Does your air conditioner not blowing cool air, and do you want to fix it by learning how to add Freon to air conditioner? Well, you’re in luck! It would just take ten steps to do this.
Being low in Freon is one of the reasons why your air conditioner does not cool enough. There is no refrigerant traveling to the condenser because there’s nothing left.
Or there might be a leak that caused your Freon to decrease in quantity.
But don’t worry because this article will teach you how to add refrigerants to your AC unit.
So, keep on reading!
Steps To Add Freon To Air Conditioner
The Freon in your unit should last forever unless there’s a leak. So, without the leakage, the warm air might be caused by other situations such as dirt accumulation in your filter or stuck door actuator.
To solve your problem, we have gathered the steps on how to add Freon to air conditioner.
Step #1. Observe
So, there are factors that you should observe before buying a refrigerant.
This step ensures that the warm air is caused by low in Freon.
Factor #1. Warm air
If the air released by your AC is getting warmer, then you can conclude that there are leaks. You can also clean the filter to check if there’s any difference in the air temperature.
Factor #2. Frozen coils
The condenser coils would be loaded with ice particles due to leaks or a lack of Freon. You can check through the front window if the pipes are frosty.
However, you should call in a professional for further examination. If you add the Freon all by yourself and there are leaks you didn’t fix, you will damage your unit.
Factor #3. Water leakage on the walls
In humid temperatures, the ice on the coils and pipes will most likely melt. So, it would result in a pool of water on the surface of your floor. Like the previous factor, don’t act without consulting a technician.
Step #2. Preparation
In this step, you will do a lot of things that need your time and effort. Don’t get lazy because you don’t want to damage your AC.
So, the first thing you need to do is to clean the entire unit thoroughly. Then, you have the option of doing it yourself or hiring a professional.
This step should include cleaning the condenser, turbine, filter, and other components.
Step #3. Buy a refrigerant
If the Freon used is not specified in your air conditioner’s handbook, we recommend that you verify it. If it isn’t mentioned there, you can inquire with the manufacturer of your air conditioner.
Buying the wrong one would result in significant damage not just to your unit but to your whole home. It could cause combustion.
Try looking up the most common refrigerants used for home air conditioners. Some of these are R-22 and R410A.
Step #4. Protect yourself
Before adding the refrigerant, you should protect yourself by calling an HVAC technician to supervise and help the process. Also, wear thick gloves, masks, and goggles when handling the refrigerant. They are extremely hazardous and can irritate your skin when in contact.
Step #5. Seek professional’s help
We recommend that you leave the major operation to a professional, but you may still assist him while adhering to safety precautions. They have done it many times, and they know how dangerous it is, especially if you insist on doing the entire process.
Protect yourself, your family, and your home.
Step #6. Switch off your central unit
Click the button on your air conditioner’s remote or thermostat. Don’t forget to switch off the breaker and unplug the cable from the outlet. This step should prevent any electrical damage and increased chances of combustion.
Step #7. Connect the valve cables to the refrigerant gauges
Once you open your central unit, you should observe three valves.
In your refrigerant gauges, there must be a gauge that has a blue and red hose. Connect the blue one to the low-pressure valve that is mainly located on the left side. Attach the red hose to the right side of the high-pressure valve. We’ll deal with the center valve later on.
Step #8. Stabilize your AC
With the hoses attached to the valves, the technician might ask you to turn on the AC unit. To stabilize your unit, leave it for about 15 minutes after turning it on before continuing with the procedure. The stabilization will be helpful later, especially on reading the refrigerant gauges.
Step #9. Add the refrigerant
Connect the yellow hose of the refrigerant to the middle valve. Make sure to secure it tightly since were about to deal with the Freon.
Twist the knob in the canister to release the Freon. Open the low-pressure valve and close it again. Do this step repeatedly until the readings say that you have reached the target subcooling temperature.
Step #10. Close the canister
Once you have reached the target temperature, you can now close the canister. Disconnect the hoses from the valves gently.
Since you already turned on your AC earlier, there’s no need to restart it. To guarantee safe functioning, do an electronic leak test.
It’s A Wrap
And that is how to add Freon to air conditioner.
Before doing all the steps above, the professional you consulted should have a certification saying that he can diagnose and fix this problem.
Make sure to perform this with safety measures.
Keep safe!