At 12 years old, it could probably be due for a servicing as seals wear out. Air Conditioner Maintenance Tips. We had planned a service to our old unit but found that is was beyond that from previous owner neglect.Matt the hvac technician was very honest about it..(read more), 3 HVAC Repairs That Need Your Immediate Attention, A hissing or bubbling sound coming from the refrigerant lines. Compressed air or a wet-dry vacuum works well to remove sludge and dirt from the drain line. Amazing! If you buy an item through the links on this site, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Get rid of it, then give the condenser coils a good cleaning even if they look new. Recharging Is Left to Professionals. Good job. That will expose the inside of the fins. Wait for warmer weather instead. Spray them with water from the inside to remove hidden dirt. In fact, if your system uses Freon (a brand of R-22 refrigerant), you can expect to pay anywhere from $75 to over $100 per pound of refrigerant (a 2-ton AC … We have used One Call Heating and Air and so has another family member. This failure comes from quick wear and excessive heat buildup. You’re planning to replace the unit, so there’s no need to sink your money. If your refrigerator fails to keep food cold, you may think that the unit needs more Freon. Find out more about air conditioning installation, replacing and repairing service at nosweatexperts.com. So you should never need to recharge your air conditioner with more Freon—unless there’s a leak. It’s this change in pressure that allows the system to create cool air that’s circulated throughout the vehicle’s cabin. I telephoned Mr Sparky for electrical work who i was also extremely pleased with and the two companies are actually one. The air conditioner in your home serves a vital purpose by keeping you and your family healthy and comfortable. This will save the cost of locating the leak. Before any work, disconnect power at the breaker box at the unit or in the house. Cars used to use Freon as a refrigerant, but it's no longer allowed to be made in the U.S., so modern cars use R-134 instead. However, an air conditioner that is 14+ years old and its condensing coils need to be replaced…that seems to utilize a lot of money – Refrigerant is, after all, expensive. Hi Eamon, How often you need to refill largely depends on how often the system runs. 1 0. I am forever grateful for the thoughtful and accommodating service I received from this local company. When your AC unit’s operation is back to normal, it’s good to perform regular preventative maintenance to keep it working its best. Your technician is obligated by Federal law to find and repair any leaks instead of simply adding more refrigerant as needed. Anonymous. If you have had your air conditioner for twelve or more years and the tech suggests you add a new Freon, give yourself some time to think about it. I called other places and they could not come for 2-3 days. I have averaged over $200 a month savings on my electric bill. Your AC or heat pump system needs a specific amount of freon (the refrigerant that makes it cool) in order to operate properly. Freon is the trademarked name for a liquid refrigerant used in refrigerators as well as air conditioners, heat pumps and other appliances used in heating and cooling. No matter if it’s a woodworking tool or gardening tool or anything else, I don’t compromise the quality and usability. Clean the condensate drain or evaporator drain. An A/C system is a closed system, and if there are no problems, coolant is not consumed by the vehicle, nor does it escape. If you can, remove the condenser fan. Add 15 minutes more for charging. Related Reading: Air Conditioner Maintenance Tips The leak is likely slow, and recharging the unit can get you through the summer. How long does it take to add Freon to AC? It’s worth checking because when you’re troubleshooting, everything gets checked regardless if it seems like there is a remote chance of that component causing the problem. Gene, who provided me a quote, new that our system was not working and got a tech, Andrew, out within an hour. Gene directed me in the right direction of what was needed for our home. By the way it can take up to 1/2 hour to charge a system If your system is very low when you start putting in freon the compressor may not start turning until a sensor sees you have a predefined minimum amount of freon. Had to replace 25 year old system! While you’re in the troubleshooting mood, let’s keep going. Let the furnace run briefly, then lower the temperature to around sixty degrees. However, leaks in AC systems are fairly common and typically occur at a pressure point and in locations that leave the piping vulnerable. Freon is the brand name of a type of air-conditioning refrigerant gas manufactured by DuPont Chemicals. It is against the law in the U.S. for anyone not authorized to buy or use ozone-depleting CFC or HCFC refrigerants. Charge the system with the can upright position. If your air conditioner is blowing warm air, it’s … Most window units do not have a port installed so that you can add freon. After the summer we had I was amazed at the saving with all the high temps experienced. The best indicator that you need to recharge the refrigerant is when the system begins to cool less than it used to, but before it stops cooling completely. Have you checked for any leaks in the system? Freon leak detection takes 1 to 4 hours, depending on the leak size and location. Look up for the coils, might not have had maintenance. FramingNailersGuide is reader-supported. But