What Does A Freon Leak Smell Like? | Merts Heating & AC

There may not be anything in the world of HVAC maintenance more confusing than the refrigerants used in air conditioners and heat pumps. It has been more than a year now since the ban on the manufacture of R-22 refrigerant went into effect. It was phased out because of the environmental damage it was causing. Before there’s too much celebrating about the ban, it should be remembered R-22 was just the worst of the bunch. Pretty much all refrigerants do some damage to the environment and it’s important to identify and repair all refrigerant leaks.

Defining With Definition

Let’s also clear something up when it comes to the word FreonⓇ. Many use it as a generic term to identify refrigerants, but that’s the same as calling all facial tissues Kleenex. FreonⓇ is a registered brand for products made by a particular company. Using the word in this blog is to use it in its generic sense.

Leaks Can be Hard to Find

Those damaging refrigerant leaks in your Illinois or Northwest Indiana home can be hard to identify. If your air conditioner routinely requires additional refrigerant during HVAC maintenance, it’s a clear indication you have a leak, and a reputable company will fix the leak instead of just adding refrigerant.

You Can Help

It is possible to identify a leak because of the smell. Most refrigerants are described as having a sweet odor, or possibly smelling like chloroform. If you suspect anything, you should call in the experts immediately. Along with damaging the environment, breathing in refrigerants also presents a health risk.

Repair or Replace

Any sort of refrigerant leak will usually mean the homeowner has to answer a tough question: Repair the leak or replace the air conditioner? Repairing the leak can be an expensive job and could be a sign the AC is on its last legs. You might repair one leak only to have another one appear a few months later. If you still have a unit using R-22 refrigerant replacement is almost always the best decision.

Merts is Always Here to Help

Regular HVAC maintenance is the best way to quickly identify and repair refrigerant leaks in your Illinois or Northwest Indiana. Call Merts now and schedule an appointment to make sure your air conditioner is ready for the summer weather ahead. Like and follow us on Facebook and Twitter for more great information like this.