With the summer rapidly approaching, it is important to make sure that your air conditioner is running smoothly for those long, hot days. One thing that keeps your AC running properly is a substance called a refrigerant. Refrigerant is a liquid or gas used to absorb heat from the air, thereby producing cooler air. If you are interested as to how it works, our article on the refrigeration cycle goes into greater depth.
One type of refrigerant is called Freon. This is a non-combustible gaseous substance that many types of AC systems use for their cooling process.
How Much Freon Should You Add to Your Central AC?
The short answer here is none. Freon is extremely hazardous and can cause harm to pets or children if ingested. It is also dangerous to breathe in the gas, as it can cut off your brain, heart, lungs, and more from receiving oxygen.
Luckily, a properly installed and maintained central AC system should be sealed meaning you will never run out of refrigerant. The only situation in which your system should be low on freon is in the event of a leak. If refrigerant is leaking from your system, and you think it may be running low, you should call an HVAC professional for a service call. At Certified Heating and Air Conditioning, we are happy to help with any problems you may have! Having one of our professionals check for leaks will save you money and keep you cool at home all day long.
How Do I Know if My AC Has a Freon Leak?
So, now you may be wondering how you know that your AC is leaking refrigerant. Well, there are certain signs that you should look out for that may mean your system is leaking. If you notice any of these signs, be sure to call a Certified expert that can help you determine the next steps you should take:
- Low Airflow
- AC Blowing Warm Air
- Ice Build-Up on the Copper Lines or Evaporator Coil
- High Electric Bills
- House Taking Longer to Cool Down
In most cases, experiencing one of these signs is the first thing you will notice when you have a refrigerant leak. Noticing these may help you get out ahead of a bigger HVAC problem that you may encounter.
In addition to these signs, something that may be useful to you is a freon leak detector. These systems can be found on Amazon for less than $25, and often use infrared light to detect the presence of freon in your home.
Overall, you should never need to add any Freon to your central AC system because it likely does not need it. In the event of a refrigerant leak give us a call at Certified Heating and Air Conditioning. We will help ensure your system is running properly and fix any leaks you may have!
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