here’s the really bad news: Refrigerant is expensive. One Call Heating and Air came the same day! Source(s): 25 yr HVAC service tech. FramingNailersGuide is reader-supported. It is wise to take a note of the volume of freon added. After the AC unit has run for about thirty minutes, go outside and look closely at the condenser unit. So all that refrigerant that you just paid for will eventually leak right back out of the system. Just like the air conditioning in your home uses freon to cool air, so does your automotive A/C system. If you now have a normal flow of cool air, you found the problem for now. Stop reading other reviews and call them:). The answer: Never. Your central air conditioning unit moves a lot of air in and through the vent and the air filter. You won’t get an accurate reading on the refrigerant gauges until the AC … After a good cleaning, it’s time to check for more reasons for the loss of cooling. Note. The reason being that refrigerant seeks out cold temperatures so if the weather outside is too cold the freon will seep toward the outer unit and it won’t behave properly. The refrigerant was probably pumped into the outside unit. Continue this process until the pressure reading falls within your target range. A clogged evaporator drain, similar to what you find in the freezer section of your refrigerator, may overflow and trip an alarm via a float designed to shut down the unit when high-water is present. But how often does a central air conditioner need charging with refrigerant anyway? Then, how much does it cost to add Freon? Over time, dirt, dust, grass clippings, leaves, and other debris collect near the unit. If you notice the fins of the condenser bent or folded over, carefully straighten them. The leak might indicate that all or most of the Freon leaked out over time, which is why the unit won’t cool anymore. If you attempt to perform some steps but realize you shouldn’t continue, feel free to contact a professional. Alternately, you could add a small fence around the unit. Freon flows through the coils and cooled by the massive fan sitting on top of the unit. Turn the AC unit back on and wait about 15 minutes. There are a number of indicators that the freon levels are lower than they should be, and if you detect any of them it is a sign that you need to add freon to the AC’s system. Without the cooling effect, Freon can’t travel and make it to the evaporator generally located inside the house. Once the leak is located, make sure the technician uses the DV dye. Generally, about 1 or 2 pounds of refrigerant should be enough to top off one AC unit. A properly maintained air conditioning unit doesn’t ever need Freon added unless a leak develops or damage to the unit occurs that requires a total recharge of the system. Check the fuse panel to be assured if the circuit is supplying electricity to the outside AC unit. After you turn the AC back on, the unit will need to run for several minutes so that it can stabilize itself. If for any reason, you feel you should add Freon, maybe you’re experiencing a cooling loss somewhere, and your natural inclination is to add Freon. There’s no way to know what caused the leak, only to say that a technician can find it and take measures to repair the leak. The time-honored practice of simply topping off your A/C with a can or two of refrigerant every spring is no longer acceptable. Then I founded this blog to aid others like you with my knowledge and experience. Very professional, friendly and punctual! Based in Canton, our local AC repair team proudly serve customers in Marietta and throughout the greater Atlanta area. Greg’s and Gene’s team did a great job and in a very timely manner. The evaporator is the source of cold air, and it won’t function properly when it gets dirty. You need to be aware that if your air conditioning unit uses the CFC type of refrigerant, you will need a licensed AC technician to recharge the system in the United States. Do you really want to put that much amount into your current system when you still likely need the whole new system!? Set the temp to its highest setting, at least eighty-five degrees. With no vents and no means to evaporate outside its confines, the chemical should last the lifetime of the unit. Technician must examine the whole system: Now that you know that your refrigerant’s level is low, you need to make sure the technician fixes the refrigerant coils before recharging your system, for that will, eventually, leak the fluid right back out of the system. You have a Freon leak that requires a licensed, EPA-certified technician to repair the unit. How Often Does Freon Need To Be Added To Home AC? The drain empties through a plastic pipe near the condenser unit outside of the home. The cost is luckily not extreme, nor should your Freon need to be replaced on a regular basis. Air conditioner maintenance includes an inspection of the interior and exterior areas of your unit. I very recently had my hvac system replaced in the condo we just purchased and was lucky enough to find Gene Pardee and One Call. I was pregnant and our AC unit went out in August (100 degree weather). I’m a meticulous guy who loves to deal with the perfect tools for various needs. A central AC unit is a sealed air conditioning system that the Freon within the system tubing, evaporator, and condenser coils continuously travels through the components in this closed system. Use a soft brush and carefully remove the dirt and dust buildup. You can expect to pay anywhere from $75 to $170 per pound of refrigerant (2-ton AC needs over 5 pounds of refrigerant). If you see ice or frost built up anywhere, that’s a bad sign. Sometimes a simple reset does the trick, but not often. There are few things you need to consider before deciding if you want a refill or you want a new refrigerant. Some, but not all blowers (near the evaporator), have a filter that requires replacement every six months, depending on where you live. You’ll need to look for anything that’s blocking the airflow in and around the condenser unit. How Often Does An Air Conditioner Need R-22 or R-410a? Or you may already may need to add freon to your system every year. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. A properly maintained air conditioning unit doesn’t ever need Freon added unless a leak develops or damage to the unit occurs that requires a total recharge of the system. But make sure you leave at least 2 feet of space free around the AC so it can cool your home properly. And, yes, again, the answer is you might never need to add a new refrigerant. How To Add Freon To A Home AC Unit. Here is everything you need to know about recharging your AC unit. Check and tighten the connections, then reapply power. Freon, contained in a closed loop inside the AC system, is added when the unit is brought online. Usually when a professional refills the Freon, he will also check to make sure the system is functioning properly. Use electric motor oil if the bearings of the motor are accessible. My name is John Patterson. Which means in a short time, you’ll be calling the tech to refill your AC. Copyright © 2021 FramingNailersGuide| All rights reserved. Since 2010 I’ve been testing different tools for different DIY and professional tasks. After turning the unit on, give it about 10 minutes to stabilize and check for cool air from the vents in your home. It’s always good to maintain and service your air conditioner regularly to keep it running its best. You already know several steps, but all are listed here. There’s no service or maintenance schedule here – you don’t need to recharge your air conditioning system every year, or even every two years. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE them! It’s always good to maintain and service your air conditioner regularly to keep it running its best. Once again, consider fixing the leak if you’re not planning to change the unit because technicians charge for both locating and fixing the leak, and the price depends on where the leak is located. If I could give this company more than five stars just based on service I would. If your thermostat is old and outdated, it could easily be the cause of your cooling problems. Later in 2015, I decided to share my knowledge with the world. It takes 5 to 10 minutes to refill one pound of Freon, and AC units need 2 to 4 pounds of refrigerant per ton. Clean the condenser unit and the surrounding area. When you think you have added a sufficient quantity of freon, allow the system to settle for a few minutes. We also purchased their service plan in conjunction with Mister Sparky (electrical) that is a great deal. And he’ll just keep taking your money every time. He is someone you can trust. If you can, remove the cover and check the connections. There could be disconnected or broken return air ducts which are pulling in unconditioned air. Ice or frost on your AC. It’s best to disconnect power to the thermostat to prevent an unpleasant surprise and protect it. They have a quick response time and provide professional work at a reasonable price. The following steps require access to the evaporator inside the home. If a vent is blocked or an air filter can’t breathe, the cooling will dramatically decrease. The larger copper tube leading to the compressor is the low presure side (and the smaller tube is the high pressure side). Learn more, Last Updated on February 28, 2021 by John Patterson. The compressor pressurizes the freon, turning it from a gas into a liquid. This is a frequently asked question by most homeowners from professional HVAC technicians. I started by answering people in the forums and several Q/A sites like Quora. You may notice very little air flow (if the indoor coil is frozen), or you may see ice built up on your outdoor unit in the middle of summer. You might be correct, but there are several areas to check before blaming a lack of Freon for cooling issues. Adding new Freon to your air conditioner is something that can only be done by a professional. Clogged coils block the cold air from the fan and will cause a drop in cooling efficiency. Probably never! But if warm or room-temperature air is coming out of your vents, … Get professional AC maintenance once a year Once the A/C works good again, you should not have to add any more Freon for about 5 years minimum. A new filter designed for your unit could be the least expensive repair yet. Recharging your AC without fixing the leak. How often does Freon need to be replaced in car? Air conditioner units are durable and should last for years under regular use. Confirm that the furnace turns off, and the AC unit starts up and begins to cool. If you spot ice or frost anywhere on your AC, it could be a sign that your … It could cost you $1000, or even more, depending upon the size of your AC. The technician will probably follow the steps: We know replacing the refrigerant instead of fixing leaks seems quite extreme. Why are AC Recharges Important? So keep your pooch away. When Does an Air Conditioner Need Freon or Puron? I HIGHLY recommend One Call Heating and Air for all your AC & Heating needs. You should know that finding and fixing the Freon