How is Refrigerant Added to An AC Unit

Are you looking into adding additional refrigerant to repair your AC unit? Refrigerant is a chemical used in air conditioning systems to help cool the air. Adding refrigerant to an AC unit is an important part of routine maintenance that helps maintain cooling efficiency and prevent breakdowns.

Before Refrigerant Can Be Added:

Before adding new refrigerant to your AC unit, there are a few things you should do first. The most important step is making sure there are no leaks in the system. Leaks can cause the system to become inefficient and cost you money in lost energy costs. If you find any leaks, have them repaired. You should also check if the refrigerant type being used is compatible with your AC unit.
The truth is that handling refrigerant for AC units is best left to professionals. Unless you’ve been formally trained in HVAC maintenance and repair, it’s not wise to attempt this yourself. Still, learning the steps below can give you an idea of what to expect from your HVAC tune-up.

Why Would You Need to Put Refrigerant in an AC Unit?

Regardless of which refrigerant your AC system uses, you generally shouldn’t need a refill. The HVAC system is designed to hold its refrigerant. If you need more, that means some has leaked out. A skilled HVAC professional will know to find the source of the leak before simply pumping more refrigerant into the system.

How HVAC Professionals Put Refrigerant in an AC Unit

Things fall apart, and your HVAC system might eventually lose some refrigerant. Here’s what you can expect when the time comes.

Step #1: See if Your Air Conditioner Is Blowing Warm Air

Here in the Phoenix area, it doesn’t take long to notice when your air conditioning isn’t working as intended. There are multiple potential causes of your problem, and a refrigerant leak is one of them.

Step #2: Perform Regular Maintenance Before Refilling Your AC

Adding refrigerant won’t do much good until the leak is repaired. It’s important to repair your HVAC system first. That way, the new refrigerant will stay where it’s supposed to be, and you won’t have to get the same exact service again soon.

Step #3: Select and Purchase the Right Refrigerant

Some popular types of refrigerants include R12, R410A, and R134. You can find out which type your system needs by checking the owner’s manual. Better yet, you can leave this up to the professional who maintains your system. They’ll know what type of refrigerant to use and how to get it.

Step #4: Gather the Proper Safety Equipment

Refrigerants can cause you serious harm. You don’t want it touching your skin, and you certainly don’t want to be breathing it in. Instead of finding an appropriate respirator and all of the other safety gear, your safest option is to call for professional HVAC repair.

Refrigerant is toxic and flammable, which makes it lethal. This is not the time to test your DIY skills.

Step #5: Wait for the Right Temperature

Refrigerants are attracted to cold temperatures. That’s what makes them effective. Unfortunately, this property also makes it difficult to recharge your air conditioner when the outside temperature is lower than 55°F. This won’t be a problem for most of the year here in Phoenix.

Step #6: Once More, Consider Seriously Whether You’re Confident Doing This

If you’re still thinking about a DIY project involving refrigerant for your AC, it’s not worth the risk of trying to handle by yourself. This is why people go through training and get certified. Calling for professional HVAC service will keep you out of harm’s way.

Also, calling the pros might be less expensive than trying to handle a project like this by yourself. After all, you would have to buy a bunch of specialized equipment, protective gear, and the refrigerant itself. This is the time to save yourself from both danger and hassle.

Step #7: Add the Refrigerant

This step involves connecting a refrigerant tank to your AC unit. The HVAC technician will bring your system up to the appropriate refrigerant pressure without spilling chemicals into the air. They’ll even conduct a leak test to ensure the refrigerant is staying in your AC system where it belongs.

Step #8: Store the Remaining Refrigerant Properly

The safest way to make sure refrigerant is stored properly is not to keep it on your property. The HVAC professionals will take the remaining refrigerant with them, so you don’t have to worry about it.

Contact the Phoenix Air Conditioning Pros Today!

It takes years to become an HVAC technician. It takes seconds to schedule service with Howard Air. Contact us today, and we’ll make sure you have the appropriate refrigerant pressure in your HVAC system.

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