How Toxic Is a Refrigerant Leak?

Key Information You Need to Know

Refrigerant is vital to the performance of your Air Conditioning system circulating through coils to transfer heat and maintain consistent temperature across your building. But when a leak occurs, it doesn’t just affect comfort. It can raise health concerns, drive up energy bills, and expose your business to compliance risks under UK regulations.

At Delta T Cooling, we help facility managers and business owners across the UK handle refrigerant issues safely, efficiently, and in full compliance. Here's what you need to know.

What Is Refrigerant and Why It Matters

Refrigerants like R-410A, R-32, and older types such as R-22 (Freon) are chemical compounds that enable cooling by absorbing and releasing heat under pressure. These substances are essential in chillers, VRF systems, split units, and other commercial HVAC equipment.

But when refrigerant leaks:

• Your system works harder for less output

• Utility costs rise

• Component wear accelerates

• Regulatory exposure increases

Even small leaks can snowball into serious performance and compliance issues.

How Toxic Is a Refrigerant Leak?

While refrigerant isn’t usually lethal, prolonged or concentrated exposure especially in enclosed areas like plant rooms can pose significant risks:

⚠️ Health Hazards

• Inhaling refrigerant vapour may cause dizziness, nausea, headaches, or shortness of breath

• Skin or eye contact with refrigerant can cause cold burns or chemical irritation

  
  

🌍 Environmental & Legal Risks

• Many refrigerants are greenhouse gases with high global warming potential

• Leaks are regulated under UK F-Gas laws, requiring immediate action and certified handling

• Failing to detect or report a leak could lead to financial penalties

  
  

How to Spot a Leak in Your HVAC System

Your engineering or facilities team should look out for these signs:

• Ice or frost forming on pipework or coils

• A hissing or bubbling noise from equipment

• Drop in system pressure or cooling output

• Higher-than-usual energy bills

• Systems running constantly but failing to meet setpoints

Early detection saves time, money, and system wear.

Can You Keep Running a System With a Leak?

You can, but you absolutely shouldn’t.

Operating with low refrigerant:

• Strains compressors and shortens system lifespan

• Lowers efficiency, increasing carbon footprint and costs

• Risks permanent damage, especially during peak demand

It’s far safer and cheaper in the long run to shut down the system and call in certified HVAC engineers.

What To Do If You Suspect a Leak

If a refrigerant leak is suspected:

1. Turn off the affected equipment immediately

2. Ventilate the area, especially if indoors

3. Call Delta T Cooling, our F-Gas certified engineers will detect, isolate, and repair the leak professionally and safely

We also provide scheduled leak checks and ongoing maintenance plans to prevent future issues.

FAQs

Can refrigerant exposure harm staff or maintenance workers?

Yes. Prolonged exposure, especially in tight or poorly ventilated areas, can cause a range of symptoms from lightheadedness and nausea to respiratory distress. Always evacuate and seek medical advice if symptoms occur.

What are my legal responsibilities after a leak?

Under F-Gas regulations, businesses must ensure leak checks are performed regularly and that leaks are repaired quickly by a certified technician. Systems with over 5 tonnes CO₂e must be monitored and logged.

Is a small leak still a big deal?

Yes. Even minor leaks reduce performance and can escalate into larger system failures. They also contribute to environmental harm and may breach compliance standards.

Can refrigerant leaks damage HVAC equipment?

Absolutely. Low refrigerant levels lead to overheating, compressor failure, and reduced efficiency resulting in costly repairs and unplanned downtime.

Need Help With a Suspected Leak?

Refrigerant leaks aren’t just a technical issue—they’re a health, safety, and compliance concern. Whether you’re running a single unit or a multi-system building, trust Delta T Cooling to manage it end-to-end: fast diagnosis, professional repair, and full regulatory support.

📞 Contact us today to schedule leak detection, F-Gas compliance checks, or emergency repair.