Freon Recharge on an AC Unit (DIY)

Freon Recharge on an AC Unit (DIY)

If you feel that your AC unit is not working as it should then the refrigerant inside the unit might not be topped off, might need to be recharged or a number of other factors. One of the easiest things you can do to check to see if this is the issue is by doing a Freon recharge yourself. It takes a few steps, but it can give you a better idea of whether or not this is the issue or if something bigger is happening in the product.

One of the biggest signs that the Freon in the unit needs to be recharged or refilled is when the unit is blowing and working as it should, but the air coming out of the unit is not cold. This is a sign that the Freon is or may be low. If the unit is making weird sounds, the fan is not working or other issues are happening, it might be a sign of something else.

Why or what is a Freon recharge?

Many homeowners might not even know what a recharge is of the system or why they need to have it done.

When the system is not working as it should, this might be the easiest and most affordable fix that can be done to keep the unit running.

While it is not necessary ‘recharging’ that is happening, it is more like ‘refilling’, it is a process that can allow the system to put out cool air once again. The Freon may be low, so this ‘top off’ can help the chemical balance out so that it is able to continue blowing cold air from the hot.

The refrigerant or Freon is needed for the system to turn that hot air from outside into cool air to keep the inside comfortable. Without this chemical inside the unit, it is not going to be able to provide the cooling effect inside the home at all.

While this process might seem simple since you’re essentially just refilling the Freon inside the system, it can be dangerous as Freon is a toxic chemical. HVAC professionals and many others recommend having someone that knows how to do the job and is certified to do it, do it for you. They know the process and how to be safe during it. The EPA in many areas actually requires that those performing this task have a license or certification in order to do so.

Tools You’ll Need: 

Safety gear – face mask, glasses, gloves

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Freon kit

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Pliers

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Wrenches

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Screwdrivers

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User manual to your air conditioning unit

Precautions/Warnings: Always research what kind of refrigerant your unit uses. You don’t want to use the wrong kind, as this can cause further issues inside the unit.

Refrigerant is extremely toxic and ingesting it can become fatal. It is important that you, pets, children or anyone else do not ingest refrigerant. Always wear protective gear such as a mask, gloves and eyewear to prevent health issues. Put the old refrigerant, if any, inside a sealed container and dispose of it properly.

Some areas prohibit the use of refrigerant of any kind, even while doing this type of work without the proper license to do so. This is because it is a dangerous substance, so it is important to check the local laws within your area.

There are a lot of parts that go into the air conditioning unit. For those that are inexperienced or feel overwhelmed with the task of recharging the Freon, you can always call in an expert to do the job. This is the safest and easiest way to have the issue resolved (and to find out any others that might be happening with the unit.)

Steps to Take:

STEP 1 - Inspect the Unit Take out the user’s manual and find all of the parts to the system. You want to check to see if everything is cleaned off and in the best working condition it can be in during this time, as well.

Locate the compressor of the unit. It will be a cylinder shape, metal and have two different lines coming from the unit.

STEP 2 - Plug in the Service Valve Inside the Freon kit, there should be a service valve. It is the larger valve that has a connector. Plug this onto the compressor line on the unit. Follow the instructions given to you inside the kit to attach it correctly.

STEP 3 - Plug in the Tap Valve There is also a smaller connector inside the kit. You want to cover the remaining compressor line using this value. The fittings for this are located right on the top of the compressor to the unit. If you’re unsure of how to connect this, read the Freon kit’s instructions.

STEP 4 - Add Freon to the Unit Add the Freon container to the two valves you just put onto the unit. Secure the container between the two valves and make sure to follow the instructions that came with the kit. The air conditioning unit is what is going to force the Freon into the unit.

STEP 5 - Charge up the Freon in the System Let the Freon go into the system completely before you start to charge up the unit. Turn on the unit, put it on the highest setting and let the Freon get into the system this way. This not only fills up the Freon in the unit, but it is also a way to recharge the system at the same time.

Once the unit has been filled and charged, you can then turn the system off, remove the tank and the valves.

The system should resume working as it normally did and provide cool air from the unit itself. If it does not do so, there may be a bigger issue that you’re dealing with. This is an issue that you should have a qualified technician come out and take a look at. They can pinpoint the problem and recommend the best course of action to either replace the system or repair the problem the current system is having.