Is a Freon Leak Dangerous? - Polar Bear Air Conditioning | polarbear.ky
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Is a Freon Leak Dangerous?

Busted AC unit shows air blowing out of damaged coil, indicating a Freon leak.

If your air conditioner is giving you trouble all of a sudden, you might want to check and make sure it’s not the worst-case scenario. We’re talking about Freon leaks, of course. 

Believe it or not, Freon (also known as refrigerant) leaks are more common than you might think! If you’re conscientious about keeping up with regular AC maintenance in Grand Cayman and your system springs a leak, there’s a good chance this can be identified before it causes major damage to your equipment. It’s good to be informed about major air conditioner problems — especially ones that may not have readily available repair parts in Cayman.

Is a Freon leak dangerous? What should you do if you spot a leak in your home? Do refrigerant chemicals cause health symptoms? We’ll answer all these questions and more below.

What Causes AC Refrigerant Leaks?

Most AC breakdowns are caused by age-related wear and tear, and refrigerant leaks are no exception. As your air conditioning system approaches the end of its useful life, the joints, evaporator coil and condenser coil are the first parts of your AC unit to deteriorate. When they become worn down, they develop holes that leak refrigerant.

With that in mind, there is a specific type of corrosion (called formicary corrosion) that causes refrigerant leaks even on relatively new air conditioning systems. Fortunately, most manufacturers have made improvements to the materials in order to prevent these issues. 

Below we share 5 signs of a freon leak. If you notice any of these signs, contact your friendly technicians at Polar Bear, and we may recommend a professional refrigerant leak search to confirm if there is a leak and exactly where it is. Doing so will protect your home from the dangers of freon leaks and empower you with concrete options to solve the problem for good.

5 Common Symptoms of an AC Freon Leak

If you’re like most homeowners, you probably don’t make a habit of checking your outdoor air conditioner daily for signs of low refrigerant levels. When everything is working properly, you shouldn’t have to! But keep these inconspicuous signs in mind, so you know when to check if your AC is leaking refrigerant.

5 Symptoms of a Freon Leak

Long cooling cycles
AC blowing warm air
Strange sounds, like hissing sounds, coming outdoor units
Frozen AC coils
Higher cooling and energy bills

Experiencing any of these symptoms? Call Polar Bear for an AC repair today!

Does Refrigerant Need to be Replaced?

No! Refrigerant does not get “used up” like oil or gas. Unless there is a leak somewhere in your refrigerant lines, Freon should remain intact for the lifetime of your air conditioning system. It also does not have an expiration date, so you never have to worry about replacing it. 

Is a Freon Leak a Major Problem for an Air Conditioner?

We referred to freon leaks as a “worst-case scenario.” You might be wondering why that is. Apart from the potential health risks there are a number of reasons refrigerant leaks are usually major problems.

Firstly, fixing freon leaks properly requires a very specific procedure, as well as replacing all of the original refrigerant! This is a bit like doing surgery on your AC system and can be expensive.

When an air conditioning system runs on low refrigerant levels, it can cause damage to the compressor – the heart of the system – thereby shortening the system’s lifespan. You might have to replace your air conditioning unit sooner than necessary.

It can also cause frozen evaporator coils by reducing the unit’s refrigerant levels and subsequently lowering the evaporator coil’s operating pressure. This pressure drop causes the refrigerant to boil at a temperature much lower than normal, leading to frozen condensation — and ultimately, the formation of ice on the coil’s surface. As ice accumulates, it acts as an insulator, impeding heat exchange. If undetected, the ice can melt and can cause damage to the internal insulation and air handler cabinet.

Lastly, as a consequence of the melting ice in the evaporator coil, fluid buildup in the air handler and ductwork can promote the growth of microorganisms like mold and mildew.

This is why finding refrigerant leaks early is a huge advantage and why preventative air conditioning maintenance in Cayman is so important!

What Are the Health Risks of an AC Freon Leak?

So, is a Freon leak dangerous? This largely depends on several factors:

  • Whether your exposure is long-term or short-term
  • The levels of exposure
  • The type of refrigerant
  • If the solution was ingested or inhaled‌
  • If the solution spilled onto your skin

If your air conditioning system is installed in a well ventilated area, as most units in the Caymans are, you most likely don’t have to worry about developing posioning. However, it’s still important to be aware of the dangers of a refrigerant leak.

Beware of Freon Poisoning!

Freon poisoning occurs from ingesting or inhaling Freon. You might suffer from headaches, coughing, shortness of breath, eye irritation, or skin irritation. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with poison control or a medical professional if you’re showing symptoms of refrigerant poisoning!

