Where does refrigerant go when it leaks?

When refrigerant escapes from a leaking residential air conditioning system, refrigerator, or vehicle loop, it vents directly out into the surrounding environment as a pressurized gas. Because modern refrigerants like R-410A and R-134a are volatile gases at room temperature, they instantly vaporize upon escaping into the atmosphere. In outdoor automotive leaks, the gas disperses immediately into open ambient air. In indoor residential leaks, because refrigerant gases are significantly heavier than air, they tend to settle briefly near the floor in low-lying, unventilated spaces if a large volume is released in a confined room. However, standard room air currents, ceiling fans, and opening doors or windows will quickly dilute and clear any lingering vapors outdoors. You can troubleshoot by ventilating spaces thoroughly. You can verify that the area is safe when gas detectors register zero concentration.