Many air conditioning units use freon as their main refrigerant (i.e., the stuff that makes the room cold), although its use was phased out in the United States starting in 2010. AC unit owners may want to know how long the freon in their unit will last before it needs to be replaced.
Under normal conditions, freon can last forever, as the unit will “recycle” it over the lifespan of the device. However, many owners will want a more in-depth response, so let’s discuss freon a little more to get a more detailed answer.
Key takeaways:
- Freon doesn’t dissipate, evaporate, or reduce under normal conditions.
- If Freon leaks out of an AC unit, it can be hazardous to your health.
- Routine checks of a unit can help detect a leak before it gets serious.
- If you suspect your AC unit is leaking freon, contact a professional repair company like One Hour Air Conditioning and Heating.
What is Freon and How Does It Work?
Freon originally referred to three specific chemical formulas created by the Chemours Company, generally designed to make things colder (like refrigerators or AC units) or to spray aerosols. Today, the term is often used to refer to any chemical that does the same thing, although Freon itself was banned in 2010 in the United States.
Freon works by taking the warm air inside your home and condensing it into a gas, which then creates condensation in the form of a liquid. The liquid flows through the expansion valve, which creates a continuous loop that never loses any volume.
How Long Does Freon Last?
Theoretically, Freon should last forever. When the device is functioning correctly, the conversion process doesn’t result in significant losses, which makes it self-sustaining. However, there are some external factors, like leaks, that can cause an AC unit to lose freon over time.
What Causes Refrigerant Leaks?
Refrigerant leaks can have several causes, although the most common is an issue or breakdown in one or more of the components. The compressor, condenser, one of the lines, or other parts can cause Freon or other refrigerants to leak out of the device and into the air.
Signs Your AC Has a Refrigerant Leak
Common signs of refrigerant leaks include:
- The device only seems to blow out hot air
- The AC unit never seems to turn off
- There’s a hissing or bubbling sound coming from the unit
- Ice or frost starts to build up on the coils inside
- The unit begins leaking water
Is a Freon Leak Hazardous?
A freon leak can be very dangerous, as inhaling refrigerants like freon can lead to heart issues, paralysis, and even sudden death. Even small amounts inhaled over time can lead to serious symptoms.
Inspecting Refrigerant Lines
Routine inspections of refrigerant lines can detect leaks before they cause serious harm. Most AC units have two main lines, one inside the home and one outside. If either of those lines or, for that matter, any part of the system has any of the traits listed above, it needs to be serviced immediately before the leaking freon causes any adverse health effects.
The Role of Air Filters in Refrigerant Health
Air filters have a vital role in keeping AC units functional, as well as keeping the air safe and breathable. Before the air is circulated into the home, it is run through the filter, which removes dust, particulates, mold, pet dander, outdoor pollution, and more.
That debris is then held by the filter, which keeps it away from other parts of the AC unit, preventing those components from being damaged. For this reason, it’s vital to check the air filters regularly and replace them once they get worn out.
Inside the Refrigerant System
The main components in a refrigerant system are the two lines, often called copper coils, that keep the Freon or other cooling agent inside a closed circuit. This allows for the proper heating and cooling required for the unit to function properly. The other components in the loop are the condenser, the compressor, the expansion valve, and the evaporator.
Diagnosing Low Freon Levels
The easiest way to tell if the Freon levels are low in an AC unit is if the unit isn’t working properly. You might notice that the room doesn’t seem to get as cool as it used to, which suggests there are lower levels of Freon than there used to be, typically because of a leak.
Get Your Refrigerant Levels Checked with One Hour
Getting regular maintenance on your home’s AC unit is a vital part of making sure it lasts as long as possible. With One Hour Air Conditioning and Heating, you can make sure that your AC unit is in good working condition 365 days a year and will last for years to come.
We handle installs, repairs, and routine maintenance with around-the-clock availability even on weekends, because we understand that not everyone is available between 8 AM and 5 PM Monday through Friday. Best of all, unlike some other repair shops, we don’t “get there when we get there.” If we’re not on time, you don’t pay a dime!
If your air conditioner sounds or smells funny, you suspect you might be leaking Freon, or just hasn’t been serviced in a while, give us a call or click the link on our website and set up your next appointment today!
Final Thoughts
Strictly speaking, Freon lasts forever and, as long as the other parts of the device are working properly, AC units can last for a long time. However, Freon was banned from use in the United States in 2010 due to its impact on the Ozone Layer, meaning newer units likely use a different and more environmentally friendly refrigerant.