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Your AC is running but the house isn’t getting cool. Or maybe you’ve noticed ice forming on the lines outside. Something’s off, and you’re wondering if it could be a refrigerant leak.
Here’s the thing — refrigerant leaks don’t fix themselves, and they only get worse (and more expensive) with time. I’m Jamie with Waldrop Plumbing Air Electric, and our HVAC team diagnoses and repairs refrigerant leaks across Upstate South Carolina all summer long. Let me walk you through the signs, what causes them, and what you should do.
What Is Refrigerant and Why Does It Matter?
Refrigerant is the chemical compound that circulates through your AC system and actually does the cooling. It absorbs heat from inside your home and releases it outside. Without the right amount of refrigerant (called the “charge”), your system can’t cool properly.
Important: Your AC doesn’t “use up” refrigerant like a car uses gas. It’s a closed loop. If your refrigerant level is low, it means there’s a leak somewhere. Anyone who tells you your system just “needs a top-off” without finding and fixing the leak is putting a Band-Aid on a broken pipe.
The 7 Warning Signs of a Refrigerant Leak
1. Your AC Is Blowing Warm or Lukewarm Air
This is the most obvious sign. If your system is running but the air coming from your vents isn’t cold — or isn’t as cold as it used to be — low refrigerant is one of the most common causes.
Our tech Gage says this is the #1 complaint he sees during Upstate SC summers. The homeowner’s AC has been running all day but the house is sitting at 80°F instead of the 72°F they set. Nine times out of ten, it’s low refrigerant, a failed compressor, or a dirty system. We check refrigerant first because it’s the most likely culprit.
2. Ice or Frost on the Refrigerant Lines or Evaporator Coil
This one seems counterintuitive — if the system is low on refrigerant, why would things freeze? Here’s why: when refrigerant pressure drops too low, the remaining refrigerant gets too cold. It drops below 32°F at the evaporator coil, causing moisture in the air to freeze on contact.
Where to look: Check the copper lines running from your outdoor unit to the indoor unit. If the larger (insulated) line has frost or ice on it, that’s a red flag. You might also see ice on the outdoor unit itself.
Don’t ignore this. Running your AC with a frozen coil can damage the compressor — and compressor replacement is a $2,000-$4,000 repair (or enough to justify replacing the whole system).
3. Higher Than Normal Electric Bills
A system low on refrigerant runs longer and works harder to cool your home, which burns more electricity. If your electric bill jumped 20-30% compared to the same month last year and nothing else has changed (same thermostat setting, same usage), your AC may be struggling.
In Upstate SC, summer electric bills can vary quite a bit with Duke Energy and Laurens Electric rates. But a sudden unexplained spike is worth investigating.
4. Hissing or Bubbling Sounds Near the AC Unit
Refrigerant leaks sometimes produce audible sounds:
- Hissing: Refrigerant gas escaping through a small hole or crack
- Bubbling or gurgling: Refrigerant in liquid form leaking through a larger opening
These sounds are usually most noticeable near the outdoor unit or where refrigerant lines connect. If you hear them, turn off the system and call us.
5. Your AC Runs Constantly Without Reaching the Set Temperature
A healthy AC system cycles — it runs until it reaches your set temperature, shuts off, then kicks back on when the temperature rises. If your system runs non-stop and never reaches the thermostat setting, it may not have enough refrigerant to do the job.
This is especially noticeable during South Carolina heat waves. July and August temps in the 95-100°F range push every system hard, but a properly charged system should still be able to maintain 72-75°F inside. If it can’t, something’s wrong.
6. Humidity Inside the House Is Getting Worse
Your AC doesn’t just cool air — it removes humidity. When refrigerant is low, the evaporator coil can’t absorb as much heat or remove as much moisture. The result: your house feels clammy even when the AC is running.
This is a big deal in Upstate SC where summer humidity regularly exceeds 70%. If your home feels muggy despite the AC running, it could be low refrigerant, a dirty coil, or an oversized system. Chad on our team checks all three during a diagnostic call.
7. The AC Short-Cycles (Turns On and Off Rapidly)
Some systems respond to low refrigerant by short-cycling — turning on for a few minutes, shutting off, then turning right back on. This happens because the system detects abnormal pressures and triggers safety shutoffs. Repeated short-cycling is hard on the compressor and can lead to premature failure.
What Causes Refrigerant Leaks?
Refrigerant doesn’t just disappear. Something causes the leak:
Vibration and wear. Over years of operation, the constant vibration of the compressor and fan can weaken connections and create small leaks at joints and fittings.
Corrosion. This is huge in South Carolina. Our humidity and the presence of formicary acids (from household chemicals and building materials) cause “formicary corrosion” — tiny pinhole leaks in copper tubing that are almost invisible to the naked eye. This is the #1 cause of evaporator coil leaks we see.
Manufacturing defects. Sometimes a factory joint or connection has a flaw that doesn’t show up for years.
Physical damage. Lawn mowers throwing rocks at the outdoor unit, weed eaters hitting refrigerant lines, storm debris — we see this more than you’d think.
Age. Systems over 10 years old are simply more likely to develop leaks as materials fatigue.
What to Do If You Suspect a Refrigerant Leak
Step 1: Turn Off the System
If you see ice, hear hissing, or notice the symptoms above, turn off your AC to prevent further damage (especially compressor damage from running with low charge or a frozen coil).
