<div class="container px-4 mx-auto w-full undefined"><nav aria-label="Breadcrumb"><ol class="flex flex-wrap list-reset list-none flex w-full gap-4 my-6 text-sm pl-0"><li class="after:content-['/'] after:font-light after:relative after:left-2"><a href="/residential/" class="text-charcoal font-bold">Home</a></li><li class="font-bold after:content-['/'] after:font-light after:relative after:left-2"><a href="/residential/en/resources/" class="text-charcoal font-bold">Resources</a></li><li class="font-bold after:font-light after:relative after:left-2 after:content-['/']"><a href="/residential/en/resources/troubleshooting/" class="text-charcoal font-bold">HVAC Troubleshooting</a></li><li class="font-bold after:font-light after:relative after:left-2 after:content-['/']"><a href="/residential/en/resources/troubleshooting/air-conditioners/" class="text-charcoal font-bold">Air Conditioner Troubleshooting</a></li><li class="text-cadet">AC Refrigerant Leak Detection and Repair</li></ol></nav></div>

core/html

<div><div class="container px-4 mx-auto w-full undefined"><nav aria-label="Breadcrumb"><ol class="flex flex-wrap list-reset list-none flex w-full gap-4 my-6 text-sm pl-0"><li class="after:content-['/'] after:font-light after:relative after:left-2"><a href="/residential/" class="text-charcoal font-bold">Home</a></li><li class="font-bold after:content-['/'] after:font-light after:relative after:left-2"><a href="/residential/en/resources/" class="text-charcoal font-bold">Resources</a></li><li class="font-bold after:font-light after:relative after:left-2 after:content-['/']"><a href="/residential/en/resources/troubleshooting/" class="text-charcoal font-bold">HVAC Troubleshooting</a></li><li class="font-bold after:font-light after:relative after:left-2 after:content-['/']"><a href="/residential/en/resources/troubleshooting/air-conditioners/" class="text-charcoal font-bold">Air Conditioner Troubleshooting</a></li><li class="text-cadet">AC Refrigerant Leak Detection and Repair</li></ol></nav></div></div>

acf/sectionauthorableinner

core/column

core/columns

hvac-troubleshooting-hero

hvac-troubleshooting-hero-mow

core/block

acf/spacer

core/heading

<h1 class="wp-block-heading">AC Refrigerant Leak Detection and Repair</h1>

AC refrigerant is the lifeblood of your air conditioning system. During the <a href="/residential/en/resources/glossary/hvac-refrigeration-cycle/">refrigeration cycle</a>, the refrigerant moves through the system, changing form from a liquid to a gas as it transfers heat. A refrigerant leak is a major disruption to this cycle.

core/paragraph

<p class="has-text-16-leading-6-font-size">AC refrigerant is the lifeblood of your air conditioning system. During the <a href="/residential/en/resources/glossary/hvac-refrigeration-cycle/">refrigeration cycle</a>, the refrigerant moves through the system, changing form from a liquid to a gas as it transfers heat. A refrigerant leak is a major disruption to this cycle.</p>

What are some signs of a possible air conditioner refrigerant leak?

<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-22-leading-7-font-size">What are some signs of a possible air conditioner refrigerant leak?</h2>

The signs of a refrigerant leak can also be signs of other problems with your air conditioning system, so it’s best to contact your <a href="/residential/en/dealer-locator/">local Trane dealer</a> if you’re experiencing any of the following.

<p class="has-text-16-leading-6-font-size">The signs of a refrigerant leak can also be signs of other problems with your air conditioning system, so it’s best to contact your <a href="/residential/en/dealer-locator/">local Trane dealer</a> if you’re experiencing any of the following.</p>

core/list-item

<li><a href="/residential/en/resources/troubleshooting/air-conditioners/ac-not-blowing-cold-air/">AC not blowing cold air</a></li>

<li>Increased humidity even when the AC is on</li>

<li>Higher electric bills with no rate increase or increased energy consumption</li>

core/list

What are some tips for detecting refrigerant leaks?

<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-22-leading-7-font-size">What are some tips for detecting refrigerant leaks?</h2>

The best way to determine if your AC is leaking refrigerant is to contact your local HVAC company. HVAC technicians have special refrigerant leak detection equipment, and the skills needed to identify the source of the leak. They can then determine if they can repair the AC leak or if system replacement might be in your future.

