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.
All AC units are designed to keep the refrigerant (Freon) for the life period of the unit which is 15 to 20 years.
Compressor Damage
When an AC unit is low on coolant, the compressor has to work overtime to try to reach the desired temperature. This puts a lot of strain on the compressor, which can lead to costly repairs or even a replacement.
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.
A bubble test is the fastest and easiest method for finding Freon leaks but is more effective on larger leaks than smaller ones. The larger the hole, the more easily the solution will reveal a leak.
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.
Most homeowners will pay in the range of $200 to $400 for a refill, depending on the type and size of their HVAC unit. If you own a larger r22 unit, you may have to spend $600 or more. To break this down for you, a 25lbs unit of r410A costs anything between $100 and $175.
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.
The air from your vents isn't cold. You have abnormally high energy bills. There's ice forming on the refrigerant lines. Bubbling or hissing sounds occur when the AC isn't running.
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.
First, on your unit's condenser coil, locate a rubber cap. It should be covering a copper tube on top of the condenser coil. From here, you can easily see whether there is enough Freon in your AC unit or not.
Refrigerant can leak through even when your AC unit is turned off due to the pressure that it's under, so it's important to get it checked out as soon as possible. Refrigerant leaks can be very dangerous and should never be dealt with on your own.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Sign: Low refrigerant levels. Cause: Undercharging at installation or leaks. Solution: A trained technician should fix leaks, test the repair, and charge the system correctly. Confirm repairs before adding more refrigerant.
Low AC refrigerant can put a strain on the AC compressor, causing it to work under duress. This stress can result in strange noises like grinding or hissing sounds coming from the unit.