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Does the Coolant in Your AC System Need to be Refilled?

An outdoor air conditioning unit sitting in between bushes on the side of a home

Simple Answer: No

A properly functioning air conditioner should never need a refill on refrigerant. If you’re not getting the performance you expect out of your unit, there are likely other factors at play.

Despite how it may seem, the coolant (also known as refrigerant), is not a fuel. It does not power the AC like gas would power a furnace. Refrigerant is a crucial component in the process of cooling down the air that is then circulated throughout your home. So you don’t need to be occasionally refilling your AC with Freon to keep things running.

If you need coolant, there has likely been a leak

The reason you may need a coolant refill is if there has been a leak. But this is not a simple fill-up and then move on. The coolant will continue to leak until the problem area is sealed. If you suspect a leak is present, call the team at Lex Air Conditioning and Heating right away.

If you “charge” the system with coolant when there is a leak, you’re almost literally letting money drip away. Refrigerant is placed in a closed system, meaning it stays where it is unless there is a problem, like a leak.

Look for other possible solutions

Before you try to charge your AC with more coolant, look for other possible issues with the unit.

Here are some questions to ask in your investigation:

  • Is the air coming out cold but really weak?
  • Is there hot air blowing from your vents?
  • Does the unit keep turning on and off?
  • Is your thermostat programmed correctly?

Spend some time troubleshooting, and don’t waste money on coolant that will likely not solve the larger problem. If you can’t get the AC to run properly, call in a local AC repair technician who can diagnose the problem and make the best possible recommendation.

Keeping You Cool

Lex Air Conditioning and Heating is the area’s premier provider of Dallas air conditioning services and solutions. Call us today at (972) 217-8955 to have one of our highly skilled technicians fix your AC troubles.

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