<p class="has-text-16-leading-6-font-size">The best way to determine if your AC is leaking refrigerant is to contact your local HVAC company. HVAC technicians have special refrigerant leak detection equipment, and the skills needed to identify the source of the leak. They can then determine if they can repair the AC leak or if system replacement might be in your future.</p>

However, if you want to do a little investigating yourself, here are some DIY ways to tell if you have a refrigerant leak.

<p class="has-text-16-leading-6-font-size">However, if you want to do a little investigating yourself, here are some DIY ways to tell if you have a refrigerant leak.</p>

<h3 class="wp-block-heading has-text-18-leading-7-font-size">1. Make a visual inspection</h3>

Look closely at the fittings, valves, and around the indoor and outdoor unit for any signs of refrigerant leaks, such as an oil stain or oily residue.

<p class="has-text-16-leading-6-font-size">Look closely at the fittings, valves, and around the indoor and outdoor unit for any signs of refrigerant leaks, such as an oil stain or oily residue.</p>

<h3 class="wp-block-heading has-text-18-leading-7-font-size">2. Listen and smell for leaks</h3>

If you hear a hissing sound near the refrigerant lines, you likely have a refrigerant leak. In addition, some refrigerants, such as <a href="/residential/en/resources/glossary/what-is-r22/">R-22 (Freon®)</a>, can emit a faint, slightly sweet odor like nail polish remover. If you notice either of these, call for AC repair.

<p class="has-text-16-leading-6-font-size">If you hear a hissing sound near the refrigerant lines, you likely have a refrigerant leak. In addition, some refrigerants, such as <a href="/residential/en/resources/glossary/what-is-r22/">R-22 (Freon®)</a>, can emit a faint, slightly sweet odor like nail polish remover. If you notice either of these, call for AC repair.</p>

3. Apply soapy water to the area of the suspected leak

<h3 class="wp-block-heading has-text-18-leading-7-font-size">3. Apply soapy water to the area of the suspected leak</h3>

Fill a spray bottle with water and a little dish soap and shake it. Spray the soapy mixture on the <a href="/residential/en/resources/glossary/what-are-refrigerant-lines/">refrigerant lines</a>. If you have a large leak, bubbles will form. However, no bubbles <strong>do not</strong> mean you don’t have a leak. Smaller leaks are difficult to detect with this method. Consult with an HVAC professional for accurate leak detection.

<p class="has-text-16-leading-6-font-size">Fill a spray bottle with water and a little dish soap and shake it. Spray the soapy mixture on the <a href="/residential/en/resources/glossary/what-are-refrigerant-lines/">refrigerant lines</a>. If you have a large leak, bubbles will form. However, no bubbles <strong>do not</strong> mean you don’t have a leak. Smaller leaks are difficult to detect with this method. Consult with an HVAC professional for accurate leak detection.</p>

<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-22-leading-7-font-size">What causes an AC refrigerant leak?</h2>

Several things can cause a refrigerant leak, including:

<p class="has-text-16-leading-6-font-size">Several things can cause a refrigerant leak, including:</p>

<li><a href="/residential/en/resources/troubleshooting/air-conditioners/evaporator-coil-is-frozen/">Frozen evaporator coil</a></li>

A trained HVAC technician can help diagnose a refrigerant leak and tell you what caused it.

<p class="has-text-16-leading-6-font-size">A trained HVAC technician can help diagnose a refrigerant leak and tell you what caused it.</p>

Can I still run the unit if I have an air conditioner refrigerant leak?

<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-22-leading-7-font-size">Can I still run the unit if I have an air conditioner refrigerant leak?</h2>

No. Running the air conditioner when you have a refrigerant leak can do further damage to the system as well as the environment. If you or an HVAC technician determines that your AC unit is leaking refrigerant, shut the system off until repairs can be made and the system gets an <a href="/residential/en/resources/blog/ac-refrigerant-recharge-pricing/">AC refrigerant recharge</a>.

