Most systems need Freon replacement anywhere from once every two to five years from a professional HVAC Contractor. The most significant exception to this rule is when there is a leak in the air conditioning system, which decreases the amount of refrigerant in an AC unit over time.
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.
Home air conditioning systems normally have a Freon scale located on the outside of the unit or just inside the front cover. Read the scale to determine the level of Freon in your air conditioner. If the Freon level is low, it means your air conditioner is leaking.
While the refrigerant in your vehicle can escape even without a leak, it's often not enough to cause significant issues unless you've failed to top up the refrigerant for years. When the lack of refrigerant becomes significant though, it can cause a number of problems, including an overheating driver in the summer sun.
Under EPA regulations, only a certified professional can recharge your home's HVAC 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.
Generally speaking, a properly maintained air conditioner can expect its refrigerant to last around 10-15 years or longer—depending on usage frequency and environmental wear and tear. To ensure your refrigerant lasts as long as possible, regular maintenance is key.
Adding Freon to an AC unit is not a typical DIY project. It requires working with a dangerous chemical, a pressurized tank, and intricate equipment. Any part of the process going wrong can permanently damage your AC unit or cause injury to yourself. Contact a local HVAC professional for this type of service.
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.
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.
Check the thermostat
You should check if it's been set to the correct temperature and also make sure it's set to “cool”. If the AC settings are not right, it won't turn on. You can also check if the batteries in the thermostat are fresh and replace them if needed.
The average cost of an AC recharge is $300. Typically, homeowners pay between $200 and $500, depending on several factors, including the AC type, size, and age, the cost of refrigerant, and more.
If there's not enough freon, it won't engage and you won't hear that click. Another more serious symptom of low freon levels is a visible sign of a refrigerant leak. You can tell that it's freon if it looks like thin grease in liquid state.
Freon is a brand name of air conditioning refrigerant trademarked by DuPont. So you definitely have refrigerant in your air conditioner, but you may or may not have the brand Freon. However, Freon has become synonymous with the word “refrigerant” similar to how the brand name “Kleenex” is synonymous with “tissues”.
You might feel warm air flowing through the vents, or you might notice that your AC is weaker than it used to be. If air flow seems fine, but the air coming up isn't cool, then you likely have a refrigerant problem.
If you put the newer freon in right away, your unit will rupture due to the force. However, you can convert your AC unit to handle R410A. You'll need to replace the compressor, condenser, evaporator, and likely the refrigerant tubing. If you replace all of this, your old unit will work fine with the new freon.
Common Causes of an Air Conditioner Blowing Warm or Hot Air
These can be due to clogging issues, electrical problems, low refrigerant, evaporator coil malfunctions, or compressor problems. If you've ever had the ac system in your car stop functioning, it's often due to a refrigerant leak or dirty coil.
If you're low on refrigerant, you should notice that your air conditioner runs constantly, struggling to reach your temperature setting—or it may never reach it at all. On very hot days, you may even feel lukewarm air coming out your supply vents. Sure, summer electric bills are usually high.
Refrigerant and Freon are gases that are both colorless and odorless. Refrigerant leaks cause damage to the ozone layer. Correct temperature issues at the first signs of a problem. Leaking refrigerant is not harmful to humans.