With summer not that far away, you want to make sure that your AC will get you through when the sun is scorching outside. If you notice that your cooling system isn’t working quite as well, as usual, the problem may be that your air conditioner needs refrigerant. Here is some information that will help you determine once and for all if that’s the issue.

Information on Freon

Freon is the name trademarked by DuPont for R-22 refrigerant, the type used most commonly in older AC units. If your air conditioner needs refrigerant and you’ve had the unit in your home for a few years, it most likely needs a Freon recharge. AC refrigerant absorbs heat from the air inside of your home and transfers it outside. This allows the air inside your home to cool down.

The problem with running low on refrigerant is that it means your system has a leak of some sort. Freon doesn’t “run out.” It continues to circulate through your system. If the system is low, that could mean big problems because Freon is being phased out by the federal government due to its harmful effects on the environment. As supplies continue to dwindle, the cost of having your system recharged will get higher and higher. If your leak is major, you may simply be better off having your system replaced.

Signs You Need a Recharge

If you notice any of the following, then you probably need a recharge of refrigerant:

  • Even though your thermostat is set to cool and your system is running, you feel hot air coming out of your vents.
  • You see water on the floor by your inside unit.
  • It takes much too long for your home to get cool.
  • You see ice on the copper lines that run from your AC unit to the indoor coil.

You have to call a professional to deal if your air conditioner needs refrigerant because only experts are legally allowed to handle Freon. Call Northern's One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning® at (763) 284-8639 or contact us online and we’ll take care of your problem.