Severe symptoms include difficulty breathing, irregular heartbeat, cousciousness seizures, and hypoxia. It’s crucial to emphasize that severe symptoms of refrigerant poisoning are rare and typically occur with direct exposure to high concentrations of refrigerant gases over a long period of time.

Freon doesn’t just cause health problems for humans and our furry friends, but it’s also dangerous for the environment overall. It contains harmful chemicals that deplete the ozone layer, which is why most countries have taken action to phase out R-22 refrigerant. The Environmental Protection Agency has even banned the production of new equipment containing R-22.

Contact Polar Bear for AC Freon Leak Detection and Repair Services

Being aware of the potential dangers of a Freon (refrigerant) leak is crucial for both your health and the environment. Taking proactive steps to maintain your HVAC systems, promptly address any leaks, and ensure proper ventilation can help mitigate these risks.

Now that you understand the dangers of a Freon leak, we bet you’ll never skip another quarterly air conditioning maintenance check. So don’t wait until you need an air conditioner repair — especially if your system is showing any of the following symptoms of a refrigerant leak, such as blowing warm air or taking a long time to cool down. 

When you choose Polar Bear AC, you can trust that our experts will conduct thorough inspections, using advanced leak detection techniques to pinpoint even the smallest leaks that might otherwise go unnoticed. Once identified, we’ll proceed with precision and care to repair the leaks promptly, ensuring that your system operates at peak efficiency and with optimal safety. Our commitment to excellence extends beyond repairs, as we also offer preventive maintenance services to help prevent future leaks and extend the lifespan of your HVAC equipment. With Polar Bear AC by your side, you can enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a comfortable and eco-friendly cooling system.

To restore cool air and peace of mind in your home, contact us today for professional help. We’ll thoroughly check your condenser and evaporator coils using specialized technology and offer you an affordable, long-lasting solution.