Step 2: Call a Licensed HVAC Professional
Refrigerant handling requires EPA Section 608 certification. This isn’t a DIY job — it’s illegal for homeowners to purchase or handle refrigerant, and for good reason. Refrigerant is harmful to inhale and damaging to the environment.
Step 3: Get a Proper Diagnosis
A good HVAC tech will:
- Check refrigerant pressure with gauges
- Perform a leak search (electronic leak detector, UV dye, or nitrogen pressure test)
- Find the leak before adding refrigerant — just topping off without finding the leak is throwing money away
At Waldrop, our techs won’t just recharge your system and send you a bill. Blake and the team always look for the source. It might take a bit longer, but it saves you from paying for another recharge in six months.
Step 4: Decide Between Repair and Replace
Once we find the leak, you’ll have options:
Repair the leak ($200–$1,500 depending on location and severity):
- Makes sense for newer systems (under 10 years) with a single leak in an accessible location
- Coil leaks are more expensive to repair than line leaks
Replace the leaking component ($1,500–$4,000 for an evaporator or condenser coil):
- Makes sense when the leak is in the coil itself and the system is 8-12 years old
Replace the system ($5,000–$14,000):
- Makes sense when the system is 12+ years old, uses R-22 (Freon), or has had multiple repairs
R-22 (Freon) vs. R-410A: Why It Matters
If your system was installed before 2010, it likely uses R-22 refrigerant (commonly called “Freon”). R-22 was phased out in 2020 due to ozone depletion, and the remaining supply is extremely expensive — $75-$150+ per pound, compared to $15-$30 per pound for R-410A.
A system that needs 5-6 pounds of R-22 could cost $400-$900 just for the refrigerant, not including labor and leak repair. At that point, our honest recommendation is usually to replace the system. You’ll get a more efficient unit with affordable refrigerant and a warranty.
Newer systems (post-2010) use R-410A, and the newest systems are transitioning to R-454B. Both are more environmentally friendly and more affordable.
Is a Refrigerant Leak Dangerous?
To your health: In the small quantities present in a residential AC system, refrigerant leaks are unlikely to cause serious health effects. However, in enclosed spaces (like a small utility closet), inhaling refrigerant can cause dizziness, nausea, and in extreme cases, cardiac issues. If you smell a sweet, chemical odor near your AC equipment, ventilate the area.
To your system: Yes, very. Running with low refrigerant damages the compressor — the most expensive component in your AC. Catching a leak early can save you thousands in compressor replacement.
To the environment: Refrigerants are potent greenhouse gases. A leak that releases 5 pounds of R-410A has the global warming equivalent of driving your car about 4,000 miles. Proper repair matters.
How to Prevent Refrigerant Leaks
You can’t prevent them entirely, but you can catch them early:
- Annual AC maintenance — A tune-up includes checking refrigerant levels and inspecting for early signs of leaks. Club Wally members get this automatically.
- Keep the outdoor unit clear — 2 feet of clearance on all sides, and be careful with lawn equipment nearby.
- Don’t ignore warning signs — A system that’s “not cooling as well” isn’t just an inconvenience. It’s trying to tell you something.
- Address corrosion early — If your tech notices corrosion on copper components during maintenance, discuss options before it becomes a leak.
FAQ
How much does it cost to fix a refrigerant leak?
In Upstate SC, expect $200-$1,500 for leak repair depending on the location and type. Simple line leaks at connections are on the lower end. Evaporator or condenser coil leaks are more expensive. R-22 systems cost significantly more due to refrigerant prices.
Can I just add more refrigerant without fixing the leak?
You can, but it’s a waste of money. The refrigerant will leak out again — days, weeks, or months later depending on the leak size. You’ll pay for the recharge again, and meanwhile the leak continues to damage your system and the environment.
How do HVAC techs find refrigerant leaks?
Several methods: electronic leak detectors that sense refrigerant gas, UV dye injected into the system that glows under black light, nitrogen pressure tests that pressurize the system and listen for escaping gas, and visual inspection for oil stains (refrigerant oil leaks with the refrigerant).
Is it worth fixing a refrigerant leak on an old AC?
If your system is 12+ years old, uses R-22, or has had previous leak repairs, replacement is usually the better investment. If it’s under 10 years old and the repair is straightforward, fixing the leak makes sense.
How long does refrigerant last in an AC system?
Indefinitely — if there are no leaks. Refrigerant is not consumed during operation. It cycles continuously in a closed system. If your refrigerant level drops, there’s a leak. Period.
Can a refrigerant leak make you sick?
Small residential leaks are unlikely to cause serious illness, but exposure in enclosed spaces can cause headaches, dizziness, and nausea. If you suspect a large leak (strong chemical smell, difficulty breathing near the unit), ventilate the area and call a professional immediately.
Think your AC might have a refrigerant leak? Don’t wait — call Waldrop at (864) 536-0887. Our NATE-certified technicians will find the leak, give you honest options, and get your home cool again.
Prevent problems before they start with Club Wally — our maintenance membership catches refrigerant issues during routine tune-ups, before they turn into emergency calls.
Waldrop Plumbing Air Electric — Y’all call Wally!
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- /services/ac-replacement/ (AC replacement for older systems)
- /club-wally/ (maintenance membership)
- /blog/best-ac-units-south-carolina/ (link once published)
