How Often Should You Add Refrigerant (Freon) to Your HVAC System in Orange County?
If you’ve ever been told your air conditioner “just needs a little freon”, or that “it’s time to top off your system”, you might be wondering how often refrigerant has to be added to keep your system running effectively. Truth be told, even if you live somewhere that’s hot most of the year like Southern Orange County, if your HVAC system is working properly, you should never have to add refrigerant at all. Read on for expert advice on whether you need to add refrigerant to your HVAC system (condensing unit).
Do Air Conditioners Use Up Refrigerant?
No, they do not! Unlike gas in your car, refrigerant circulates in a closed loop. It’s designed to last for the life of your system. If your system is low on refrigerant (commonly called freon), it means you have a refrigerant leak somewhere. Though it’s unlikely with a well trained technician, it’s possible for an HVAC company to mistake an airflow restriction for a low refrigerant charge.
Why the Misconception Exists
We’ve come across countless homeowners who have been told by contractors that refrigerant “runs out” over time. In reality, having to be “topped off” repeatedly means that there is a leak in the system that’s being ignored. This can cost homeowners hundreds of dollars every summer while masking the real problem. If you’ve found yourself constantly having to recharge your refrigerant, then read on to see what you can do to not only save yourself money, but also finally have your HVAC system cooling the way that it should.
Why “Topping Off” Isn’t a Long-Term Solution
Some HVAC companies will simply add refrigerant and leave. But if the root of the problem isn’t addressed, then:
You’ll need another recharge, sometimes within weeks if the leak is significant!
The system runs longer and less efficiently, which drives up your energy bill.
Running your system on a low refrigerant charge can shorten the lifespan of your compressor.
You may find yourself dealing with a water leak, as a low refrigerant charge can turn your indoor coil (evaporator) into a block of ice! This can cause significant ceiling damage or mold if it’s left unaddressed.
The Right Way to Handle Low Refrigerant
Depending on how low the system’s refrigerant charge is, you may choose to top off the system and have a leak sealant installed. This can be a surprisingly effective solution if the leak is on the smaller side. If this doesn’t work or you forego this step, then:
Perform a leak test to identify the source of the problem.
Repair or replace the leaking component.
Recharge the system with the proper refrigerant type and amount.
Confirm your system is running at peak efficiency.
How Much Is a Leak Check in Orange County?
Naturally, the price for a leak check varies from company to company. However, if your system is entirely flat (without refrigerant), then most likely the service will be more expensive because the vast majority of leak checking tools require there to be refrigerant in the system in order to find the leak. If your system is flat, you may be looking at a bill around $300. If you don’t need to have gas added, then you can expect to pay $150-250 depending on labor rates and accessibility of the equipment.
It’s certainly worth considering having this service done when you take into account the cost of refrigerant. If you’ve been frequently having to add gas to your R410A system, you’re most likely paying $65 or more per pound. If your system is older and has R22, the typical cost is closer to $100 a pound! These regular top-offs will only become more painful (for your wallet) and frequent as time goes on.
Bottom Line for Orange County Homeowners
You should never need to “add freon” to your system on a regular basis. If you do, there’s likely a leak that needs attention. Addressing the root cause not only saves you money in the long run but also extends the life of your HVAC system. This will help keep your home comfortable through Southern California’s hottest months.
If your air conditioner in Mission Viejo, Ladera Ranch, or anywhere in Southern Orange County seems to always need refrigerant, give Fortt Mechanical a call. We’ll help you find and fix the real problem — not just patch it.
Feel free to reach out to us with any other questions you may have.
