The Dangers of Refrigerant Leaks

Refrigerants are substances that can quickly convert a gas to a liquid and vice versa. While they change between states, refrigerants release or absorb heat. It is this reason that makes them perfect for use in vapour compression systems such as air conditioners and refrigerators. But while refrigerants may be necessary to cool and heat your home, refrigerant leaks and refrigerant exposure can pose a serious threat to you and your loved ones.  

The Human Body and Exposure to Refrigerants

Refrigerant leaks can occurs when there is an underlying issue within your HVAC system. Refrigerant exposure can cause a variety of adverse symptoms in humans, and can even be fatal in serious cases.

Symptoms of severe refrigerant poisoning include:

– Irregular heartbeat

– Decreased mental status

– Loss of consciousness

– Seizures

– Bleeding or fluid buildup in the lungs

– Labored, severe breathing

Symptoms of mild refrigerant exposure include:

– Nausea

– Vomiting

– Headache

– Irritation of the throat, ears and eyes

– Cough

– Chemical burn on the skin

– Frostbite

Upon noticing these symptoms, whether mild or severe, it is important to consult a medical professional for treatment. Following treatment, you should immediately call an HVAC professional to fix the issue.

Refrigerant Leaks and Your HVAC System

Apart from health and environmental issues, refrigerant leaks can damage your air conditioning system too. After a leak, low refrigerant levels can put excessive pressure on the compressor within your HVAC system. This can cause damage to almost every other part of your device. The damages caused can be very costly and can impede the efficiency of your system as well.

Call the Professionals at Quick Servant to Detect any Refrigerant Leak

If you suspect your HVAC system has a refrigerant leak, take prompt action. Since refrigerant leaks can be dangerous, don’t put you or your loved ones at risk by taking care of this issue yourself. The professionals at Quick Servant will recover the seeped gases and repair any leak fast. Give us a call at (888) 238-4133 to learn more, or schedule an appointment online.