Refrigerant

If your system is low on refrigerant, it usually means there is a leak. Simply adding refrigerant without fixing the leak is a temporary solution that wastes money. A professional should locate and repair the leak first.

Most residential AC systems hold between 6 and 16 pounds of refrigerant depending on the size and type. The exact amount is specified on the outdoor unit’s nameplate.

Signs of low refrigerant include warm air blowing from vents, ice forming on the refrigerant lines or evaporator coil, hissing or bubbling noises near the outdoor unit, and higher-than-normal energy bills.

Refrigerant leaks are not typically dangerous in well-ventilated areas, but they can cause your system to run inefficiently, freeze up, and eventually damage the compressor, which is the most expensive component to replace.

R-410A is the current standard refrigerant for residential AC systems. R-22 (Freon) was phased out of production in 2020 due to its ozone-depleting properties. If your system uses R-22, remaining supplies are limited and more expensive.

R-454B is the next-generation refrigerant replacing R-410A in new systems starting in 2025. It has a lower global warming potential and is required in all new residential AC equipment manufactured after January 2025.

A straightforward refrigerant recharge takes about 30 minutes to an hour. If a leak needs to be found and repaired first, the entire service may take 2 to 4 hours.