Turn it off if iced
Ice on the lines means the system is struggling. Let it thaw with the system off.
AC losing cooling from a refrigerant leak?
An AC does not use up refrigerant. If it is low, it is leaking. Signs are cooling that slowly gets worse, ice on the lines, or a hissing sound. Call 833-877-1717. RepairNowUSA connects the request. An EPA-certified independent HVAC technician finds and repairs the leak.
Am I in the right place?Yes for cooling that keeps getting weaker, ice on the refrigerant lines or indoor coil, or a technician saying the system is low.
Is this urgent?More urgent in hot weather or if the system has stopped cooling. If anyone shows signs of heat illness, such as confusion, dizziness, nausea, or hot dry skin, call 911 and move them somewhere cool.
What do I do next?Turn the AC off if there is ice, then call 833-877-1717.
Ice on the unit: frozen AC unit. Indoor coil leaks: evaporator coil repair.
RepairNowUSA editorial review · Last substantively reviewed October 13, 2026 · Review standards
What to do
Do not just top it off
Adding refrigerant without fixing the leak only delays the next failure.
Note the history
When was it last charged? How quickly did cooling drop?
Refrigerant requires certified handling
Refrigerant can cause frostbite on contact and must be handled by EPA-certified technicians. Do not use do-it-yourself recharge kits on a home or commercial system.
Where refrigerant leaks
Evaporator coil
Corrosion in the indoor coil. See evaporator coil.
Condenser coil
Outdoor coil damage or corrosion.
Line set and fittings
Connections and copper lines between units.
Service valves
Worn valve cores and caps.
What to have ready when you call
- Property ZIP code, home or business
- How cooling has changed over time
- Any ice or hissing
- Previous refrigerant charges
- System age and refrigerant type, if known
- Indoor temperature
What happens when you call RepairNowUSA
- Describe what is happening in plain words and give the property ZIP code. You do not need to know which trade to ask for.
- RepairNowUSA checks for a participating independent provider who handles refrigerant leak detection and repair in that area.
- If one is available, you are connected. The provider confirms timing, access, scope and price with you before any work.
- The provider, not RepairNowUSA, diagnoses and performs the repair.
RepairNowUSA is a referral and connection service. Provider availability and response times vary by location, time and demand, and are not guaranteed. Before you approve work, ask what was found, the price, the timing and what is not included.
Call 833-877-1717Refrigerant leak questions
Does an AC need refrigerant refills?
No. A properly working system keeps the same charge. Low refrigerant means there is a leak.
Can I add refrigerant myself?
No. Refrigerant work requires EPA certification, and the leak needs to be found and repaired.
Can I call at night?
Yes. You can call 833-877-1717 at any time, including nights, weekends and holidays. Whether an independent provider can come out right away depends on your ZIP code, the time and provider capacity, so availability is not guaranteed.
Is a refrigerant leak dangerous?
Mostly a performance and equipment problem. Ventilate and leave the area if a large leak occurs in a small room.
Authoritative references
These public sources give general safety context. They do not replace an on-site evaluation, and RepairNowUSA does not perform the work.