<p class="has-text-16-leading-6-font-size">No. Running the air conditioner when you have a refrigerant leak can do further damage to the system as well as the environment. If you or an HVAC technician determines that your AC unit is leaking refrigerant, shut the system off until repairs can be made and the system gets an <a href="/residential/en/resources/blog/ac-refrigerant-recharge-pricing/">AC refrigerant recharge</a>.</p>

core/button

<div class="wp-block-button has-custom-font-size has-text-16-leading-6-font-size"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-white-color has-trane-red-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-element-button" href="/residential/en/dealer-locator/">Schedule AC Repair</a></div>

core/buttons

Should I pay for air conditioner leak repair or replace the unit?

<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-22-leading-7-font-size">Should I pay for air conditioner leak repair or replace the unit?</h2>

This is a personal decision based on the age of your system and your financial situation. If you have been spending more and more on <a href="/residential/en/resources/blog/air-conditioning-repair-cost/">air conditioning repairs</a> and your air conditioner is more than 15 years old, replacing it may be a more cost-effective option than repairing it. See our Repair or Replace Guide for some tips on making the decision.

<p class="has-text-16-leading-6-font-size">This is a personal decision based on the age of your system and your financial situation. If you have been spending more and more on <a href="/residential/en/resources/blog/air-conditioning-repair-cost/">air conditioning repairs</a> and your air conditioner is more than 15 years old, replacing it may be a more cost-effective option than repairing it. See our Repair or Replace Guide for some tips on making the decision.</p>

And remember that many Trane dealers offer special <a href="/residential/en/pricing/financing/">0% HVAC financing</a>.

<p class="has-text-16-leading-6-font-size">And remember that many Trane dealers offer special <a href="/residential/en/pricing/financing/">0% HVAC financing</a>.</p>

Ask about a portable AC unit while you wait

<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-22-leading-7-font-size">Ask about a portable AC unit while you wait</h2>

If your AC system can’t be revived, but it will be a day or two before your HVAC company can install a new unit, ask if the HVAC company has access to any portable AC units you can use to help keep you cool while you wait.

<p class="has-text-16-leading-6-font-size">If your AC system can’t be revived, but it will be a day or two before your HVAC company can install a new unit, ask if the HVAC company has access to any portable AC units you can use to help keep you cool while you wait.</p>

core/separator

<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/anne-fonda-6a8559145/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Anne Fonda</a>, Content Writer at Trane Technologies

<p class="has-text-14-leading-5-font-size"><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/anne-fonda-6a8559145/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Anne Fonda</a>, Content Writer at Trane Technologies</p>

A Content Writer with Trane Technologies, Anne Fonda researches topics and writes for Trane® and associated residential HVAC brands. She works in collaboration with Trane Technologies subject matter experts, offering easy-to-understand, informative content on complex topics. Her goal is to help consumers make informed decisions on the products and services they need.

<p class="has-text-14-leading-5-font-size">A Content Writer with Trane Technologies, Anne Fonda researches topics and writes for Trane® and associated residential HVAC brands. She works in collaboration with Trane Technologies subject matter experts, offering easy-to-understand, informative content on complex topics. Her goal is to help consumers make informed decisions on the products and services they need.</p>

She has written for HVAC and other service provider websites for over 16 years. Before transitioning to web content writing, Anne had a 14-year stint as an award-winning journalist. She graduated cum laude from the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Journalism. When she’s not working, Anne enjoys playing word games, reading, gardening, spending time with family, and visiting gardens and museums.

<p class="has-text-14-leading-5-font-size">She has written for HVAC and other service provider websites for over 16 years. Before transitioning to web content writing, Anne had a 14-year stint as an award-winning journalist. She graduated cum laude from the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Journalism. When she’s not working, Anne enjoys playing word games, reading, gardening, spending time with family, and visiting gardens and museums.</p>

Expert review by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberly-sexton-mba-07023b2b/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kimberly Sexton</a>, Senior Systems Engineer

<p class="has-text-14-leading-5-font-size">Expert review by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberly-sexton-mba-07023b2b/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kimberly Sexton</a>, Senior Systems Engineer</p>

<h2 class="wp-block-heading mt-0 has-text-18-font-size" id="more-ac-troubleshooting" style="font-style:normal;font-weight:700">More AC Troubleshooting</h2>

<a href="https://www.trane.com/residential/en/resources/troubleshooting/air-conditioners/how-long-do-air-conditioners-last/">How Long Do Air Conditioners Last?</a>

<p><a href="https://www.trane.com/residential/en/resources/troubleshooting/air-conditioners/how-long-do-air-conditioners-last/">How Long Do Air Conditioners Last?</a></p>

