) Leak Dangerous? Here’s What Homeowners in Pleasanton & Fresno Should Know

A small leak in your air conditioning system might seem like a minor inconvenience, but when refrigerant (also called Freon) starts to escape, it can impact your comfort, your health, and even the environment.

At Art’s Heating & Cooling we’re committed to People Helping People, bringing trusted HVAC services to homeowners across Pleasanton, Fresno, and surrounding Central Valley and Tri-Valley communities. In this guide, we’ll break down what refrigerant leaks mean, how to spot them, and what to do next.

What Is Refrigerant & Why Does It Matter?

Refrigerant is the chemical that powers your cooling system. Whether your system uses R‑22 (Freon), R‑410A, or another blend, it plays the same role: absorbing heat from inside your home and releasing it outside.

If your refrigerant leaks out, your air conditioner can’t do its job. That often means:

• Warm air blowing instead of cool
• Longer cooling cycles
• Higher energy bills
• Increased system wear and tear

Need AC help now? Learn more about our Air Conditioning Services in Pleasanton & Fresno.

How Does Refrigerant Actually Work?

Here’s a quick breakdown of how refrigerant keeps your home comfortable:

1. Evaporation – Inside your home, refrigerant evaporates into gas and pulls heat from the air.
2. Compression – It travels to the outdoor unit, where it's compressed and heated.
3. Condensation – The refrigerant releases heat outside and condenses back into a liquid.
4. Expansion – It flows back inside to restart the process.

A leak at any point in this loop throws off your system's efficiency and causes performance issues.

Are Refrigerant Leaks Dangerous?

They can be. While a minor leak isn’t instantly hazardous, prolonged exposure or a major leak can cause:

Health Effects

• Headaches, nausea, dizziness
• Throat irritation or shortness of breath
• Irregular heartbeat or, in rare cases, seizures
• Children and pets are more vulnerable

Environmental Impact

• Older refrigerants like R‑22 harm the ozone layer
• Even modern refrigerants (HFCs) contribute to global warming
• Leaks must be repaired by certified professionals to comply with EPA regulations

HVAC System Damage

• Compressors can overheat or fail
• Ice buildup may form on refrigerant lines
• Your system may short cycle or shut down entirely

Signs You Might Have a Refrigerant Leak

• AC blowing warm or lukewarm air
• Hissing or bubbling noises from your AC unit
• Frozen refrigerant lines
• Unusually high electricity bills
• Visible oil residue near AC connections or lines

What to Do If You Suspect a Leak

1. Turn off your AC and air out the space.
2. Avoid DIY fixes, refrigerant systems require professional tools and safety checks.
3. Call a qualified HVAC technician to inspect, repair, and properly recharge your system.

A licensed professional will use specialized equipment to measure pressure, test for leaks, and handle refrigerant safely.

How We Handle Leaks at Art’s Heating & Cooling

At Art’s, we take leaks seriously. When you call us for AC troubleshooting, we’ll:

Inspect your refrigerant levels
Pressure test for leaks
Identify the source and severity
Safely repair or replace components
Recharge the system and confirm operation

We serve Pleasanton, Fresno, and neighboring communities with fast, honest service—and we offer Free Second Opinions on major repairs and replacements.

Why Timely Leak Repairs Matter in Pleasanton & Fresno

• Protect your home comfort during hot or cold snaps
• Improve safety by removing hazardous fumes
• Save money on monthly cooling costs and future repairs
• Comply with regulations, especially on phased-out chemicals

Useful Resources

• EPA Guide to Refrigerants
• Energy Saver Tips from Energy.gov
• California Air Resources Board – Refrigerant Management Program

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