A common question we get asked is to describe different smells a homeowner may experience in the home when HVAC system is running. Refrigerant or Freon is a gas at room temperature and a liquid when it is cooled or compressed. Freon gas is colorless, non-flammable and for the most part odorless. Some Freon’s have an ether-like odor and others may describe the smell as a musty or sweet smell similar to that of rotting oranges or chlorine.

If you think you have a refrigerant leak you may be able to hear a hissing or bubbling sound outside at the outdoor unit. If this is the case that means, there is a significant amount of refrigerant leaking and probably a compromised refrigerant line.