So, here's the deal: yes, your car's air-conditioning can, “run out,” of Freon™, but it may not be in the way you think. Freon is contained within your vehicle's AC system, as in completely confined within, so Freon's loss isn't through consumption but through leaks that eventually develop within hoses and connections.
No. Freon is a VERY stable molecule and won't break down over time. The only way it can escape from a cooling system is via a leak of some sort.
If you own a brand new vehicle your refrigerant gas will last 3-5 years without you running into any major issues as long as you maintain a yearly car aircon service such as a 24-point diagnosis and Performance Check.
No. Freon is a VERY stable molecule and won't break down over time. The only way it can escape from a cooling system is via a leak of some sort.
Many times, this is caused by a Freon leak due to a failed O-ring, seal or hose. Discovering these leaks early is important. Typically, early detection allows for the failing component to be repaired, and your air conditioner will be back to normal.
Recharging your car's air conditioning system every two years is an easy and cost-effective way to keep the cooling power at its highest. While it may be tempting to buy refrigerant from a parts store and try doing it yourself, take caution not to overfill the system as this can cause more harm than good.
It's important to note that low refrigerant levels don't always mean a leak. We often receive calls at Watkins Heating & Cooling from customers with low Freon who had their HVAC system installed by other companies.
Refrigerant is a working chemical that runs through your car's A/C system in either a gaseous or liquid form. Causes of refrigerant leaks in your vehicle include physical damage, wear and tear over time, and escaping refrigerant even without a leak.
One of the most obvious signs that your vehicle needs a Freon recharge is that your vehicle will be blowing warm air, even after your vehicle has been running for some time. If your refrigerant gets too low, there will simply not be enough “coolant” to cool the air as it is passed through your evaporator coil.
Under normal operation and proper installation conditions, your AC unit should never lose refrigerant. So, you should never need to add more to it. That said, if you have a refrigerant leak, you will need to hire an HVAC contractor to fix it and recharge the system to proper refrigerant levels.
An AC leak will lead to warmer air from your vents over time. In most cases this can be fixed with a proven stop leak additive to seal up any leaks. When it's time for an AC recharge, turn to AutoZone.
A professional AC recharge typically ranges from $150 to $300. This cost reflects the expertise required and the equipment used to ensure a proper recharge. On the other hand, a DIY recharge kit costs between $40 and $60. While this is a more affordable option, it requires careful handling to avoid issues.
Unlike oil changes, you should not need to change or refill your vehicle's AC freon. While trivial amounts of freon can be naturally lost over time, your air conditioner is a sealed system designed to keep freon recirculating—often for the full lifespan of your vehicle.
The actual leak repair depends on the component that's leaking. A simple O-ring can cost just a few dollars plus labour, but a new air conditioning line or condenser can cost hundreds of dollars. All-in, you can expect to pay $150 to $1,000 or more for a leak repair.
One of the only problems that affects your unused AC is a buildup of dust in your system or an accumulation of debris outside.
Another more serious symptom of low Freon levels is visible leaking. If you notice a leak, you will know it's Freon if it appears as a 'thin' greasy substance. These leaks often appear under the hood around the compressor, inside the cabin, or leaking under your vehicle.
So, here's the deal: yes, your car's air-conditioning can, “run out,” of Freon™, but it may not be in the way you think. Freon is contained within your vehicle's AC system, as in completely confined within, so Freon's loss isn't through consumption but through leaks that eventually develop within hoses and connections.
An AC recharge is the process of adding refrigerant to your car's air conditioning system. Most auto manufacturers suggest getting an AC recharge every two years – at least for older vehicles that use the refrigerant Freon.
Refrigerant can leak slowly from your car's air conditioning system over time, but recharging your car's air conditioning system so it once again blows cold air is an easy DIY task and takes just about 15 minutes.
The truth is that refrigerant doesn't wear out, go bad, or need refills in a leak-free system. Our cars need oil changes every now and then because the oil gets dirty and breaks down over time, but refrigerant doesn't work that way.
Risk to Your Compressor
The compressor is a critical component of your system, tasked with compressing the refrigerant to raise the pressure. When there's not enough refrigerant, it's like a water pump sucking air rather than water, eventually burning out the pump.
Theoretically, Freon can last forever. It is not burned up like fuel. When an air conditioning system is in top shape, the refrigerant will be continually recycled within a closed system, to cool your home. However, as the AC tubing ages and wears out, it tends to develop leaks in the system.
So, what happens if you do just add refrigerant to a leaking AC system, or don't get it fixed once the leak is reported? The EPA will fine you. There is no way to sugarcoat this. The fine can be as high as $37,500 per day.
Normally, this occurs at the location of the evaporator coil, but is not the only place a leak can stem from. If you lose enough freon from your HVAC system, your air conditioner won't work and will need servicing.
🚨 Is it safe to drive a car with a freon leak? 🤔🚨 No, it's not safe. Over time, the components of the AC system can become worn and damaged, leading to freon leaks.