| It has been a common misconception that air | | | | actually ice up and not run. In order to even have |
| conditioning units guzzle refrigerant and must be | | | | it checked, it will have to be thawed. Major parts |
| refilled every so often. This is simply not true. | | | | may have to be replaced on top of the cost of |
| When an air unit is maintained properly and is | | | | repairing the initial problem which is the leak. The |
| serviced every year by an air conditioning | | | | Environmental Protection Agency or EPA |
| contractor or other professional, it should never | | | | considers Freon a controlled substance. It is |
| lose refrigerant and continue to operate as | | | | hazardous for the environment and very |
| efficiently as the day it was installed. Because of | | | | dangerous to animals. |
| this common misunderstanding, many owners | | | | The compressor is the main component of the air |
| believe that the solution is to simply add more | | | | unit and Freon cools the compressor. As the |
| refrigerant and everything will be fine. However, | | | | Freon level gets lower the compressor will |
| loss of refrigerant (Freon) is a sign of a leak and | | | | overheat. The compressor may fail and need to |
| should require the help of a heating and air | | | | be replaced much earlier than it should have been. |
| conditioning systems repair company. | | | | This is a major reason why it is important to |
| Newer air conditioning units have welded | | | | have your system checked yearly by a |
| connections and that help decrease the chances | | | | professional air conditioning contractor. Any time |
| of the unit leaking. Any system that is eight years | | | | the compressor overheats or fails, it will most |
| or older most likely had flared fittings used for the | | | | likely have to be replaced. If the damage is |
| connections. As the unit operates a steady | | | | severe, replacing the whole condensing unit may |
| vibration occurs that can cause these fittings to | | | | be necessary. This is very expensive and |
| become loose after many years of operation. | | | | preventable. |
| The result of the fittings becoming loose is a | | | | The first part of preventing any major problems |
| refrigerant leak. AC repair is the only option in a | | | | with your air unit involves knowing how they |
| case like this because adding additional refrigerant | | | | operate and how to reduce the risk of damage. |
| will only be a temporary solution that could result | | | | Regular maintenance such as changing the filters |
| in more severe damage. | | | | and keeping the unit clear of items that can block |
| Why are refrigerant leaks an issue that should be | | | | the air flow can keep your system running |
| repaired and resolved? Any time your unit is low | | | | efficiently and prevent a lot of damage from |
| on Freon, its overall efficiency is reduced. This | | | | occurring. Have someone who specializes in |
| means that the air will not be as cool and your | | | | heating and air conditioning systems repair check |
| system may work harder resulting in higher | | | | the unit yearly for leaks, wiring problems, and |
| energy costs to you. Low Freon can also cause | | | | other issues to prevent any costly and |
| the evaporator coil to freeze. Your system will | | | | unnecessary ac repair. |