How Much To Put Refrigerant In Ac Unit

Curious about how to put Freon in an Air-conditioning unit? At that place are several things you should know first. In this post, we'll give you lot a detailed await at the procedure as well as precautions you need to accept before attempting to do this.

How To Put Freon In An AC Unit: Commencement Things First

A caution sign representing the importance of safety when learning how to put Freon in an AC unit.

While many people utilise the term "Freon" to broadly describe refrigerants, it's actually the brand name for a specific product, which is also known as HCFC-22 and R-22. As of 2022, the Us Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has banned the production and importation of Freon. As such, you'll take to use recycled Freon going frontwards. By the time America'southward Freon supply has been used upwardly, most homeowners will have naturally switched to air conditioners that employ more modern refrigerants.

The issue with Freon is that it is ozone-depleting, with atmospheric oestrus-trapping effects being 1000 times that of carbon dioxide, per the New York Times. Newer refrigerants have a much lower impact.

What This Ways For You

If y'all've kept up with your air conditioning service, chances are your technician has already moved you away from Freon in one manner or another. Air conditioners produced after 2010 generally use newer refrigerants. Many older ones accept been retrofitted to do the same.

If your unit doesn't fall into either category, chances are that it'southward on the older side and will need to be replaced fairly shortly, either due to a breakdown or the impending Freon shortage. Check out this post to larn about how long air conditioners last, then read this one to get an idea of how much you'll spend on replacing the unit.

If your unit is on its final legs and you need an firsthand replacement, reach out to American Habitation H2o and Air for your new AC Installation In Phoenix, Arizona.

Wait, Why Would You Need To Put Freon In An Ac Unit?

The stipulations nosotros've discussed then far still miss something very important. An air conditioner's refrigerant loop is actually airtight. In non-technical terms, this ways that refrigerant shouldn't always escape unless something's gone wrong. The most common scenario is that you've sprung a leak somewhere, which can really exist quite dangerous for your health and the surround.

Knowing how to put Freon in a habitation AC unit won't do you much good in this scenario if you don't also fix the leak. The Freon will but end up escaping once again and you'll be right dorsum to square one. This is why you should beware any technician that simply recharges your air conditioner without addressing why it needed to be recharged in the first place.

If you find that your refrigerant is escaping because of a leak, achieve out to us at American Home Water and Air. We're one of the best providers of Air-conditioning Repair in Phoenix, AZ, and our team of experts will make sure that any issues with your AC are resolved.

How To Put Freon In An AC Unit

Now that we've gotten a few disclaimers out of the way, let'southward talk over how you can actually go nigh adding Freon in an Ac unit.

Step #i: See If Your Air Conditioner Is Blowing Warm Air

If your air conditioner is blowing warm air, it's very likely that whatever other issues you lot're noticing are the consequence of a refrigerant leak. Address the source of the leak (ordinarily some type of physical harm to your air conditioner) before proceeding. Y'all'll probable demand to call a professional person for this. If you live in Phoenix, Arizona, learn about our HVAC services here.

Step #2: Perform Regular Maintenance Prior To Refilling Your AC

Now's a good fourth dimension to deport thorough maintenance and rectify whatsoever other issues your AC might be experiencing. Check out this mail for an idea of what you should be doing as part of this maintenance.

Stride #iii: Select And Purchase The Right Refrigerant

While this guide is Freon-specific, the term is akin to "Kleenex" being used to describe all tissues. If you are indeed looking to refill your unit with Freon, the trademarked product, you'll have to procure information technology. Note that prices have skyrocketed equally Freon has become much harder to detect. Apply this tool to figure out where you can buy Freon near y'all.

If you're unsure what type of refrigerant your Ac uses, contact a technician or refer to the owner's manual. Common mod refrigerants include:

R12
R410A
R134

Depending on the blazon of refrigerant you need and local regulations, vendors may request certification before selling to you lot. In this case, y'all'll have to become through a licensed visitor.

Step #iv: Gather The Proper Safety Equipment

Freon isn't something yous should exist inhaling or even exposing your skin to. As such, make sure you utilise the following:

Goggles
Gloves
A long-sleeve shirt
A respirator

If you accept a respiratory status or feel unsafe about this, don't risk going through the procedure yourself. HVAC technicians are more than happy to refill your Air conditioning with refrigerant. It's past no ways a pocket-size job that would be a nuisance to them. Just proceed if you're the DIY type prepared to take all the necessary precautions, including any that may exist outlined in the documentation that should come with your refrigerant.

Step #5: Wait For The Right Temperature

Freon will ever move towards the coldest surface area. If the temperature outside is beneath 55 degrees Fahrenheit, the chemical will get "confused" and be more than attracted to the outdoor air than the inside of your air conditioner.

Step #6: Once More than, Consider Seriously Whether Yous're Confident Doing This

While regulations in the United states don't dictate that Freon refilling exist done past a licensed professional, it'south a good thought to rely on someone with some experience. Freon can be mortiferous when handled improperly. While some common sense and following these steps will help keep you safety, accidents happen and yous should only proceed if you're 100% confident.

Pace #7: Add The Refrigerant

Before you lot begin pumping Freon into your AC, shut it off at the breaker and thermostat. And then, do the post-obit:

Hook your refrigerant estimate upwardly to the iii-valve connections on your AC.
- But connect the left and right tubes for now. The center is where you'll be connecting the refrigerant tank.
Wait 15 minutes before switching your Ac back on.
- This will give you enough fourth dimension to go an accurate reading on the gauges.
Hook the refrigerant tank up to the center connection on your AC.
Open the low-pressure valve (typically on the left side) intermittently.
- Doing this will allow periodic bursts of refrigerant to enter your Ac.
- Continue doing this until the depression-force per unit area gauge shows that your AC has reached the optimal subcooling temperature, which should exist identified on a rating plate affixed to your outdoor AC unit of measurement.
Switch the valve off once the desired temperature has been achieved.
Twist the refrigerant container's knob to finish its menstruum of Freon.
Disconnect your hoses and gauge from the AC unit.
Conduct a leak test using a gauge to ensure that your newly-added Freon is not escaping.
- If you don't have a estimate, go far bear upon with your local HVAC company and they tin can send a technician out with ane to conduct the test.

Step #eight: Shop The Remaining Refrigerant Properly

Your tank of refrigerant should come with some instructions for storing it safely. Make sure you lot follow them as these tanks are pressurized and can be dangerous if stored improperly.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does information technology cost to put Freon in an Air conditioning unit?

If you lot're paying a technician to procure Freon for you and then install it in your AC, yous'll spend between $100 and $150. Note that this is getting more and more than expensive due to the fact that Freon is becoming rarer, by design.

How exercise you know if your AC needs Freon?

You should expect for the signs of a refrigerant leak. These include inadequate cooling, hissing sounds, and frozen coils. You don't demand to recharge your Air-conditioning with Freon unless it has a leak. Air conditioners are designed to hold Freon for their unabridged lifespan. Beware companies claiming to offer "recharge" services in absenteeism of checking for these leaks.

Can I buy Freon for my habitation Air conditioning?

Under some circumstances, you as an individual may be able to buy Freon for your residential air conditioner. Depending on local regulations, however, you may demand to provide a certification number. In this case, y'all'll take to work through your local HVAC company to procure Freon.

Is Freon beingness banned?

As of 2022, Freon will no longer be produced or imported into the United States. Those looking to recharge their units will accept to make use of the existing supply until it runs out.

Source: https://americanhomewater.com/how-to-put-freon-in-an-ac-unit/