Air Conditioner Needs “Freon”?

Signs That Your HVAC System is Low on Refrigerant

If your air conditioner is not cooling effectively, it might simply need more refrigerant (commonly referred to as “Freon,” although that’s a specific brand name).

Note: Currently, the most popular refrigerant used in home HVAC systems is R-410A, also known by its trade name “Puron.” R-410A is a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerant that became widely adopted in residential air conditioning systems as a replacement for older refrigerants like R-22 (Freon), which was phased out due to its potential to harm the ozone layer.

Here are some signs that your air conditioner might be low on refrigerant:

• Poor Cooling Performance: The most obvious sign is that your air conditioner is no longer cooling effectively as it used to. You might notice the air coming out of the vents isn’t as cold as it should be.
• Longer Cooling Cycles: If your air conditioner runs for longer periods of time but doesn’t seem to achieve the set temperature on the thermostat, it could be because of low refrigerant level.
• Frequent On-and-Off Cycling: If your air conditioner is cycling on and off frequently without adequately cooling the room, this could also be a sign of low refrigerant.
• Ice Buildup: If you notice ice forming on the coils or refrigerant lines of your outside unit of the air conditioner, it’s a clear sign of low refrigerant levels.
• Hissing or Bubbling Noises: If you hear hissing or bubbling noises coming from the refrigerant lines or the air handler, it could indicate a refrigerant leak, which would lead to reduced levels of refrigerant in the system.
• Higher Energy Bills: A sudden and significant increase in your power bill could suggest your air conditioner is struggling to cool efficiently due to low refrigerant levels.
• Inconsistent Airflow: If you notice uneven cooling in different parts of your home or certain rooms are warmer than others, it could be a sign of low refrigerant.

While these signs could indicate your system being low on refrigerant, they could be caused by other problems.

Can I Add Refrigerant Myself?

It’s always a good idea to have a qualified HVAC technician inspect and diagnose the issue. Trying to add refrigerant yourself without training and the right equipment could cause further damage or even a dangerous situation.

• Refrigerants are chemicals that can be harmful to your health if mishandled. They can cause skin and eye irritation, and in some cases, direct exposure can lead to frostbite. Inhaling refrigerant vapors can be dangerous and even fatal in high concentrations.
• Some older refrigerants, like R-22 (Freon), are known to contribute to ozone depletion, while some newer ones, like R-410A, have a lower impact on the ozone layer but can still contribute to climate change. Mishandling refrigerants or releasing them into the environment can have negative consequences on the environment.
• Adding too much or too little refrigerant can lead to problems with your system’s performance. If the levels are not balanced correctly, it can cause inefficient cooling, increased energy consumption, and even damage to the compressor and other components.
• In many places, handling and working with refrigerants legally requires a license or certification. HVAC professionals undergo training and certification to ensure they have the knowledge and skills to work with refrigerants safely and effectively.
• If your air conditioning system is still under warranty, attempting to perform DIY repairs or maintenance, including adding refrigerant, could void the warranty. Manufacturers typically require professional servicing to maintain warranty coverage.

What Does it Cost to Add Refrigerant?

The cost of adding refrigerant can vary based on several factors, such as the type of refrigerant, the amount needed, the location, and the HVAC contractor you choose. Keep in mind that simply adding refrigerant to a system without addressing the underlying issue causing the refrigerant loss is not a long-term solution and may result in ongoing problems.

The cost for adding refrigerant could range anywhere from $100 to $500 or more, depending on the factors mentioned above. Of course, this cost can increase if there are other issues that need to be addressed, such as refrigerant leaks, or other needed repairs.

It’s usually more cost-effective to have a professional HVAC technician diagnose the underlying issue.

What is The Underlying Issue for the Low Refrigerant Level?

Low refrigerant levels in an air conditioning system are most often caused by leaks in the system.

• Leaky Connections or Joints: Over time, the connections and joints in an air conditioning system can develop small leaks due to vibrations, wear and tear, or poor installation. These leaks can allow refrigerant to escape from the system, leading to a gradual decrease in refrigerant levels.
• Corrosion or Erosion: The components of an air conditioning system, including coils and refrigerant lines, can be exposed to environmental factors that cause corrosion or erosion. For example, exposure to moisture and chemicals can lead to deterioration of these components, creating openings through which refrigerant can leak.
• Component Damage: Physical damage to components such as coils, tubing, or valves can result in refrigerant leaks. This damage can be caused by accidental impacts, weather events, or improper maintenance procedures.

Remember, low refrigerant levels are a symptom of a larger issue: a refrigerant leak. Simply adding more refrigerant without addressing the leak is not the best solution, since you’ll just be chasing this problem until the leak is fixed. HVAC technicians are trained to diagnose and repair and ensuring that your system operates efficiently and effectively while minimizing the environmental impact. If you think your refrigerant level is low and/or your air conditioning system has a leak, contact a qualified HVAC technician to inspect and repair the issue.