Is your air conditioner blowing hot air? There’s a chance it’s low on refrigerant.

Before you get too excited about your next DIY project, though, you’re likely going to need to call a professional instead.

When it comes to replacing air conditioner refrigerant, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency takes things pretty seriously. That’s because Section 608 of the Clean Air Act prohibits those without a professional certification from handling the air conditioner refrigerant in your unit.

So, if you feel like your air conditioner needs a recharge, contact One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning for an assessment and AC recharging service.

How Do I Know if My Air Conditioner Needs a Recharge?

The most common sign that your air conditioner needs a recharge is when the unit runs continuously but isn’t cooling your home.

Other symptoms to look for include:

  • Warm air is blowing from the vents. Refrigerant is needed for the heat transfer from your home to the AC unit. When there’s not enough refrigerant, the unit can’t absorb the heat.
  • Your electric utility bill is higher. Since the unit is blowing out warm air, the temperature in your home won’t drop and your AC unit continues to run as it attempts to cool your home to the temperature set on the thermostat.
  • The refrigerant line has a buildup of ice. When an AC is low on Freon, the evaporator coil becomes too cold and forces the cold liquid refrigerant back into the line. Any moisture on that line will freeze up.
  • The AC unit is making a hissing sound. This sound could mean you have a leak in your refrigerant line.

Why does my home air conditioner need a recharge?

Because there’s a leak. Technically, your air conditioning unit should never need its refrigerant replaced. But when a mechanical device lives outside, as an AC unit does, the elements can impact it and leaks can happen.

Sometimes, leaks are so small that it takes a long time to actually notice there’s a problem, which is why it’s important to have an annual checkup on your entire HVAC system.

Can I Recharge My Own Air Conditioner?

No. Unless you’re a licensed HVAC professional, you cannot legally handle refrigerants like Freon.

Violators of the Clean Air Act who handle refrigerants without proper certification face fines of up to $37,500, which is way more than the cost of hiring a certified HVAC professional!

Hire a Professional for Your Home AC Recharge

One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning is your trusted source for recharging an air conditioner—and for all your air conditioner and heating service needs. Contact us today to request an appointment.