If you have noticed a puddle forming under your indoor unit or an unusual hiss coming from the condenser, you are likely asking yourself: “Can I still use my aircon if it is leaking?”
The answer depends entirely on what is leaking. An air conditioner can suffer from two distinct types of leaks: a water leak (which is common and relatively harmless) or a refrigerant/gas leak (which is hazardous to your health and the environment).
Here is how to tell the difference, and the dangers associated with continuing to run a damaged system.
1. Water Leaks: Annoying, But Not Toxic
If clear, odorless water is dripping from your indoor aircon unit, you are experiencing a water leak. This is almost always caused by a choked drainage pipe, a dirty air filter, or a rusted drain pan.
Can I still use it? Yes, running an aircon leaking water will not poison you or immediately destroy the unit. However, you should turn it off to prevent severe water damage to your walls, flooring, and electrical wiring. A standard chemical wash usually clears the blockage.
2. Refrigerant (Gas) Leaks: The Real Danger
Unlike water, an air conditioner’s coolant operates in a closed loop. If the level of coolant has gone down, it means there is a physical hole in the capillary tube or evaporative coil. This often happens when tubes rub against each other over time, or the seal around the Schrader valve deteriorates.
Whether your older unit uses Freon (R22) or a newer model uses R410A, these are chemical refrigerants (CFCs or similar compounds). Leaking refrigerant is highly dangerous for several reasons:
Health Hazards & Toxicity
If the coolant evaporates into a gas and leaks into your house, it is harmful to the occupants. Short periods of inhalation can cause dizziness, increased heart rate, nausea, and loss of coordination. Prolonged exposure in an enclosed, unventilated room is much more severe, potentially resulting in shortness of breath, unconsciousness, or even asphyxiation in extreme cases. Furthermore, because refrigerants absorb heat rapidly, direct physical contact with the escaping gas can cause severe frostbite.
Permanent Damage to Your Air Conditioner
If you continue using your air conditioning unit despite a gas leak, you put immense, undue pressure on the compressor. The compressor will overheat trying to cool the room without enough gas, which can irreversibly damage the device. Even if it is repairable, the costs of a compressor replacement are so high that you will likely regret not fixing the leak earlier. Additionally, running a leaking unit forces it to consume 20% more electricity for every 10% loss of refrigerant.
Environmental & Soil Penetration
CFCs and older refrigerants are controlled substances. If they leak into the outdoors, they penetrate deep into the soil and pollute underground water sources, as they do not gel well with soil. This groundwater can become unfit for use and harms local plant and animal life.
What To Do If You Suspect a Leak
Discontinue using your air conditioning equipment immediately if you suspect a gas leak (look for ice on the pipes, warm air blowing, or a hissing sound). Do not try to fix a gas leak yourself. Handling refrigerants requires specialized licensing. Call a certified technician to locate and seal the source of the leak, and safely top up the gas.
Frequently Asked Questions About Aircon Leaks
Can I still use my aircon if it is leaking water?
Yes, but it is not recommended. It won’t hurt the aircon itself or your health, but continuous dripping will cause severe water damage to your property. A simple chemical wash usually fixes this.
Is an aircon gas leak dangerous?
Yes. Inhaling CFC refrigerants can cause nausea, dizziness, and loss of coordination. Mechanically, it forces your compressor to work overtime, resulting in irreversible hardware damage and skyrocketing electricity bills.
Can an AC gas leak cause death?
In extreme cases, yes. Refrigerant displaces oxygen, meaning a massive leak in a tightly sealed, unventilated room can lead to asphyxiation. Fortunately, domestic split-units rarely hold enough gas to be instantly fatal, but any suspected leak must be addressed by a professional immediately.
Don’t Ignore The Leak
Whether it is water dripping on your floor or a dangerous gas hissing from the pipes, our technicians can fix it today.
BOOK LEAK REPAIR NOW