Adding freon to AC is easy, mainly if you know all the nitty-gritty. Don’t rush to replace your unit if it isn’t cooling like it used to when it was new. The AC may need a refrigerant freon refill. In an ideal situation, you won’t need to add a refrigerant is never to an AC.
If you have to organize to add freon to your AC, there must have been a leak. As you learn how to add freon to AC, it’s essential to look for the source of the leak and fix it first. Otherwise, you will find yourself refilling again sooner or later.
This article will help you learn how to add freon to AC units, though its important to remember that its a process best left to professionals like Direct Air.
Step By Step Process on How to add Freon in AC Unit Like a Pro
Are you curious about how to add freon to a home AC unit? Here is what to do.
Check On The State Of Air Coming From The Unit and Coils
If the vents are blowing warm or room temperature air, it’s a sign that you should add freon to the unit. The air continues to grow steadily as your unit leaks freon. An issue with refrigerant level is not the only thing that can cause warm air to blow from vents.
A broken thermostat also causes warm air to blow from the vents, except the air temperature will spike. While at it, take a peek at the coils to see if they have frost or ice, indicating a refrigerant leak in the system. Also, check the freon level.
Once the ice melts, it will likely collect on the unit’s floor. If you wait to take care of the refrigerant problem, you’ll have more damage than expected.
Schedule Maintenance Before Adding The Freon
Typically, refrigerant never needs to be added to a well-functioning AC. However, a leak might begin more significant issues in your unit. Have an AC expert examine your unit and fix the leak before you proceed.
Adding Freon to the AC without fixing the leak could damage the unit and is only a temporary solution. The expert will clean specific components in the unit, like the filter and blower wheel. Such activity minimizes the chances of the AC breaking down after a while is essential.
Ensure You Get The Proper Type Of Freon For Your Unit
This part requires your attention as using the wrong type of Freon on your unit can have catastrophic results—for instance, combustion and injury.
Refer to the manufacturer’s guide to know the kind of Freon for your unit. Your choices include R12, R410A, and R134. Also, check the cabinets or the electrical control box for information on the same if you don’t have the manual.
You might find that the refrigerant needs certification before purchase. A technician can offer insight into procuring a refrigerant.
Get All The Necessary Equipment
Freon is highly toxic. Ensure you have safety equipment like thick gloves, goggles, a respirator, and a long sleeve coat. You should avoid carrying out the exercise yourself if you have respiratory issues.
The worst thing that can happen after inhaling freon is sudden death. So rinse thoroughly if the freon comes in contact with your skin. Also, freon is highly flammable.
Add The Freon To Your Unit
After ensuring you have worn all the protective gear, you can go ahead and start adding the freon. The best time for the refill is when the outdoor temperature is above 12.7 degrees Celsius.
At such temperatures, the temperature inside the unit is lower, so the freon will settle there. It tends to seek the coldest area to settle. If you can, consider allowing a trained technician to add the freon since it’s a dangerous procedure. Turn off the AC thermostat and breaker. Attach the refrigerant gauges to the valve connections on the unit. Connect the left and right rubes first. The center tube connects to the refrigerant tank. Give the reading on the gauge 15 minutes to settle, and then switch the ACFAC back on Connect the center tube to the refrigerant tank. Open the valve on the left intermittently. That’s the low-pressure valve. The freon stars enter the AC. Let the refrigerant flow until the low-pressure gauge indicates optimal subcooling temperature in the AC, and then switch off the valve. Twits the freon container to stop the flow into the unit and disconnects the tubes and gauge from the unit Examine the unit for leaks
Once you’ve finished, ensure you store the refrigerant following the manufacturer’s guidelines. The container is pressurized and, therefore, sensitive in terms of storage.
Why Should You Let an Expert Add Freon To AC
Adding freon to your AC unit requires some level of expertise. It’s a harmful substance that could cause more harm than good if mishandled. A trained technician knows the right equipment and procedure for handling freon.
The AC unit might have technical issues which only a trained and experienced professional can fix. Usually, a technician takes care of these issues before adding the freon to prevent future issues with the unit.
Importance Of Adding Freon To AC
A few things could go wrong if your unit runs low on refrigerant. One of those things is that it might damage the unit. In addition, the condensation from the ice on the coils could damage interior unit components.
The other thing is that your unit might consume more energy than it usually does. For example, a unit with low refrigerant works harder than it should. So if you had goals to ensure energy efficiency in your home, your unit would fail.
It’s easy to know how to add freon to AC. However, applying the correct measures to ensure your safety is different. Consider enlisting the service of an experienced technician to do it on your behalf due to the volatile nature of freon.
If you must do it yourself, ensure you have all the protective equipment. It’s also essential to follow the procedure without skipping any step.