<a href="https://www.trane.com/residential/en/resources/troubleshooting/air-conditioners/ac-leaking-water/">AC Leaking Water</a>

<p><a href="https://www.trane.com/residential/en/resources/troubleshooting/air-conditioners/ac-leaking-water/">AC Leaking Water</a></p>

<a href="https://www.trane.com/residential/en/resources/troubleshooting/air-conditioners/ac-not-blowing-cold-air/">AC Not Blowing Cold Air</a>

<p><a href="https://www.trane.com/residential/en/resources/troubleshooting/air-conditioners/ac-not-blowing-cold-air/">AC Not Blowing Cold Air</a></p>

<a href="https://test-trane-headless-cms.pantheonsite.io/residential/en/resources/troubleshooting/air-conditioners/ac-not-turning-on/">AC Not Turning On</a>

<p><a href="https://test-trane-headless-cms.pantheonsite.io/residential/en/resources/troubleshooting/air-conditioners/ac-not-turning-on/">AC Not Turning On</a></p>

<a href="https://www.trane.com/residential/en/resources/troubleshooting/air-conditioners/ac-short-cycling/">AC Short Cycling</a>

<p><a href="https://www.trane.com/residential/en/resources/troubleshooting/air-conditioners/ac-short-cycling/">AC Short Cycling</a></p>

<a href="https://www.trane.com/residential/en/resources/troubleshooting/air-conditioners/ac-compressor-not-turning-on/">Central AC Compressor Not Turning On</a>

<p><a href="https://www.trane.com/residential/en/resources/troubleshooting/air-conditioners/ac-compressor-not-turning-on/">Central AC Compressor Not Turning On</a></p>

<a href="https://www.trane.com/residential/en/resources/troubleshooting/air-conditioners/ac-smells-musty/">Air Conditioner Smells Musty</a>

<p><a href="https://www.trane.com/residential/en/resources/troubleshooting/air-conditioners/ac-smells-musty/">Air Conditioner Smells Musty</a></p>

<a href="https://www.trane.com/residential/en/resources/troubleshooting/air-conditioners/how-to-clean-condenser-coils/">How to Clean Condenser Coils</a>

<p><a href="https://www.trane.com/residential/en/resources/troubleshooting/air-conditioners/how-to-clean-condenser-coils/">How to Clean Condenser Coils</a></p>

<a href="https://www.trane.com/residential/en/resources/troubleshooting/air-conditioners/evaporator-coil-is-frozen/">Evaporator Coil Is Frozen</a>

<p><a href="https://www.trane.com/residential/en/resources/troubleshooting/air-conditioners/evaporator-coil-is-frozen/">Evaporator Coil Is Frozen</a></p>

<a href="https://www.trane.com/residential/en/resources/troubleshooting/air-conditioners/how-to-clean-evaporator-coils/">How to Clean Evaporator Coils</a>

<p><a href="https://www.trane.com/residential/en/resources/troubleshooting/air-conditioners/how-to-clean-evaporator-coils/">How to Clean Evaporator Coils</a></p>

<a href="https://www.trane.com/residential/en/resources/troubleshooting/air-conditioners/ac-expansion-valve/">Home AC Expansion Valve</a>

<p><a href="https://www.trane.com/residential/en/resources/troubleshooting/air-conditioners/ac-expansion-valve/">Home AC Expansion Valve</a></p>

<a href="https://www.trane.com/residential/en/resources/troubleshooting/air-conditioners/ac-refrigerant-leak/">AC Refrigerant Leak Detection and Repair</a>

<p><a href="https://www.trane.com/residential/en/resources/troubleshooting/air-conditioners/ac-refrigerant-leak/">AC Refrigerant Leak Detection and Repair</a></p>

<a href="https://www.trane.com/residential/en/resources/troubleshooting/air-conditioners/air-conditioner-filter-replacement/">Air Conditioner Filter Replacement 101</a>

<p><a href="https://www.trane.com/residential/en/resources/troubleshooting/air-conditioners/air-conditioner-filter-replacement/">Air Conditioner Filter Replacement 101</a></p>

acf/bannerbasic

field_624350b93b560

A healthy HVAC system can last longer and save money. Maintain your system with these tips.

Maintenance Tips

Learn more about your product, like its technical specs and innovative technology.