Can an AC refrigerant leak make you sick?

Author: Gregoria Bode  |  Last update: Wednesday, May 28, 2025

One significant health risk is refrigerant poisoning. Inhaling Freon or other refrigerants, even in small amounts, can lead to headaches, dizziness, and nausea. Exposure to refrigerant fumes can quickly escalate to more severe health issues, such as loss of consciousness and even death.

Can I stay in my house with a refrigerant leak?

Freon leaks can be hazardous. Direct exposure to AC refrigerant can cause health problems such as headaches, dizziness, and respiratory issues. If you suspect a refrigerant leak, it's crucial to ventilate the area and seek professional help from HVAC professionals to prevent further damage and health risks.

Can you get sick from a refrigerant leak?

If left untreated, refrigerant poisoning can lead to life threatening issues such as labored breathing, buildup of fluid in the lungs, irregular heartbeat, mental fatigue and confusion, seizures, and loss of consciousness.

How does a Freon leak make you feel?

Leaking Freon can also damage your appliance and make it less efficient. Inhaling small amounts of Freon is not harmful and will not cause long-term health effects. However, if you are exposed to large amounts of Freon, it can lead to dizziness, headaches, nausea, and difficulty breathing.

How bad is it to breathe in AC refrigerant?

How well a person does depends on the severity of the poisoning and how quickly medical help was received. Severe lung damage may occur. Survival past 72 hours usually means the person will have a complete recovery. Sniffing Freon is extremely dangerous and can lead to long-term brain damage and sudden death.

AC Refrigerant Dangers, Regulations, and What To Do About It

How long does it take for Freon to dissipate in the air?

Freon does not dissipate or gets taken in, so there is no loss unless there is a leak in one of the pipes or fittings. HVAC professionals suggest that freon leaks be repaired without delay as they can worsen in time and cause the entire system to fail.

What does a Freon leak smell like?

Freon is generally odorless in small quantities, making it difficult to detect leaks based on smell alone. However, when a leak occurs, a faint, sweetish odor may be noticeable. Some people describe this smell as similar to acetone, nail polish remover, or even chloroform.

Does turning off AC stop Freon leak?

Because the system is pressurized, Freon will continue to leak from the air conditioner even when it's off. A technician will inspect your system, repair leaks, and recharge the system with refrigerant.

How to tell if AC is leaking refrigerant?

Signs That Your AC Has A Freon Leak
  1. The air conditioning is blowing warm air.
  2. No air is coming from the vents.
  3. Your utility bills have increased significantly.
  4. Your air conditioner isn't making any sound.

Can leaking Freon make you dizzy?

Harmful to human health: AC refrigerant leaks can lead to health complications when inhaled. Inhalation of freon can cause symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, headaches, chest pain, and difficulty breathing.

How do I know if I have refrigerant poisoning?

For chronic exposure, your symptoms may be mild at first and increase in severity over time. Signs you're suffering from refrigerant poisoning include: Swelling in your throat or sinuses. Difficulty breathing.

Is a refrigerant leak an emergency?

Many property owners ask themselves, “Are refrigerant leaks dangerous?” HVAC technicians treat refrigerant leaks as emergencies because inhaling Freon can cause severe health issues. The short-term symptoms of refrigerant exposure often include: Trouble breathing. Nausea and vomiting.

How much does it cost to fix a refrigerant leak?

If you simply need a top off of refrigerant, you can expect to pay anywhere from $160-$375. If you need a repair for the leak itself, you can anticipate a higher bill. For refrigerant leak detection and air conditioning repair you may pay anywhere from $550 to $1,600.

Can a small Freon leak make you sick?

Mild exposure to Freon in a well-ventilated area is usually not serious, including having a small amount on the skin or having a localized leak in the home. However, if a person notices symptoms of refrigerant poisoning, they should contact their doctor or emergency service immediately.

Can a Freon leak cause carbon monoxide poisoning?

Every year in the US, about 50,000 people visit the emergency room due to accidental CO poisoning, and nearly 500 people die. Rest assured that you can't get carbon monoxide poisoning from running the AC. Having said that, several other sources of this dangerous gas may exist in your home.

Is refrigerant gas harmful?

Refrigerant gases can displace oxygen, leading to oxygen deficiency and asphyxiation. They can be flammable and toxic to varying degrees, and can also cause chemical burns and irritation to the eyes, skin, and respiratory system.

What does a refrigerant leak sound like?

If you hear hissing, bubbling, or gurgling coming from your air conditioner, it's likely because you are low on refrigerant and have a leak. Refrigerant, commonly called Freon, is the chemical inside your air conditioning lines that turns your homes warm air into cool air.

How do I stop my AC refrigerant from leaking?

How to Fix AC Freon Leak
  1. If an evaporator coil has a minor leak, patch the damaged area.
  2. If the coil has multiple holes or significant wear, replace the entire coil.
  3. If the lines that carry the coolant from the condenser to the coil are damaged, replace the line set.

Can I sleep in a house with a refrigerant leak?

Health Dangers

Inhaling Freon or other refrigerants, even in small amounts, can lead to headaches, dizziness, and nausea. Exposure to refrigerant fumes can quickly escalate to more severe health issues, such as loss of consciousness and even death.

Is it safe to run AC with refrigerant leak?

Running an air conditioner with a refrigerant leak might seem like a temporary fix, but it can lead to significant problems down the line. At Doc Savage, we understand the importance of a well-functioning AC system for your comfort and safety.

Is it safe to be in a house with a freon leak?

Intentional exposure or inhaling Freon in an enclosed space can lead to severe Freon poisoning, indicated by the following symptoms: Fluid build-up in the lungs.

Can an air conditioner give off a chemical smell?

Some air conditioners use Freon to cool the AC unit. If there's a leak somewhere, the freon will create a chemically, sometimes sweet smell. Some AC units use different refrigerants, and if there's a leak in the line or elsewhere, it means the coolant is escaping, and that's what you're smelling.

What are signs of Freon leak?

Signs you may have a Refrigerant Leak:
  • Hissing Sounds. There may be a hole or crack in the coils that the refrigerant runs through, which can produce a hissing sound when the system is running. ...
  • Not Cooling. Check the air coming from your vents. ...
  • Increase in Humidity. ...
  • Higher Electric Bills. ...
  • Frozen Coils. ...
  • Exhaust Odor.

Why does my house smell like antifreeze?

A sweet, syrupy smell could be a sign of a coolant leak from your HVAC system or refrigerator. Coolants used in air conditioning such as ethylene glycol can be toxic if inhaled or ingested.

Previous article
Why does my dishwasher keep needing salt?
Next article
How much backsplash should I buy?