Home AC Recharge: How Often Does It Need To Be Recharged In Phoenix AZ?

Many homeowners wonder how often they should recharge their ACs in Phoenix, AZ. The simple answer is “Never” unless there is a leak in the system. That is where preventive maintenance becomes essential. In fact, proper and regular maintenance can increase the efficiency and lifespan of your system. Refrigerant leaks can be avoided when you implement an appropriate schedule of maintenance for your HVAC system. There is no better time to have your AC unit serviced in Phoenix than before the summertime arrives. The Arizona heat can tax your system to such an extent that it may end up needing expensive repairs unless you have a proper maintenance schedule for the unit.

What Is A Refrigerant?

A refrigerant is a compound in a fluid or gaseous state that helps the air conditioner system in its cooling process. In fact, a refrigerant will absorb heat from the environment and cools your space. Without a refrigerant, there cannot be freezing, air conditioning or refrigeration technology. The refrigerant will absorb heat from indoor air and transit into a high-pressure liquid from a low-pressure gas. The refrigerant is then sent outside where a fan is used to blow hot air over the coils of the unit. It is then exhausted to the exterior. The refrigerant cools down and transits into a low-pressure gas once again. Another fan will blow air over the cooling coils to distribute the cool air throughout the building. Your home or office is cooled due to the repetition of this cycle.

Freon is a brand name of a popular refrigerant on the market today. In fact, Freon and refrigerant are almost used interchangeably in the HVAC industry. That is due to the popularity of the substance. Freon is a Hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFCs) which is known as R-22.

Why Shouldn’t R22 Be Used In Your HVAC System?

R22 is a Hydrochlorofluorocarbon that is commonly used in almost all the old HVAC systems in the country. R22 was found to be damaging to the ozone layer of the planet. Hence, the EPA implemented a phase-out as a result of the “Clean Air Act” of 2010. In fact, R22 is not used in the more recently manufactured HVAC systems. These systems use an alternative refrigerant known as R410A that is more eco-friendly than R22. R410A doesn’t damage the ozone layer of the planet. On the other hand, R22 is going to be completely phased out by 2020. The price of a pound of R22 has drastically increased during the past couple of years due to the phasing out of the substance. Once the refrigerant is completely phased out in January 2020, it won’t be available even for servicing the existing units. That is why you shouldn’t use R22 in your AC system. In case you have an old system that uses R22, you should consider replacing the unit or the gas in the system before 2020.

Why Would Your AC Need A Recharge?

Preventive maintenance can reduce the chances of recharging your AC. In case the AC doesn’t cool your home, there might be something wrong with the system. In fact, there could be many reasons for this. A refrigerant leak is one of the most common issues in case your AC system isn’t cooling the house as expected. There are many things to consider where home AC recharge is concerned. The process involves refilling your AC with the appropriate refrigerant.

Important Signs That Your System Needs A Recharge

Your HVAC system is built not to lose refrigerant during its operation. The refrigerant should last during the entire lifetime of the system under normal circumstances. But there could be many instances where a refrigerant leak can occur. Proper maintenance will help avoid such situations and prolong the lifespan of your system.

If your vents are blowing out room-temperature air, it is considered an important sign that your system needs a recharge. On the other hand, the build-up of ice/frost on the unit is another vital sign in this regard. Refrigerant leaks are also caused due to the damage to the system.

Why You Need The Correct Amount Of Refrigerant For Your AC

Having too much refrigerant in your AC system is just as bad as not having enough. In fact, too much refrigerant in the AC will make it blow hot air similar to having too little refrigerant in the system. The system should have the correct amount of refrigerant to get the coldest air possible in your home or office.

The Process Of Fixing An AC Leak

Fixing a refrigerant leak in your AC is best left to a professional HVAC contractor in the area. It is not the best DIY project for anyone without extensive experience in the process. Make sure that you hire a reliable and experienced HVAC contractor in the area to fix a refrigerant leak in your AC.