As the temperatures rise, the last thing you want is for your air conditioning unit to fail. If you notice that your home isn’t getting as cool as it used to, or if you hear strange noises coming from the AC, it might be time to recharge the refrigerant in your AC system.
First, let’s talk about what recharging an AC unit means. Essentially, it means adding more refrigerant to the system. Refrigerant is the substance that your AC uses to cool the air. Over time, it can leak out or simply become depleted, which means your AC won’t work as well. By recharging the AC, you’re restoring the refrigerant to its proper levels, which should help your unit work more efficiently.
The first step in recharging your AC is to determine whether or not it actually needs to be recharged.
There are a few signs that can indicate low refrigerant levels, including:
- Warm air blowing from the vents
- Reduced airflow from the vents
- Hissing or bubbling sounds coming from the AC unit
- Ice on the evaporator coil
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s a good idea to call in a professional to take a look. They can diagnose the problem and let you know whether a recharge is necessary.
While it may be tempting to try to recharge your AC on your own, it’s a job best left to the professionals. Here’s why:
Safety Concerns: Recharging an AC system involves working with refrigerant, which can be dangerous if you’re not properly trained. Refrigerant can cause frostbite and can be harmful if inhaled. A professional will have the proper equipment and training to handle refrigerant safely.
Complexity: Recharging an AC system can be a complex process, and there are a lot of things that can go wrong. If you don’t have experience with AC systems, you could end up causing damage to your unit or even injuring yourself.
Accuracy: Adding too much or too little refrigerant can be harmful to your AC system. A professional knows exactly how much refrigerant your system needs and can make sure it’s added accurately.
Process: The process of recharging an AC system can vary depending on the type of system you have. A professional will be familiar with the different types of systems and can ensure that the recharge is done correctly.
When you hire a professional to recharge your AC system, you can rest assured that the job will be done safely and accurately.
The process of how to recharge an AC for your home typically involves the following steps:
- Diagnosis: The professional will inspect your AC system to determine if a recharge is necessary. If there’s a leak in your system, simply recharging the refrigerant won’t solve the problem. The leak needs to be sealed in order to get the AC unit working properly again. Depending on the type of leak this may be an extremely difficult task and more leaks may pop up later.
- Recovery: If a recharge is necessary, the professional will recover any remaining refrigerant in your system before adding new refrigerant. This ensures that the new refrigerant is added accurately and that no old refrigerant is left in the system.
- Vacuum: Once the old refrigerant is removed, the professional will use a vacuum pump to remove any air and moisture from your AC system. This ensures that the new refrigerant works effectively.
- Recharge: Finally, the professional will add new refrigerant to your system at the correct pressure and in the right amount.
While recharging the refrigerant can be a quick fix, there are some cases where it may make more sense to replace the entire unit.
Here are some reasons why replacing your air conditioner may be a better option than simply recharging the refrigerant:
- Age: If your air conditioner is more than 10 years old, it may be time to consider replacing it. Even if you recharge the refrigerant, an older unit will still be less efficient and more prone to breakdowns.
- Cost: Recharging the refrigerant can be expensive, and if you have an older unit, you may need to recharge it more frequently and the type of refrigerant needed for your unit may be in short supply. In the long run, it may be more cost-effective to replace the unit rather than constantly recharging it with outdated refrigerant.
- Energy Efficiency: Older air conditioning units are typically less energy-efficient than newer models. By replacing your unit, you can save money on your energy bills over time.
- Environmental Impact: Older air conditioning units use refrigerants that can be harmful to the environment. By replacing your unit with a newer, more efficient model, you can reduce your carbon footprint and help protect the planet.
Cost to Recharge Air Conditioner
The cost to recharge your home air conditioner with freon is extremely variable. It depends on how much refrigerant your unit needs and what type of refrigerant your unit requires. Refrigerant prices from the suppliers themselves are changing daily, but sometimes HVAC companies will be able to provide you with a cost range. If you do not know what type of refrigerant your central AC system uses your technician will be able to tell you after inspecting the unit or will have an educated guess just based on the age of your system.
READ MORE: Cost of Freon for AC
Recharge or Not to Recharge, That is the Question
When deciding whether to replace your air conditioner or recharge the refrigerant, it’s important to consider all of these factors. While recharging the refrigerant can be a quick fix, it may not be the most cost-effective or efficient option in the long run.
Ultimately, the decision to replace your air conditioner will depend on your budget, your energy needs, and your personal preferences. If you’re not sure whether to replace or recharge your air conditioner, it’s always a good idea to consult with a professional HVAC technician. They can help you assess your options and make the best choice for your home and your budget.
READ MORE: When to Fix Freon Leak
