Signs of a Refrigerant Leak
Unlike a water leak or a burst pipe, a refrigerant leak is often invisible and slow. Refrigerant doesn't get 'used up' during normal operation, it's a sealed system, so any drop in level means gas has escaped somewhere along the pipework, at a joint, or from a component such as the coil itself.
Because F-Gas refrigerants are also relevant to environmental regulations, finding and properly repairing a leak, rather than simply topping the system back up, is both the legally correct approach and the only way to actually solve the problem rather than pay for the same top-up again next year.
Signs worth paying attention to
- Cooling performance that's gradually worsened over weeks or months rather than failed suddenly
- Ice or frost forming on the indoor coil or the pipework outside
- A hissing or bubbling sound from the unit, particularly around pipework joints
- Oily residue around pipe connections or the outdoor unit, since refrigerant oil often leaks alongside the gas
- A running time that's noticeably longer than it used to be for the same cooling result
What you can look for safely
You can visually inspect accessible pipework and the outdoor unit for oily staining or obvious damage, such as pipe insulation that's split or been chewed by wildlife. Beyond a visual check, though, there's genuinely nothing safe or legal for a homeowner to do here, since finding and confirming a leak needs electronic detection equipment, and handling the gas itself requires F-Gas certification.
Why topping up alone doesn't fix it
Adding refrigerant to a system with an unrepaired leak buys a temporary improvement at best. The gas will leak out again at the same rate, meaning the same call-out cost repeats every year or so, and in the meantime the system is running with an out-of-spec charge that puts extra strain on the compressor.
How we find and fix a leak
We use electronic leak detectors and, where needed, UV dye introduced into the system, to physically locate the leak point rather than guessing. Once found, we repair the joint or component, pressure test the repair, then evacuate the system with a vacuum pump before recharging with the correct refrigerant to the manufacturer's specified weight.
Reducing the risk of leaks
- Have pipework insulation checked annually, since exposed copper is more prone to developing pinhole leaks
- Avoid pressure-washing or strimming near outdoor units and pipework where damage can go unnoticed
- Book annual servicing so small leaks are caught by pressure readings before they cause a noticeable performance drop
FAQs
Common questions
Is refrigerant gas dangerous to breathe?
Modern refrigerants are generally low toxicity in small amounts, but leaks should still be professionally handled, particularly in poorly ventilated plant rooms.
How much does it cost to repair a refrigerant leak?
This depends entirely on where the leak is and how accessible it is, from a simple joint reseal to more involved pipework replacement. We'll always quote after finding the leak, not before.
Is it illegal to top up refrigerant without finding the leak?
F-Gas regulations require leaks above certain thresholds to be repaired rather than just topped up repeatedly, and engineers are obliged to follow this.
How long does leak detection take?
It varies with system complexity and pipe run length, from under an hour on a simple domestic split to considerably longer on multi-unit commercial systems.
Keep reading
More from our knowledge base
Fault & symptom guides
Cold Room Not Holding Temperature
A cold room that won't hold its set temperature puts stock at risk quickly, and the cause is usually one of a short, predictable list.
Fault & symptom guides
Cellar Cooling Running Too Warm
A cellar running a few degrees warmer than it should can be enough to affect beer quality and cause cask issues well before anyone notices a total system failure.
Cost & process guides
How Much Does It Cost to Run Air Conditioning?
Modern inverter systems are far cheaper to run than older units — here's what affects your electricity bill.
Talk it through with an engineer.
No call centre — you speak to Ted directly.