Is your AC running constantly but still not keeping your home cool? You might be dealing with a Freon leak and not even know it. Freon is a vital part of your air conditioning system, responsible for absorbing heat and helping your AC cool your home. When it starts to leak, it doesn’t always make a lot of noise or show obvious signs. At Valley Comfort Heating and Air, we’ve seen how these silent leaks lead to higher bills, health risks, and even system failure—all while staying hidden from view. If you live in California, it’s important to understand how refrigerant regulations and environmental standards make this issue even more urgent.
The Silent Workhorse of Your AC: Understanding Freon
Freon is a type of refrigerant used in many older AC systems to absorb heat from the air inside your home and transfer it outside. Your HVAC system simply can’t cool properly without it. However, Freon, especially R-22, is being phased out due to its contribution to ozone depletion. California follows strict environmental guidelines, so systems using R-22 are harder to repair and more expensive to maintain. Today’s systems use newer, eco-friendlier refrigerants like R-410A or R-32. These newer options are better for the planet and help your HVAC system run more efficiently.
The Hidden Hazards: Why Undetected Freon Leaks Are a Problem
A small Freon leak might not seem like a big deal at first but ignoring it can lead to much bigger problems for your home, your health, and even the environment. Understanding what’s at stake can help you notice the warning signs early and avoid costly or dangerous consequences.
Environmental Impact
Freon leaks don’t stay in your home. They escape into the air and contribute to broader environmental problems. Even small amounts can have long-term consequences for the planet. The environmental concerns include:
- Ozone Layer Depletion: Older refrigerants like R-22 contain ozone-depleting substances. When released, they break down ozone molecules in the upper atmosphere, reducing the Earth’s natural defense against harmful UV rays.
- Global Warming Contribution: R-410A, a common refrigerant in many California homes, doesn’t damage the ozone layer but has a high global warming potential (GWP. That means it traps heat in the atmosphere and contributes to climate change.
- Strict California Regulations: The state requires all HVAC companies to follow environmental safety standards. Leaks must be documented and repaired quickly to avoid legal penalties and minimize environmental harm.
If you live in California, you’re required to address Freon leaks. Prompt detection and repair help protect our state’s air quality and align your home with California’s climate-focused goals.
Health Risks
Freon can also pose real risks to your health, especially when leaks go unnoticed. Since it’s odorless and invisible, you might not realize you’ve been exposed until symptoms begin to show.
- Respiratory Symptoms: Inhaling refrigerant gases can cause coughing, throat irritation, or shortness of breath. This is especially dangerous for people with asthma, allergies, or other breathing conditions.
- Neurological Effects: Freon exposure can trigger headaches, nausea, dizziness, and in some cases, confusion or difficulty concentrating.
- Skin and Eye Irritation: Direct contact may lead to cold burns, skin irritation, or redness around the eyes.
- Increased Risk for Vulnerable Populations: Children, pets, and older adults are more sensitive to the effects of refrigerants due to lower body mass and developing or compromised systems.
If you or your family experience unexplained symptoms when your AC is running, it’s a good idea schedule an HVAC inspection. Addressing Freon leaks quickly reduces exposure risks and keeps your home a safer place to breathe.
Increased Energy Costs
When your system is low on refrigerant, it needs work overtime to keep your home cool. That extra strain shows up on your electricity bill. Depending on the severity of the leak, you could see a 20–30% increase in energy use.
AC System Damage
Freon leaks cause your system to run under pressure, which puts stress on the compressor, which is also the most expensive component to replace. Ignoring a leak can turn a small repair into a full system replacement.
Reduced Cooling Performance
A HVAC system that’s low on refrigerant can’t cool effectively. You may notice uneven temperatures, longer cooling cycles, or warm air blowing from the vents even when the AC is running.
Catch the Warning Signs: How to Detect a Freon Leak
Paying attention to subtle changes in how it runs can help you catch a refrigerant leak before it leads to bigger, more expensive problems. Here are some signs of a freon leak you should look for:
Weak or Warm Airflow
When your AC starts pushing out air that feels lukewarm or barely cool, low refrigerant levels could be to blame. Refrigerant is what absorbs heat from your home, so when there’s not enough, the air coming through your vents won’t feel as cold as it should. If your air conditioner in California is running nonstop without cooling your home, it’s time to have it checked for a possible Freon leak.
Hissing or Bubbling Noises
Unusual sounds like hissing or bubbling near your AC unit are usually early indicators of a refrigerant leak. These noises come from gas escaping through small holes or cracks in the refrigerant lines. If you hear this kind of sound, don’t ignore it. Freon leaks should always be handled quickly and professionally to avoid further system damage or safety risks.
Ice Buildup on Evaporator Coil
Frozen coils are a common result of low refrigerant levels in your air conditioning system. Without enough refrigerant to absorb heat, moisture on the coil freezes, leading to ice buildup that can block airflow and cause additional strain. If you see ice or notice water pooling under your indoor unit, have a qualified HVAC technician in California inspect your system right away.
Increased Energy Bills
When your energy bill jumps and your usage hasn’t changed, it’s often a red flag that your AC system is working overtime. A refrigerant leak reduces your system’s ability to cool efficiently, causing it to run longer and use more electricity to maintain the desired temperature. In California, where summer cooling needs are high, even a small leak can lead to noticeably higher monthly costs.
Oily Residue
If you spot greasy or oily marks near your AC’s copper lines or connection points, that could be refrigerant oil leaking out with the Freon. This residue is often overlooked, but it’s one of the most visible signs of a problem within the system. HVAC technicians use this clue to pinpoint leaks quickly and safely during inspections.
System Not Cooling to Set Temperature
When your thermostat is set low but your space still feels warm, your AC might be struggling due to insufficient refrigerant. A leak reduces the system’s ability to remove heat, so it can’t meet your comfort settings no matter how low you set them. If this sounds familiar, especially during peak heat in California, a professional check for a Freon leak is the next step.
Act Fast: What to Do If You Suspect a Freon Leak
If you think your AC is leaking refrigerant:
- Turn off the system to prevent more damage.
- Open windows for ventilation, especially if you notice unusual smells or symptoms.
- Don’t attempt to fix it yourself. Handling refrigerant requires EPA certification.
- Call us right away. Tell us what you’ve noticed so we can respond appropriately.
Professional Freon Leak Detection and Repair in California
At Valley Comfort Heating and Air, we’re fully certified to handle refrigerants and provide professional leak detection and repair services throughout California. We use advanced equipment to locate even small leaks and make repairs that last. Our team is EPA-certified, and we always follow California’s regulations for safety and environmental compliance.
We offer complete refrigerant services:
- Leak detection and repair
- Refrigerant recharge
- Full system diagnostics
- AC repair and installation
We know how frustrating and uncomfortable a failing AC system can be. That’s why we’re committed to fast, honest, and effective service. Our team is experienced, transparent with pricing, and focused on your long-term comfort and safety.
Don’t Risk the Dangers of a Freon Leak. Contact Us Today!
If your AC isn’t cooling like it used to or you’ve noticed any signs of a refrigerant leak, don’t wait. The longer you delay, the more damage you risk. Contact Valley Comfort Heating and Air to schedule a service call. Call us today to book an appointment. We’re here to help you stay safe, stay cool, and keep your AC system running at its best.
