Air Conditioning and Heating in Arizona: Is a Home AC Freon Leak Dangerous in Extreme Arizona Heat?

In Arizona, dependence on a solid running AC system is not a luxury – it’s a necessity. Among the leading causes of air conditioning system failure is a home AC Freon leak that not only will impact the overall performance of your cooling system; but it can be dangerous for you and your family in the heat of Arizona.

It’s important to understand some of the dangers of having a Freon leak from your cooling system, how to determine if you have a Freon leak and what you can do to get it repaired as quickly as possible – with as little expense as well.

How to tell if you have a Freon leak

Most of the AC systems that are in use in Phoenix and surrounding communities are closed-loop units; meaning the Freon continually circulates through the cooling unit and does not leak. However, occasionally this can occur. There are a few things you can determine that will help you understand if you are experiencing a Freon leak including:

The temperature inside your home is not as cool as it should be

The humidity inside your home is slightly higher than it typically is

Multiple people living inside the home are experiencing headaches or nausea (the inhalation of CFCs can cause these two symptoms)

If you experience a combination of these symptoms, it’s quite possible that a coolant leak exists and a phone call to a professional HVAC repair company in Scottsdale would be the best course of action.

Is a Home AC Freon Leak Dangerous?

There are several refrigerants used in AC systems in Arizona however the most commonly used is known as R-22 or Freon; especially in older systems. The newer models use R410-A refrigerant that is an environmentally safer product. The reason that most refrigerants can be potentially dangerous is that they contain CFCs or chlorofluorocarbons. This type of chemical compound is monitored by the EPA, and must be installed and disposed of in a particular manner to avoid exposure. Intense exposure to CFCs can cause significant respiratory system damage including the onset of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Chronic Bronchitis.

As mentioned above, when people inhale CFCs, some of the most common symptoms can include headaches and nausea. However, when you combine extreme heat and closed windows that are typical in Arizona homes – these symptoms can accelerate rapidly. It’s due to this fact that homeowners should be very proactive about contacting their HVAC repair company in Scottsdale if they have any indication that a Freon leak is happening.

How Should I Fix a Home Air Conditioning Freon Leak?

The easiest answer to this question is that no homeowner should attempt a DIY home AC Freon fix. Only a certified HVAC repair specialist that has completed EPA training on how to properly handle Freon or AC coolants should attempt to diagnose, and repair any leaks. A home AC Freon leak is dangerous if gone unchecked and not fixed can cause a lot of health concerns to homeowners. If you notice the health symptoms above, one thing that any homeowner can do quickly is to make sure the home is well ventilated until the HVAC Repair Company in Scottsdale arrives.

Be proactive when it comes to AC Freon leaks inside your home. By doing so, this will save you a lot of money in utility bills but it can also help you reduce your chances of coming down with potentially life threatening respiratory health conditions.

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Do you have a Freon leak in your AC unit? Work with Scottsdale’s most experienced and professional HVAC companies, Scottsdale Air Heating & Cooling. Proudly serving the valley since 1947! Call 480-359-7141 today!