# Refrigerant Huffing: Is It A Problem In Your Neighborhood? Here's What To Do > Refrigerant huffing is a health hazard and potentially deadly. Losing refrigerant is also hard on your A/C system. Here's how to prevent it. ![refrigerant huffing, Boston, Massachusetts](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/air-con-component.jpg "air con component")Refrigerant huffing is a dangerous trend whereby people, primarily teenagers, tap into the refrigerant from your air conditioner to get high. The health hazards associated with refrigerant are many and serious, and besides being potentially deadly, it's also hard on your A/C system to lose refrigerant. ![refrigerant huffing, Boston, Massachusetts](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/air-con-component.jpg "air con component") If your air conditioner [isn't cooling as it should](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/rodenhiser-blog/air-from-the-ac-is-cool-but-not-cold-the-problem.html) or your electric bills have risen, you can safely suspect that refrigerant huffing is the cause. The first step in determining if your pressure is low is to contact an HVAC professional who can measure the system's pressure. The technician will also check for leaks in the coils and connections, and if none are present, it's likely you're a victim of this dangerous practice. The best way to protect your air conditioner is to have the technician install a locking safety cap on the valve of the outdoor condenser. With a locking cap in place, not only will you be protecting your A/C, you may be saving someone's life. In the worst-case scenarios, if someone is huffing the refrigerant directly in your yard and you startle them, the adrenaline the body releases can cause immediate heart failure if refrigerant is in the bloodstream. Unless medical help is immediate, the abuser can die. Other side effects include long-term heart, lung and brain damage. Your air conditioner also suffers. The compressor experiences more [wear and tear when the refrigerant is low](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/rodenhiser-blog/home-air-conditioner-maintenance-airflow-refrigerant-optimized.html), and your electric bills increase. When enough gas has been lost, your A/C will quit altogether. If your system uses R-22, or Freon, which the majority of cooling systems do, it's a good idea to have an HVAC technician install the safety lock right away, since the price of R-22 is going to increase in the near future. If you'd like more information about refrigerant huffing, contact [Rodenhiser Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning](http://rodenhiser.com/call-rodenhiser.html). We've provided HVAC services for the Route 495/128 area of Massachusetts for more than 80 years. ***Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about air conditioners* ***and other HVAC topics, download our free [Home Comfort Solutions Guide](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/download-the-home-comfort-solutions-guide.html).***** ## Navigation - [Rodenhiser Home Services](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/) - [Rodenhiser Plumbing Services](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/plumber-framingham.html) - [Rodenhiser Heating Services](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/furnace-framingham.html) - [Rodenhiser Cooling Services](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/air-conditioning-framingham.html) - [Rodenhiser Electrical Services](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/framingham-electricians.html) - [Rodenhiser Home Services: Book Online](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/call-rodenhiser/book-online.html) - [Rodenhiser Remodeling Services](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/remodels/bathroom-remodeling-framingham.html) - [Rodenhiser Home Services: Reviews](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/rodenhiser-heating.html) ## Company information - Rodenhiser Home Services - [https://bc.rodenhiser.com](https://bc.rodenhiser.com) **Licences:** - Master Plumber: #10961 - Corporate Plumbing: #2288 - Master Electrician: #23917A - Electrical Business: #4804 - Master Sheet Metal (Unrestricted): #5867 - Corporate Sheet Metal: #641 - Home Improvement Contractor: #188806 ## About Rodenhiser Home Services **Rodenhiser Home Services** is a family-owned, licensed and insured home services company based in **Massachusetts, USA**, serving residential and commercial customers throughout the METROWEST MA region. Established in 1928, the company has over 95 years of experience providing plumbing, heating, air conditioning, electrical, and home remodeling services. Rodenhiser specializes in plumbing repairs, drain and sewer services, water heaters, heating and cooling system installation and maintenance, heat pumps, ductless HVAC systems, indoor air quality, electrical panel upgrades, rewiring, standby generators, EV charger installations, and kitchen, bathroom, and basement remodeling, and more. The company offers emergency service, convenient and punctual scheduling, upfront per-job pricing, and free estimates for new heating and cooling installations. All work is backed by written warranties and a satisfaction guarantee. Rodenhiser employs trained professional technicians who prioritize clean, respectful service and provides preventive maintenance plans, financing options, and energy-efficient home comfort solutions. 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