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Sheena Bunton
Sheena Bunton
1701528275
Great customer service from Octavia and her work partner, his name slipped me now. They arrived on time and explained all the work they did and even made suggestions to improve my air condition systems and vents going forward.Thank you.
K Woods
K Woods
1699706179
Octavia and Billy were both professional and explained the situations as they continued forth. I would like to keep them on my repair and service team going forward.Kieran was thorough and followed up with the diagnosis and I am waiting for the quotes for equipment and install.
Jack B
Jack B
1699569732
Even though Vic is new to Polar bear and Appliance doctors he showed his many skills and great level of knowledge about the complicated issues I have been facing with a commercial fridge and freezer.The problems were swiftly diagnosed and when new issues arised he quickly tackled them with professionalism and explained everything in a simple way that was easy to understand.Larry also joined and is an exceptionally knowledgeable and experienced, witty guy who was great to work with.Thanks so much for the help!
Polar Bear did an entire system replacement in my home, everything from the consultation with Kieran through to the installation with Jerome, Fabian & Marcelo was handled professionally and they kept me updated daily with what they were doing.I was given some options to choose from and went with a new Bryant system with an Ecobee thermostat and am very happy with the new system and how efficient it is.Thank you Polar Bear for your great service!Scott
Marcia Laudert
Marcia Laudert
1698326646
Everything was top-notch! Octavia and Billy were excellent in explaining and getting the job done. I couldn't have asked for anything more -I'm very happy with my first Polar Bear experience!
Leeron, the technician, was attentive and his work was clean and tidy. The installers, Tony and Natan, were great - very professional, diligent, polite and friendly. They went that extra mile to accommodate our personal circumstances. Kieran, the comfort technician, was very responsive and highly professional. His outstanding customer centered approach through the whole process ensured we were both informed and satisfied at all times. We would recommend Polar Bear to anyone considering a home installation or service maintenance.
Wendy Yeomans
Wendy Yeomans
1695998316
The technician, Romaine, was very professional, knowledgeable and friendly. The only downside was it took 2 days before they could come because they were so busy but when they did arrive, their work was extremely good.
I have just had a totally professional interaction with 5 of Polar Bear Air Conditioning Staff.They were Octavia, Billy, Dwayne, Genome, and Tony.Octavia and Billy are two of their Service Technicians, Dwayne is a Installation consultant ( I think) and Gerome and Tony are Installation Technicians. All of them were professional, courteous, and extremely knowledgeable!I am very pleased with the work they did.
Chris Krohn
Chris Krohn
1693066854
They need more technicians as I waited most of a day to have someone come and service my 2 ACs only to be told they wouldn't make it that day. They did reschedule to a Saturday morning and this time the tech was right on time and did a great job. He was very personable and showed me what was wrong and that it had been corrected. The tech deserves 5 stars but Polar Bear lost one for the wait.
CheChe Br
CheChe Br
1692449962
Roemaine is a very pleasant and professional individual. He was proactive by calling ahead so that I could make arrangements to meet him for this emergency situation. He was punctual, upfront with the diagnosis and costs and explained my options. This made me feel like he was genuinely customer focused. Roemaine and his colleague resolved the issue promptly; big kudos to both of them.
Lynn Kelly
Lynn Kelly
1691623916
My experience was a great one from start with the receptionist, she was very helpful which I greatly appreciated. Overall I was happy with the professional service provided, Pascale was great, arrived on time and took the time to explain everything. Keep up the good work and thank you very much.
Tonie Brown
Tonie Brown
1691278162
These guys did a fantastic job, from start to finish. First the team of two introduced themselves and gave an explanation of what work they were going to do.This was a job well done from the correct size unit for the room to a neat installation and oh they even cleaned up before they left. Thanks again Polar Bear for an excellent job.
Carol Peart
Carol Peart
1690299525
I am so grateful to Polar Bear Air Conditioning. I was smelling a combination of stale cigarette smoke and a wet dog for approximately 2 weeks and then the A/C unit stopped working on a particularly hot Friday night. I called Polar Bear and Mr. Gilbert Smith came out and he would not leave until he got the A/C to start cooling. He gave me his phone number and asked me to call him if it stopped cooling. Mr. Dwayne Ashley called me on Saturday morning and answered all my questions and reassured me that the unit would be fixed ASAP. My initial appointment was set for Tuesday morning but Mr. Dwayne called me on Monday morning to say that there was a cancellation. I had taken my vehicle to be serviced and Mr. Dwayne came to me to get the key to open the apartment. When I returned to the apartment, I was surprised with how well the team had cleaned up. Don't get me wrong, I still swept and mopped the floors, but it looked like what I would regularly do at the end of the week. Mr. Dwayne came by on his way home to collect payment. At the end of the day, I checked all the boxes for Polar Bear and I would highly recommend them to anyone. As a matter of fact, I have already recommended them to two people. Well done Polar Bear and thanks a million.
Romaine was amazing, very professional and responsive.He helped me out on a late friday afternoon and did not leave until my AC was up an running. Amazing, friendly service!The gentleman that he was training was also very professional.
Tyrone and Travis are professional, knowledgeable, honest, hard working and very pleasant to deal with. They came to install new thermostat units in the house and spent time to make sure that everything was set up properly and working with no issues. I highly recommend the 'T&T' team to all new and existing customers at Polar Bear. Thank you again for amazing service! Bibi & Nina
The team from Polar Bear Company came to replace our air conditioning unit, and they did an excellent job. From start to finish, their service was professional and efficient. The technicians arrived on time, well-prepared, and knowledgeable. They handled the installation with expertise, paying attention to detail and ensuring optimal functionality. Not only were they skilled, but they were also friendly and courteous, addressing my questions and concerns with clear explanations. Overall, the Polar Bear Company exceeded my expectations in terms of quality, efficiency, and customer service. I highly recommend their services to anyone in need of AC replacement or related work.
John Thistle
John Thistle
1684359152
