All About Home AC Recharge: When You Need to Recharge an Air Conditioner

As the Indianapolis temperature rises, a functioning, well-maintained air conditioner becomes essential. You may have heard someone talking about recharging a car air conditioner, but does your home AC need the same treatment? Learn all about when you need an AC recharge (and when you don’t).

What Is an AC Recharge?

An AC recharge refers to changing or refilling the refrigerant that cools warm air as it passes through your HVAC system. An air conditioner needs a consistent amount of properly pressurized refrigerant to work. If your AC develops a refrigerant leak, it can cause a rapid loss of cooling ability.

Do Home Air Conditioners Need to be Recharged?

The sealed refrigerant systems of central air conditioners should never need recharging. If nothing is wrong with your system, it will function throughout its lifespan without a recharge. However, the refrigerant must be replenished if old age or other damage causes it to leak from its tubing.

Can You Recharge a Window Air Conditioner?

Window AC units can be recharged, but—just like central air—the closed refrigerant system won’t need a recharge unless it’s damaged. Instead, a well-maintained window air conditioner can last its whole lifespan without needing its refrigerant replenished.

How Often Does Home AC Need to be Recharged?

Unlike car ACs, the air conditioner(s) in your home don’t need regular replenishment. Instead, watch for these signs of a refrigerant leak that could tell you that you need a recharge:

• A hissing or bubbling noise. This sign indicates a significant refrigerant leak that often means your air conditioner is no longer appropriately pressurized.

• Rising cooling costs. If your cooling price tag jumps dramatically, a refrigerant leak is one of the many possible causes. Contact a professional for an inspection.

• A compressor that runs constantly. If your AC never seems to take a break or comes on more frequently than you’re used to, it’s a sign that your overworked system has a refrigerant leak.

• Frosty or iced evaporator coils. Check the coils of tubing in your inside AC unit. If they’ve frosted over, that’s a sign you could have a refrigerant leak.

• Warm air blows when your AC is on. Obviously, your air conditioner is supposed to blow cool air from your vents as it runs. Contact HVAC technicians if you put your hand up to a vent and feel warm or room-temperature air when it’s supposed to be cold.

How to Recharge Home AC

When your home air conditioner does spring a leak, take care of it with professional air conditioner recharging services. Here’s what you need to know about recharging your home air conditioner.

Can I Recharge My Home AC Myself?

No. Even though home AC recharge kits exist, you should always leave this technical job to the experts. Many of the chemicals used for refrigerants, including Freon, can harm the environment and your health. Shut off your air conditioner when you suspect a refrigerant leak and contact HVAC experts for AC repair. If Indianapolis weather is in the 80s or above, opt for emergency HVAC service, especially if you have pets, elders, or young children in your home.

Can Old Air Conditioners be Recharged?

Even older units are eligible for repairs if your air conditioner develops a leak during its average lifespan. However, air conditioners only last for so long. If your air conditioner is older than 10 to 15 years, it might be better to replace it with a new unit. A technician can inspect your air conditioner and tell you if the damage is worth repairing.

Your Indianapolis HVAC Experts for Broken Air Conditioners

If you notice signs that your air conditioner isn’t working at full capacity, contact One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning of Indianapolis for repairs. Even if you don’t need a recharge, lowered cooling capacity indicates a problem somewhere in your system. We’ll locate the problem and recommend the right fix or replacement to have your home comfortable as soon as possible. Call us at (317) 795-0373 or book online today.