AC refrigerant leaks are a health risk to families and a major source of greenhouse gas emissions. Failure to address leaks can lead to fines under the Clean Air Act.

AC leaks also mean that your cooling system is not working properly and it may need essential AC repairs to prevent further damage and shorten the life of your air conditioning unit.

Understanding how refrigerant smells, its role in AC systems, and how to handle it is essential when detecting issues early and maintaining a healthy home cooling system.

WHAT DOES REFRIGERANT SMELL LIKE?

Most types of AC refrigerant are virtually odorless in small amounts, making them difficult to detect. While Puron (410-A) has no smell, another of the most common refrigerants in Florida, freon (R-22), is sometimes said to have a faint, sweetish odor like nail polish remover or chloroform. 

Let’s delve deeper into AC refrigerants.

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WHAT IS AC REFRIGERANT? 

All modern home cooling systems use a combination of gas and electricity. The gas used is refrigerant, sometimes also called coolant, an essential part of the cooling system. However, the type of refrigerant used in AC units sold in Florida has changed over the years. 

HVAC refrigerant should work invisibly within a “closed system” and most homeowners don’t need to even think about it. The refrigerant works within a complex system of heat exchange involving several key components all working together. The refrigerant has unique properties when pressurized that are essential for the AC cooling process.

If your AC is running but not blowing cold air, it could be because of a coolant leak. A technician will likely show up with a canister of refrigerant to recharge the system and get to work on repairing the leak.

COMMON TYPES OF REFRIGERANTS IN FLORIDA

If your AC unit was made before 2010, it likely uses Freon (R-22). If it was made after then, it probably uses Puron (R410-A) and if you installed a new AC in the past few years, it may use R32 or 454-B (the so-called “next-gen” refrigerants).

ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS 

The main reason for the changes in refrigerants used in air conditioning systems over the years is the environmental concerns—namely the effect of the release of refrigerants on the ozone layer and greenhouse gases. 

The latest refrigerants promoted by the federal government are considered more environmentally friendly than their predecessors and are known as low global warming potential (“low-GWP”) blends.

We can expect modern AC units to increasingly adopt these new refrigerants. However, at present, they are far less common than Puron-based systems in the US.

POTENTIAL HEALTH IMPACTS OF REFRIGERANT LEAKS

Refrigerant must be handled only by licensed professionals as it requires specialized tools and knowledge and there are risks associated with it.

DIY repairs of a refrigerant leak are, therefore, not an option. You’ll need a professional and, if you suspect a leak, emergency AC repairs may be required.

Exposure to large amounts of refrigerant, especially in confined spaces or poorly ventilated areas, can cause acute health issues, such as:

Long-term health issues related to refrigerant exposure are rare but may include liver and kidney damage, increased risk of cancer, memory problems, tremors or cognitive impairment.

DOES REFRIGERANT HAVE ANY ODOR? 

Most AC refrigerants are colorless and almost odorless in small amounts and, therefore, difficult to detect.

When the system is working properly, you should never be able to detect any AC refrigerant smell.

However, some people describe faint chemical odors associated with some of the various refrigerant types. A freon odor of nail polish remover or car exhaust sells is sometimes observed, for instance.

Generally speaking, refrigerant odors are subtle enough to go completely unnoticed, meaning that homeowners should be on the lookout for other signs of leaks…

HOW TO DETECT A REFRIGERANT LEAK?

If refrigerant doesn’t smell and is colorless, how do you detect a leak?

The pivotal role that refrigerant plays in the cooling process in your home means that there are several other signs you can look out for if there is an AC leak.

Leaking refrigerant quickly results in a lack of cooling capacity and the following tell-tale signs:

Refrigerant detection early can avoid costly AC repairs and ensure your system operates safely and effectively.  Regular AC tune-ups will also help prevent leaks and detect AC leak signs early. 

WHAT TO DO IF YOU SUSPECT A REFRIGERANT LEAK

Florida homeowners invest a lot in AC systems, so it pays to know how to look after them.

If you suspect a leak, turn off your air conditioning and call a licensed HVAC technician to conduct a test for leaks. Do not attempt repairs yourself but observe any AC issues that cause you to suspect a leak and inform the professional.

If refrigerant is low, the AC professional should first try to locate the source of the leak—and fix it—before recharging the system.

REFRIGERANT ODORS VS OTHER COMMON AC SMELLS 

A range of other common AC sounds and smells can affect air conditioning.

For instance, if your AC unit sounds like running water, it could be caused by the drip pan on the inside unit starting to overflow, the condensate line being blocked or the evaporator coil freezing over.

Common AC odors are musty smells, rotten egg smells, fish-like smells, or burning smells, all of which point to different problems not involving AC refrigerant.

Again, most of these issues should be checked out by an AC professional.

FAQs

PREVENT AND FIX REFRIGERANT LEAKS IN YOUR HOME

Remember, regular AC Maintenance (ideally before the summer season) can catch minor leaks early and prevent major issues down the line.

Contact an AC professional at One Way Air for an inspection of your HVAC system and help with detecting and repairing leaks.