When the summer season reaches its peak temperature, there’s nothing more refreshing than stepping inside a nice, cool, crisp home. However, if your air conditioner is blowing warm air or malfunctioning in any other way, there could be various reasons as to why.

Whether you need to change your air filter or there is a problem with your connection, you should not avoid any problems with your AC unit. One solution that is often overlooked when dealing with a faulty air conditioner is replacing the Freon.

Freon, also known as refrigerant, is what causes your air conditioner to turn warm air into cool air. When your unit is low on Freon, it needs to be replaced in a timely manner to avoid damage to your system and discomfort in your home. It’s important to learn how to tell if your AC needs Freon so you can avoid any problems and maintain a cool and comfortable living space.

Signs of Low Freon in Home AC

Before you go forward with recharging your unit’s Freon, you must check the Freon in your home AC to see if there are any other problems with your unit’s performance. No one wants to be left with a malfunctioning air conditioner, especially during the summer. That’s why, if your AC unit needs Freon, you should pay attention to the various signs that may indicate issues with your Freon level.

Here are some signs your air conditioner needs Freon:

• Your home takes longer to cool.
• Your utility bills are higher than normal.
• Your vent air isn’t cold.
• Ice has accumulated on your refrigerant line.
• Your unit or refrigerant line is making hissing, bubbling, or banging noises.
• The air conditioner is constantly running but not cooling.
• Your vent is emitting a bad odor.

If you notice any of the above signs, or if your unit is leaking Freon, it’s crucial that you call an experienced AC technician who can help you with the process of recharging the Freon in your home’s AC unit.

How Often Should You Add Freon to Your AC Unit?

The need to add Freon to your AC unit is generally uncommon, as it should ideally remain at a consistent level throughout the system’s lifespan. If your AC unit is losing refrigerant, it likely indicates a leak that an experienced technician should promptly address.

Freon does not get used up; it cycles through the system. Therefore, if you find yourself needing to add Freon frequently, it’s essential to identify and fix the underlying issue rather than simply topping it off.

To ensure the Freon in your AC is reliable, make sure that you are keeping up with your air conditioner maintenance. These services will ensure that your unit is clean, safe, and running efficiently.

What Should You Do if You Think You Have a Refrigerant Leak?

Freon is a dangerous and potentially lethal substance if not handled properly. If your unit is leaking Freon, you will need emergency AC repairs from a licensed technician. Their job is to make sure that everything is connected properly and that Freon is not leaking into your airflow.

Additionally, Freon is not good for the environment and can harm the air that you breathe in. If you notice a Freon leak in your air conditioner, call for immediate services.

Can I Put Freon in My Home AC By Myself?

Because of the potential for personal injury and harm, handling freon should only be done by a trained AC technician licensed and certified to handle the substance. In fact, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends not replacing Freon or refrigerants by yourself for both health and environmental reasons. Only an EPA-licensed technician is legally allowed to reclaim and recharge Freon.

Freon Regulations from 2020

As of January 1, 2020, Freon can no longer be imported or made in the United States. Freon, also known as R-22 and HCFC-22, has now been banned in the U.S. While this type of Freon has been used for decades, manufacturers have created AC systems that don’t require this type of refrigerant since 2010. A new refrigerant, called R410A, or Puron, is now the refrigerant of choice since it doesn’t harm the earth’s ozone layer.

If you have an old AC system that still relies on Freon, learn how to upgrade or replace your air conditioning system with one that is compatible with Puron with the help of our licensed technicians from GAC Services. Our team is here to help you find the right solution for your cooling needs. We provide air conditioning repairs in Gaithersburg, Montgomery County, Frederick County, Carroll County, and Howard County, Maryland.

Contact us today to schedule an appointment with our team of qualified air conditioning experts.