leakage can be expensive, so you may not want to consider it if the following are true: However, recommend having the technician put in UV dye in order to locate any leakage that occurs in the future. How Often Do You Need to Add Freon to a Central Air Conditioning Unit? We recommend an annual tune-up of your system. The best way to avoid these scenarios is to have the refrigerant in your air conditioner charged at least once a year. Plus, the new refrigerant is better for the environment as well. There, you will see Freon connections near the bottom, coming from the compressor. We recharge refrigerant according to the type of system you have. But don’t fall into the trap of “you need a new refrigerant” by some random technician too quickly. Related Reading: If you believe that your refrigerant is leaking, then give the pros at Premier Indoor Comfort Systems LLC a call as soon as possible at (770) 749-7667. During peak summer, when the AC runs for the most part of the day, homeowners often worry if their machine is running low on Freon. Most vehicles don't need refrigerant to be added more than every few years unless there's a leak somewhere in the system. Step 4. 1 decade ago. This company is the best!! If you have a leak as well, you'll have to refill it more often. If that filter is clogged and there are remnants of dust piles everywhere inside, thoroughly vacuum the area and replace the filter. Their purpose is to cool a home using Freon that lasts indefinitely. With a yearly A/C tune-up each spring and regular filter changes, your A/C should function properly and keep your home cool and comfortable all summer long. See If Your Air Conditioner Is Blowing Warm Air. July 14, 2015 To most people, it seems like common sense that their air conditioner’s refrigerant would need to be recharged every once in a while, and people often jump to the conclusion that a low charge is to blame for air conditioner maintenance issues. If the warm air continues, you still have more work to find the source of the problem. Thanks again and you all are amazing! In the long run, upgrading to a system that uses R-410A refrigerant may be a better choice. It should never need charging unless: There’s a refrigerant leak (the usual suspect) The air conditioner was installed incorrectly; Someone is stealing it to get high (aptly called refrigerant huffers) We’ll explain why in this article. Air conditioning units need regular cleaning, especially the outside condenser unit. For between $100 and $150, you can get a refill which should last for many years. If it’s at or below 55°F (12.7°C) you should NOT add any freon to your AC. The AC compressor in your car is working hard to compressor refrigerant, often R-134a, in order to allow that refrigerant later to expand and create the cooling effect used to cool the cabin of your vehicle. Hire a local Raleigh Heating and Air Conditioning repair company so they can send a qualified HVAC service technician to your home, check your … Hi there! The car’s AC system won’t be able to maintain temperatures as low as it normally would if the levels of freon are low. A first step in troubleshooting a cooling problem is a visual check for something distinctly wrong. Highly Recommend! Other brands of R-22 refrigerant gas are made by other manufacturers. If you have to add Freon more often than once a year, you have a leak in the system that will need to be repaired by a technician. Replacing Freon is something that is highly regulated by the government and requires very strict guidelines due to exposure risks.You can get certified with an EPA Section 609 certification, but you will also need to have the right equipment. Clean and lube the condenser fan bearings (the massive fan on top of the unit). The more it runs, the more often you will have to refill it. If your air conditioning unit is older, it probably uses Freon. Gene is warm & wonderful to work with and all the technicians (especially Jason) are friendly, honest and willing to take the time to explain things on a non-technical level. The short answer to this question is a resounding, never. As in that case, you need to recharge the refrigerant stat for optimized cooling. If you buy an item through the links on this site, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Add Freon. Spray type, no-touch cleaners work well, but be sure to brush away the dirt before starting. I highly recommend them. Great service, great people, great prices. As temperatures start to rise, so will the need for your AC unit, make sure it is in top shape and ready to go. Test the system. Yet, here’s a scenario we hear about way too often: AC isn’t blowing cold air; Some air conditioning tech says you need Freon; You pay to put 1-2 pounds in your system (this is called “charging” your AC unit) AC works for the summer Air conditioners don’t regularly need more refrigerant added because refrigerant runs in a closed system.In other words, refrigerant can’t escape the system.. Refrigerant is housed inside closed copper coils that run in a giant loop throughout the AC unit. Unit should NEVER need added freon unless there is a problem!ALSO, the coil inside does not need to be disconnected when replacing only the furnace! Normal wear and tear, damage, or a Freon leak will signal the system’s time to troubleshoot. Clean the evaporator. This is because it cannot be removed without the assistance of a qualified mechanic. The owner has been in the business for years and is local. Having issues with your air conditioner blowing hot air could be a problem with the compressor/outside unit.