What to do if refrigerant is low?

Discovering low refrigerant levels in your cooling equipment requires a cautious, methodical approach to prevent equipment damage and environmental contamination. First, turn off the cooling system immediately at your thermostat or vehicle dash control to protect the compressor from overheating due to a lack of circulating refrigerant and oil lubrication. Second, avoid blindly dumping DIY aerosol cans of refrigerant into the system without diagnosing the root cause, because automotive and home AC loops are sealed systems where low levels always indicate a physical leak or rupture. Third, contact a licensed HVAC technician or automotive mechanic to perform professional pressure testing, electronic leak detection, or UV dye injection. Fourth, have the leak repaired and the system properly evacuated and recharged. You can verify that the issue is resolved when stable cooling pressures and cold air return.