When your A/C system does not cool the cabin properly, it might be time to recharge the system. Refrigerant is the liquid that runs through your A/C system, cooling down as it flows, ultimately converting hot air into cool air. Without this liquid, your air conditioner won’t be able to do its job.
If you notice it’s taking too long to cool down the cabin, an inspection or A/C recharge may be necessary. Ask your service advisor to have your A/C recharged when there is a significant change in the quality of air, or when there’s just no cold air coming out of the vents.
Without enough refrigerant in the system, your A/C won’t be able to create cool air in the summer and might not be able to defrost in the winter. Because your A/C is a closed system, a lack of refrigerant is a big sign that something else is wrong. If ignored long enough, you might not realize the whole system is failing.
From a safety standpoint there is little risk, but the air in the cabin can become uncomfortable. From an environmental point of view, there is significant impact. Leaking refrigerant is poisonous and could be ingested by children, pets or other animals.