Home AC Recharges: When to Call the Pros

When you’ve had your home air conditioner serviced, you may have heard the term “AC recharge.” What does this mean? The term can be a bit misleading, as it doesn’t refer to any kind of electrical charge, but to refilling the refrigerant in your HVAC system.

Refrigerant is essential to the function of your air conditioner—it’s first compressed as a gas in the AC unit, where it slowly absorbs heat from the inside of a home. The heat turns the gas into a liquid before entering the condenser where heat is removed by the blower motor outside to dissipate the hot air. The liquid refrigerant is then cycled back into the air conditioner where it again becomes a gas; a process that lowers the temperature inside of the unit and cools the coils. These coils cool air when blown over them, which then enters the home through vents.

You may have also heard refrigerant referred to as Freon (or R22), which is a widely used brand name. In recent years, Freon has been phased out in favor of Puron (or R410a), a more environmentally friendly alternative.

Important safety note: EPA regulations require that only certified HVAC professionals perform home AC recharges. This article is intended to explain the process and is not intended for use as a DIY guide.

Why Would I Need to Recharge the Air Conditioner? 

A few factors can contribute to lower refrigerant levels over time, leading to the need for a home AC recharge:

• Leaks: Over time, seals and connections in your AC system can wear out, causing refrigerant leaks. Refilling the unit can help return it to its former efficiency, but you may need to have a part replaced or repaired to fix the leak.
• Pressure Issues: If the pressure in your system is too high or too low, it can cause malfunctions. A recharge will help restore the correct pressure levels.
• Installation Errors: Your unit may have been undercharged at the time of installation, meaning your refrigerant levels are simply low. A professional technician can determine the correct amount of refrigerant needed and ensure your unit is filled properly.

Learn more about How Air Conditioners Work.

How Do I Know When to Recharge My AC? 

If your unit is working correctly, you may never need to recharge the AC. Units are typically manufactured with enough refrigerant to last 15-20 years, which is the average lifespan of a home AC system. However, there are some telltale signs it may be time to schedule an appointment to service your air conditioner: 

• Your vents are blowing warm air.
• Your AC unit is running continuously, but your home isn’t cooling down.
• Your electric bill has increased with no obvious explanation.
• You’ve noticed ice on the AC refrigerant line.
• Your AC is leaking or dripping water.
• You hear a bubbling or hissing sound coming from the refrigerant line.

If you’ve noticed any of these signs, you should call an HVAC professional to check out your unit. It’s also recommended to complete twice-yearly HVAC tune-ups with a technician to help stay ahead of any problems and keep your device working at its best.

Home AC Recharge Costs and Process

The cost of a home AC recharge varies greatly depending on your unit’s size and the type of refrigerant it requires. These services can range from around $100 to well over $600, depending on where you live. Although refrigerant can be costly, because a technician usually can complete this service in a few hours, labor costs to recharge home AC units may be less expensive.

The process typically involves an AC contractor using a recharge kit to top off the refrigerant in your unit. They’ll also check the pressure, look for any leaks, and ensure your unit is in working order. HVAC technicians nationwide are trained and certified in personal and environmental safety, so you can trust your home AC recharge will be handled according to this training. Your technician will also dispose of any refrigerant, if needed, according to EPA guidelines. 

Repair vs. Replacement

If you notice a recurring refrigerant leak, or if your unit is between 15 and 20 years old and leaking refrigerant, you may need to decide whether repairing the system is a good idea, or if it’s time to replace it. A trained repair specialist will be able to inspect your unit and determine whether the cause of the leak can be repaired or will require a replacement. But ideally, you are better served to replace an older unit with today’s more efficient models. Your HVAC technician can help you determine the best choice for your situation. 

Home Warranty Coverage for HVAC

If you’d like to protect your budget from costly expenses when your HVAC system breaks down, you may want to invest in a home protection plan from First American Home Warranty. We even offer home warranty plans that have no limits on the cost or amount of refrigerant covered. Coverage can also protect major appliances and other home systems, including plumbing and electrical.

Learn more about how the home warranty process works and what our plans cover when you get a free home warranty quote today.