Refrigerant Leak? Protect Your AC and Indoor Air Quality
Low refrigerant is not just an inconvenience — it jeopardizes your compressor, comfort, and energy bills. Learn how to spot leaks, what repairs cost, and when it is time to replace aging R-22 systems.
Serving Portland, Beaverton, Tigard, Oregon City, and surrounding neighborhoods since 2008.
Owner & Lead HVAC Technician
Quick Answer
Suspect a Leak? Take These Steps Now
Refrigerant leaks require prompt action to prevent compressor damage and moisture issues. Follow this checklist before our technicians arrive so we can complete repairs efficiently and protect your home.
Turn the thermostat to OFF and set the fan to ON to thaw any ice and protect the compressor.
Inspect refrigerant lines for frost or oily residue — a sign of leaks.
Check air filters and replace if dirty to maximize airflow during diagnostics.
Avoid attempting DIY refrigerant charging; it requires EPA certification and precise tools.
Call Efficiency Heating & Cooling for professional leak detection, repair, and recharge.
Where AC Refrigerant Leaks Happen
Refrigerant circuits are sealed systems, so leaks indicate a failure that must be corrected. Portland’s damp climate and older housing stock present unique leak patterns. Review the major leak zones below and how we address them.
Indoor Evaporator Coil (Most Common)
Evaporator coils often develop pinhole leaks due to formicary corrosion, especially in Portland homes with high indoor humidity or chemical vapors from cleaning products.
- •Symptoms: Ice on the coil, sweet or ether-like odor, oily residue on insulation.
- •Repair options: Coil replacement ($1,200-$2,500) or system replacement if the equipment uses phased-out R-22 refrigerant.
Outdoor Condenser Coil
Corrosion from coastal air or lawn fertilizers can eat through condenser tubing, leaking refrigerant outdoors.
- •Look for oily spots on fins or bubbling noises during operation.
- •Repair involves brazing or replacing coil sections when accessible.
Refrigerant Line Set
Lines running through crawlspaces and walls can rub against supports or be punctured during renovations.
- •We perform pressure tests and use electronic sniffers to locate punctures.
- •Line set replacement costs $600-$1,500 depending on length and access.
Service Valves and Schrader Cores
Leaking valves at the outdoor unit are quick to repair but lead to substantial loss over time if overlooked.
- •Technicians tighten or replace cores, evacuate, and recharge the system.
- •Adding valve caps with O-rings provides extra protection.
Brazed Joints and Factory Connections
Improper brazing or vibration loosens joints. This is more common on older systems or after major repairs.
- •We inspect joints with leak detector solution and re-braze using nitrogen purge to prevent oxidation.
What Happens If You Ignore a Leak?
- Reduced cooling capacity and longer run times, increasing utility bills.
- Higher indoor humidity leading to mold growth and comfort issues.
- Ice formation on the evaporator coil that can flood the furnace once thawed.
- Compressor overheating due to loss of refrigerant returning for cooling.
- Environmental harm — releasing refrigerant is illegal and damages the atmosphere.
Federal law prohibits knowingly venting refrigerant. Our EPA-certified technicians recover refrigerant safely and file paperwork required for major repairs.
When to Consider Full System Replacement
Leaks in older, inefficient systems are an opportunity to upgrade to modern, eco-friendly equipment. We provide transparent cost comparisons so you can choose what is best for your home.
Repair Makes Sense If:
- •Equipment is under 10 years old and uses R-410A or newer refrigerant.
- •Leak is accessible and isolated (e.g., valve or minor line set spot).
- •Repair cost is less than 35% of system replacement.
- •Overall system condition is strong with proper maintenance history.
Replace the System If:
- •System uses discontinued R-22 refrigerant.
- •Evaporator or condenser coil has widespread corrosion.
- •Compressor is approaching end-of-life or operating loudly.
- •You want higher efficiency, better humidity control, and new warranties.
Refrigerant Leak FAQs
Restore Cooling Performance Today
From minor valve leaks to full coil replacements, Efficiency Heating & Cooling gets your AC back on track with precise repairs and transparent pricing. Call now to reclaim comfortable indoor temperatures.