I recently had my air conditioning unit installed by Polar Bear Air Conditioning in Cayman Kai. I was very pleased with the service I received. The workmen, Jerome, Tony, and Nathan, were all professional and courteous. They arrived on time and were dressed in their uniforms. They laid out carpeting where they would be walking inside the house to avoid leaving debris or making a mess. They worked clean and kept the space tidy. They were polite and provided me a good understanding of the work they completed as well as showed me all pieces of equipment. They emailed me a jpg image of each piece of equipment's information plate so that I could record it in my home management software, as requested.Here are some specific details about the work they did:They installed 3 new high-efficiency air conditioning units that are much more energy-efficient (26 SEER) than my old units.They cleaned and disinfected the air ducts, as well as replaced previously installed flex ducts with rigid duct work that is superior in efficiency and durability.They installed new filters to help keep the air clean and free of allergens.They explained the operation of the new units to me and answered all of my questions.They cleaned up after themselves and left my home in good condition.I would highly recommend Polar Bear Air Conditioning to anyone in need of air conditioning installation or service. They are a professional and reliable company that provides excellent customer service.
Charles Mobley
Charles Mobley
1682903942
Our ac stopped working a few weeks ago and Polar Bear sent Roemaine and Tyrone to diagnose the problem. Roemaine and Tyrone very quickly identified the problem and communicated with me. It turns out the best option was replacing the condensing unit which Paul quoted within a matter of minutes and they had expert installation team (Tony and Jerome) complete late in the afternoon with short notice. I’m very happy with their work!
lisa jackson
lisa jackson
1682024523
Tony and Jerome were such amazing technicians during my first service with Polar Bear AC! They were diligent and very hardworking while also being extremely careful and considerate with the home during an AC unit dismantlement and full new installation of a downstairs home AC unit. They were very clean and tidy as they worked with protective carpet through the house and cleaned up throughly when the job was done. They were an example of best kind of people who taking pride and care as they completed their work. They did such an excellent job, i couldn't recommend them enough for future jobs!!!!! thank you Tony and Jerome for a job well done.
Dana Parsons
Dana Parsons
1680201826
From booking the appointment, reminder notifications, calls prior to arrival, details of who to expect to the very staff who answer the calls, the service has remained exceptional. Value for money and the quality of work performed has always been at a high standard. Would certainly continue to use their services and recommend them.
jamaal anderson
jamaal anderson
1679694545
Professional, timely, flexible, great customer service.I wish to thank Polar bear for the excellent service provided for ac work at my apartment. I truly impressed with the attention to detail and quality of work. I would happily recommend them to potential clients.
Rebecca Paull
Rebecca Paull
1677531303
Octavia is very professional and it's a pleasure to see her when she comes to work on our AC systems. Polar Bear is extremely responsive to emails and phone calls and they provide a great service.
TQ
TQ
1677086776
I have, over the years been trying to find a reliable, professional A/C maintenance and repair company. I have tried a few. That search is now over after using Polar Bear. Billy and Jerry were absolutely a pleasure to work with. Knowledgeable and professional from the initial diagnosis to the final repair. I highly recommend this company and the team that came to do work on my AC. Tim.
Gill Gordon
Gill Gordon
1674784710
Polar Bear technicians are always very polite, friendly and professional in their service. Each of their technicians that we have dealt with have been great and they are always super responsive to getting someone out. Pictured are Antony and Billy who completed our recent service 👍
Zichri M.
Zichri M.
1672439261
Great work. I received an email and also a call from the dispatcher that the tech would be calling me, and sure enough, the tech (Simon) called shortly after that to let me know he was on his way which was very much appreciated. The customer service from all of the team and updates was spot on, and Simon was very thorough and very knowledgeable. He was also very courteous and professional. I rate Polar Bear as the best company in town. Great work!
Glenroy Miller
Glenroy Miller
1671852461
Tyrone is very knowledgeable and professional, he gave me a step by step update of what he was doing. He also gave advice on how best to protect not only the unit but my family. My wife and I are totally satisfied with the service.
Kyle Roberts
Kyle Roberts
1671835857
Polar Bear's service and response was amazing! Nicole who answered my phone call and scheduled me was extremely friendly, accommodating and knowledgeable! The Technician assigned to me was Simon and he was also extremely friendly and very knowledgeable. Within a minute of looking at my system he knew what the errors and issues were! He was able to fix one of the two problems that day, and then came scheduled and came the following day to fix the remaining issue. He was perfectly on time and the courtesy call before arrival both times before arriving was a welcome touch as it made sure that I was ready.Will continue using polar bear for all my HVAC needs! 5*
Kayla Shibli
Kayla Shibli
1664932191
My experience with Polar Bear has been awesome!!!! From the beginning, the office staff were so professional and kind, then receiving my AC quote, the gentleman has been very prompt in his response time—, the kind of employee that puts customer first and has such a nice and an approachable attitude, very patient in answering my questions and providing guidance as required by me- customer focus completely, then as if that wasn’t enough to convince me to move my AC maintenance and installation to Polar Bear; the technicians that attended to my AC installation provided such excellent service— what stood out was how they used a carpet that was placed on my floor to avoid making any mess on my floor and whatever mess they did make, the technician used their broom to remove it. I know this message is long but I really wanted to express my THANK YOU and appreciation for such excellent customer service that I’ve experienced by Polar Bear — you have won me as a customer!! THANK YOU! Keep up the excellent customer service!!! Looking forward to building a relationship with you as a new customer.
Robert L White
Robert L White
1660564106
Olivia and Demitri very professional , competent and are delightful people! She came by and diagnosed some issues with our AC system . I am reviewing your estimate at this time..I truly enjoyed meeting them. They both real assets to your Company!Rob
Omari Rankine
Omari Rankine
1657429111
I am very pleased with the service that was provided by Polar Bear. I had an issue where the ac was not working at one of my rental properties after hours on a weekend. Rohan came all the way out to East End at 10pm and worked on the issue to get the system back up and running. He was very thorough and explained the issue in detail, and the measures I needed to take to prevent it from reoccurring. Excellent customer service
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