The truth is that refrigerant doesn't wear out, go bad, or need refills in a leak-free system.
That's because refrigerant simply does not go bad or expire. As long as the cylinder or can is fully sealed (no leaks) and the valve is not open or broken, refrigerant will last in its container indefinitely. If intact, the can/cylinder is a sealed unit and will not deplete or leak refrigerant.
Freon (which is really just a particular brand of refrigerant) lasts forever.
If it takes longer and longer for your home to cool off, it could indicate a problem with refrigerant. Your indoor thermostat might be inching up in temperature and humidity for no explainable reason. Another classic symptom is if your air conditioner doesn't cool well during the day, but catches up in the evening.
OP, refrigerant doesn't expire. If it's low, there's definitely a source where it's leaking from. If you're fine with just topping it off when it gets low that's fine but over time will damage your compressor. If you want it fixed take it to a local trusted mechanic.
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.
This sounds too simple, but, it will feel empty. Shake the can or strike it with your fingernail. If it feels like it's empty, it is.
Unless there is an actual hole or crack within the compressor holding the freon, the freon level remains the same. Therefore, an AC will never require a recharge of freon unless without the presence of a leak.
It is likely that the sweet smell you are noticing is a Freon (for older units) or Puron (for newer AC units) leak. These products have a sweet chloroform smell and when it leaks, it can fill the air with this sweet scent. You should have a professional inspect your air conditioner to determine if this is the cause.
First, check your filters and coils for dirt and debris that may be impeding airflow. Once you've cleaned the filters and coils, run the air conditioner with just the fan so that the ice accumulation can melt off. If the AC still doesn't blow cold air, it could be that refrigerant levels are too low.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires that if flammable refrigerant cylinders are to be stored in an enclosure, the enclosure be secure and ventilated. They cannot be enclosed in confined spaces, containers, or lockers.
As mentioned earlier, Freon costs about $125 – $150 per pound. Most homeowners will pay in the range of $200 to $400 for a refill, depending on the type and size of their HVAC unit.
In general, if the refrigerant is not contaminated it can be recycled and reused. You can typically take the non contaminated refrigerant back to the wholesaler for exchange. If the refrigerant is contaminated, you'll need to send it to a reclamation facility.
What Do Cans' Expiration Dates Really Mean? In general, canned food can last anywhere from one to five years past the date on the can. That's because the printed date doesn't necessarily mean the food's expiration date.
As required by Section 608 of the EPA Clean Air Act, all refrigerant cans are required to have a self-sealing valve which remains closed when the recharge hose is removed.
If the can and valving is intact and undamaged, it will not leak or spoil, so can sit on a shelf for as long as 10 years.
One significant health risk is refrigerant poisoning. Inhaling Freon or other refrigerants, even in small amounts, can lead to headaches, dizziness, and nausea. Exposure to refrigerant fumes can quickly escalate to more severe health issues, such as loss of consciousness and even death.
One of the most overt signs of a Freon leak is a sweetish smell comparable to nail polish remover. This may indicate the general location of the leak and where to begin testing. Oil spots on tubes, joints or near HVAC components may come from the oil in refrigeration coolant which would indicate a leak.
Air it out: Turn off the air conditioner and open the windows and doors to allow fresh air to circulate through the room. Clean the air filter: Remove the air filter and clean it according to the manufacturer's instructions. A dirty air filter can contribute to the odor. Use activated charcoal: Activated charcoal.
The main reason air conditioners lose refrigerant is through leaks in the system. These leaks can appear along the lines or at connection points. However, most homeowners do not inspect their air conditioners regularly, so it is unlikely that they will notice these leaks.
Too little refrigerant also risks freezing the evaporator coil inside your home. The first problem with a frozen coil is the airflow restriction it causes, preventing air from circulating back out. The second problem is the water it creates once the ice melts, risking further damage around your AC.
Air conditioners with significant Freon leaks often release fumes into the air and your home, which can severely impact your indoor air quality. If your home smells like exhaust or chemicals, evacuate your home and contact a professional heating and cooling service immediately.
The truth is that refrigerant doesn't wear out, go bad, or need refills in a leak-free system.
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.