If your AC isn’t working properly, the solution could be an AC recharge. Theoretically, your AC unit should never need to have refrigerant added, and low levels are a sign of a leak. This means that your AC recharge services will also include some repairs. Fortunately for homeowners throughout the Naples, Florida area, Comfort Caddies provides a full range of AC maintenance, repair, and installation services. Keep reading to learn more about AC refrigerants and how we can help optimize your AC performance.
AC Unit Recharge Near You
As a quick reminder, the best way to find problems early on, such as a refrigerant leak, and prevent them from becoming major issues, is with regular AC maintenance. Regular visits from a qualified technician can ensure that your AC is not only operating properly, but as efficiently as possible. Ultimately, this will save you money on expensive repairs, reduce your monthly utility bills, and prolong the life of your unit.
Signs Your Condenser Needs Air Conditioner Refrigerant
When it comes to identifying whether your AC unit needs a recharge, here are some signs to look out for:
- The air conditioner is always running, but it isn’t cooling your home. Refrigerant is responsible for absorbing the heat in your home, so if the refrigerant is low, it won’t be able to remove the heat and keep your home at a comfortable temperature.
- There is warm air coming through the vents. Since the refrigerant can’t absorb the heat, the unit may be blowing warm air into the home. You may also notice that the airflow seems weak.
- Your electric bills are abnormally high. It is important to pay attention to your energy usage because any spikes can mean that your systems aren’t working efficiently and there is a problem. When your AC is having to work harder to try and cool the home, it will consume more energy and that will be reflected in your energy bills.
- You can hear hissing sounds or see bubbles coming from the refrigerant line. You may be able to hear or see that the refrigerant is leaking from the system.
- There is a visible buildup of ice on the refrigerant line. Low refrigerant levels will cause the evaporator coil to become too cold, and the cold liquid will actually flow back into the refrigerant line. Eventually, this will cause any moisture to freeze. If left unchecked, the cold refrigerant can get backed up all the way to the compressor and cause it to malfunction. At that point, you may have to replace the entire unit.
Remember that refrigerant is a chemical that should be handled by professionals, so you will want to get any leaks taken care of immediately to protect your family and your pets. In addition, simply refilling or topping off the refrigerant is only a temporary solution. You will need to have an experienced technician find and repair the leak. Refrigerants can be expensive, so you don’t want to waste your money on frequent recharges. Instead, make sure to get to the heart of the problem for a lasting solution that will also protect your AC unit.
What is R22 Refrigerant?
R22 is commonly known as Freon, and was the standard refrigerant used in air conditioners and heat pumps since 1928. However, on the first day of 2020, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) banned the production of R22 because it has been found to be harmful to the environment, especially the ozone. While it isn’t currently being produced, it can still be found in some older AC units. If your AC unit is older than 10 years, there is a good chance that your unit uses R22 to remove heat from the air. To find out which refrigerant your AC unit uses, you can consult your owner’s manual.
If your AC uses R22, there is no need to worry; you don’t need to stop using your AC or have it replaced. You can safely operate your AC as normal and technicians will be able to make repairs. However, since there is a limited supply of R22, recharging an older unit that relies on R22 can be expensive. That is just one of the reasons why preventative maintenance is so important when it comes to your HVAC system.
When it comes to repairing certain components of AC systems, retrofitting can be a more cost-effective alternative to completely replacing the unit. However, when it comes to refrigerant issues, retrofitting isn’t an option. Only parts that were designed and manufactured to accommodate R22 can be used to repair these types of units.
What Do I Need to Know About R410a Refrigerant?
R410a was developed as an environmentally friendly replacement for R22. This is the type of refrigerant that you will find in all newer AC units. In addition to reducing harm to the ozone layer, R410a allows AC units to achieve higher Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating (SEER). As an example, an AC unit with a 20 SEER will be 43% more energy efficient than a unit with a 14 SEER. Here are some additional advantages of using R410a:
- R410a is capable of absorbing more heat than R22, which means that your compressor can operate at a cooler temperature. This reduces the risk of the compressor burning out or overheating.
- Since R410a operates at a higher temperature, compressors had to be redesigned to withstand higher stress loads. This translated into stronger more durable compressors that have a lower risk of cracking. The difference in functional pressure levels is why R401a cannot be added to units that were originally manufactured for R22.
- R410a units have compressors that are lubricated using synthetic oil rather than mineral oil, which was used in R22 units. Synthetic oil is more soluble and effective at reducing natural wear and tear so that AC units enjoy a longer lifespan.
Ultimately, making the switch to R410a provides consumers with a long list of advantages while also helping to protect the ozone and reduce global warming.
Find an AC Technician in Your Area
While R410a is better for the environment, it is still a chemical that can have dangerous side effects if it isn’t handled properly. AC technicians go through extensive training and certification in order to learn how to safely work with refrigerants. Trying to fix a leak or add refrigerant to your AC unit is not a project you want to take on. Fortunately for residents throughout the Naples, Florida, area, the Professionals at Comfort Caddies are here to help.
Our team can quickly diagnose your problem, identify the source of any refrigerant leaks, make the necessary repairs and bring your refrigerant back up to the right level. You can enjoy a cool and comfortable home that is free of heat and humidity. With a responsive and highly mobile team of experienced technicians, you will receive prompt and affordable service. We also have a commitment to customer service that has helped us become the most trusted source for HVAC services in the area. All you have to do is ask your friends and family and they can tell you all about their positive experiences working with Comfort Caddies. Contact us today to learn more and schedule your services.
