HVACs need refrigerant to produce cool and hot air. If the refrigerant level happens to be low, your HVAC will struggle to perform at its optimum. Even though the task of refilling Freon is done by air conditioning repair services, you can do it on your own as well. Let’s discuss!

Step 1: Check If Your HVAC Is Giving Out Warm Air

The first thing you need to do is check the performance of the unit. If you have adjusted the setting to ‘cool’ and the unit is blowing hot air, it means the refrigerant level is low. Refrigerant leaks occur after years of usage or if something has seriously wrong. Therefore, if you find it leaking, you will need to address the issue first before you can refill it.

Furthermore, now is also a good time to perform regular maintenance of your HVAC unit. Keep in mind that HVACs need regular maintenance depending on the type and model. You will need to check and clean the air filter, refrigerant level, accumulation of dust and dirt, etc.

Step 2: Choose The Right Refrigerant

Once you are done fixing the leakage, it is time to refill your HVAC unit with Freon. Remember, Freon is banned in some parts of the world and newer units do not use Freon as a refrigerant. Therefore, you will need to procure it. Plus, the prices have skyrocketed since Freon has become too hard to find.

Typically, HVAC units use R12, R410A, or R13. To make sure that you are using the right refrigerant type, you will need to consult the manual. And then again, since Freon is being phased out, the seller might ask you for some type of certification to comply with the state rules & regulations.

Step 3: Gather The Proper Safety Equipment

Freon is not something you should either be inhaling or exposing your skin to. This is why, you should wear safety equipment such as gloves, goggles, a respirator, etc. And if you are suffering from respiratory issues, you should find a professional for refiling the refrigerant.

Step 4: Wait For The Right Temperature

Next, you should wait for the right temperature. If the temperature outside is below 55 degrees Fahrenheit, Freon will become “confused” and will be more attracted to the outdoor air than the inside of the air conditioner.

In addition to that, if you are planning to refill Freon yourself, you should wear safety equipment. The regulations in the United States do not highlight the fact that Freon should only be filled by a licensed professional but if you are not confident about it, better hire an expert for the task. Freon can be a deadly gas and can lead to several health issues.

Step 5: Add the Refrigerant

Before refilling freon, turn off your HVAC, thermostats, and the circuit breaker. Then, hook the refrigerator gauge with the three-valve connections on your AC. Connect the tubes except the center one. Wait for 15 minutes before turning the AC on. Then, connect the pipe from the refrigerant tank to the center connection of the HVAC unit.

Open the low-pressure valve, intermittently. Keep going until you see that the low-pressure gauge is showing optimal subcooling temperature. Once the desired temperature is reached, shut off the valve and disconnect the hoses and gauge. Conduct a leak test and make sure the newly added Freon is not escaping.

How Regularly Should I Get Freon Filled?

Even though it is rare that HVACs leak refrigerant but that does not mean it is impossible. Usually, leaks occur when there is a crack or damage somewhere in the unit. In such cases, you will need to fix the issue first, and refilling the refrigerant won’t help as it will continue escaping.

This is why it is important that you regularly inspect your HVAC unit and identify any AC leakages. Considering the prices and difficulty in finding Freon nowadays, you should make sure your unit is in perfect working condition.

If the unit does not have any leaks, you will hardly need refilling in years to come. However, if the case is otherwise, you will need to refill it almost every week.

Final Word

Freon is a dangerous and expensive gas. You can refill your HVAC unit with Freon but will need to be extra careful. And if you are not aware of the basics, consult HVAC repair services Vienna who will perform the task with fewer risks attached.