Still, one of the most common symptoms of low freon in central air conditioners is a longer-than-usual cooling time. If you notice that your unit is taking a particularly long time to cool down your home, this is one of the telltale signs that your freon may need to be replenished.
Steps to Check Refrigerant Levels
Turn off the air conditioner and locate the service valves. Attach the manifold gauge set to the service valves. Turn on the air conditioner and observe the pressure readings, which should be between 30-40 PSI for most systems (though some may require higher or lower pressures).
A low level of refrigerant is normally the result of leaks within the air conditioning system, which usually originate from a fitting, faulty valve or the evaporator coil itself. Since the chemical blend typically evaporates as it leaks out, any dripping will hardly be noticeable.
If the unit has lost Freon, it has a leak, and recharging is not a cure. Maintaining clean components within AC units is crucial to prevent refrigerant issues. Diagnosing leaks early with refrigerant leak detection and hiring licensed professionals for repairs can save costs and ensure proper functioning.
Most ACs nowadays come shipped from the manufacturer with the exact amount of refrigerant that it will need for the duration of its life. So, unlike a car, your AC won't ever need to “fill up” on refrigerant unless something goes wrong with the system.
To find more challenging leaks, use a refrigerant leak detector. These tools have electronic sensors that detect the presence of Freon or other refrigerants. Turn on the detector. Hold the nozzle or probe of the detector to the top of the refrigerant line.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
If you need refrigerant for your air conditioner, you'll need to contact a professional heating and cooling technician. Under EPA regulations, only a certified professional can recharge your home's HVAC system. You should never try to recharge the A/C yourself, even if you have a home air conditioner recharging kit.
Keep an eye out for signs AC is low on freon, such as if your home takes longer to cool and the vents aren't blowing as much cool air. This, along with unusual sounds or ice on the refrigerant line, could signal low AC refrigerant levels.
If you simply need a top off of refrigerant, you can expect to pay anywhere from $160-$375. If you need a repair for the leak itself, you can anticipate a higher bill. For refrigerant leak detection and air conditioning repair you may pay anywhere from $550 to $1,600.
Freon will go in the refrigerant lines near the back of your AC unit. Look for small ports with caps on a thin copper line—the Freon goes into those ports.
If your refrigerator is unable to keep food cold, you may conclude that the refrigerator needs additional Freon. However, it is highly unlikely that there would be a shortage of Freon because the refrigerator maintains a continuous supply unless there is a leak in one of its components.
How much does it cost to recharge refrigerant? Most homeowners will pay in the range of $200 to $400 for a refill, depending on the type and size of their refrigerator unit. If you own a larger Subzero fridge, you may have to spend $500 or more.