If you own an AC system, you should be aware of how long does it take for Freon to settle in an air conditioner. If you ask why this is important, well, the function of a compressor is to draw in the air and compress it.
The Freon will only move inside the compressor if the air is cool. Otherwise, it needs to work even harder and it may take longer. In other words, if the air is inside the unit is not ideal, it will operate beyond the optimum efficiency.
This could mean that there is not enough Freon left in the unit, impacting the way it works. That is because Freon is the one that is responsible for keeping the air conditioner operating well.
When the air conditioning unit does not work correctly, its compressor will have to work harder in getting the air into the unit.
What If You Turned Your Air Conditioner Into Its Side?
The amount of cooling and refrigerant that is leaving the compressor is the same. However, if the compressor is turned onto its side, the Freon may stick towards the side of the refrigerant casing.
But do not worry. As a matter of fact, the refrigerant will settle in the air conditioner, particularly in the cavity. When the Freon has ended up being stuck onto the side of the AC unit, it will result in leaking, which in turn causes the AC to stop working.
The process of solving this issues is more than just having to crack the refrigerant line open and allow it to flow through.
You will need to clean the interior of the compressor first. Then, drain the refrigerant. Remember that this process can get very messy. So, how long does it take for Freon to settle in an air conditioner?
How Long Does It Take For Freon To Settle In An AC?
In general, Freon settles in an AC in a matter of a few minutes. But this varies across various types of an air conditioners.
In this section, you will not only know the length of time for the Freon to settle, but you will also know the things to remember when you deal with an air conditioner as well as its interior compressor.
#1. Car air conditioning system
The refrigerant used in a car AC typically has to be charged again after a few years. But if it is leaking, then it needs to be recharged frequently.
It is simple to charge the systems of a car, not like the air conditioner you have at home. Furthermore, no waiting time is required before you can use the AC of your car.
#2. Portable or window air conditioner
Both window and portable air conditioning units need several minutes to even allow the Freon to settle through the entire system. Therefore, every time you turn off the unit, you should allow it to settle before using it again.
The waiting time usually takes about two up to three minutes. The good news is that air conditioners have a delay timer which is often set to 5 minutes.
This prevents you to start the system before the Freon has settled thereby protecting it from damages. But if you own an old model, it may not have a delay timer so you will to time it yourself.
Take note that you should not tilt the unit to the side or on its back since it may cause the oil to accumulate inside the system’s compressor. This means that the waiting time will be long before you can start the unit.
The Oil In Your Air Conditioner
Unlike the Freon that settles in just a few minutes, it takes longer for the oil in your system to settle. You need not worry about this if you keep your AC unit upright. However, if it has been turned or tilted, you will have to wait for a day before you can start it again.
That is because if the turning the air conditioner to the side or back will disrupt the oil that has settled inside the compressor.
In case you turn your unit on without allowing the oil to settle, first, the compressor will compress it just like how it does with the Freon, and this leads to serious issues.
The oils should not be compressed like gas like Freon. If the system starts before the oil settles in, the connecting rod or solenoid valve may end up getting busted.
It’s A Wrap!
How long does it take for Freon to settle in an air conditioner?
In general, it only takes a few minutes for the Freon to settle in an air conditioning unit. This is even secure by its delay timer to prevent damagers. Meaning to say, you do not have to time it in between every system run.
The waiting time will only extend if you tilted the unit to the side or at its back since this will disrupt what has settled inside the oil inside the unit. So there’s a necessity for you to wait for 24 hours or even more before you start your AC system.