Refrigerant is the lifeblood of your AC system. It is the refrigerant located within the coils of your air conditioner that chills and dehumidifies the air. In theory, the original charge of refrigerant when your air conditioner was installed should last throughout the life of the unit since the liquid is cycled through the system and not actually “used.” Although relatively rare, a refrigerant leak can occur. This not only affects the efficiency and performance of your AC, but it can also be potentially dangerous to the environment as well as animals and humans that come into contact with the substance.