General

Freons are hydrocarbons that are actively used in various fields of production. Freons are mainly used in refrigeration units (refrigerators, air conditioning systems, freezers). Experts count at least 50 types of freons with an individual set of properties and areas of application. So how much does Freon cost for air conditioner? We’ll answer that question below.

Air Conditioner Freon Refill Cost

Filling an air conditioner with freon is a popular service. After all, an insufficient amount of freon is difficult to miss – the air conditioner does not cool the air in the room. Of course, mainly home air conditioners are refueled in spring and autumn during preventive checks and maintenance of split systems, but for equipment installed in server rooms, in production that is used in winter, this is relevant all year round.

Filling the air conditioner with freon in an apartment is usually done quickly and takes no more than 30-60 minutes. Freon costs an average of $150 for a Freon refill. Most people pay between $100 and $350 for a refill, depending on the size and type of your HVAC unit. Older large r22 units can reach $600 or more. A 25lb jug of r410a runs $75 to $175. Labor adds an average of $70 per hour.

Physical properties of Freon

The main property of freons is the ability to absorb and release heat from the environment. As a rule, freons are colorless gases or liquids characterized by good solubility in non-polar organic solvents (but almost insoluble in water).

Chemical properties of Freon

Freons are chemically inert substances: they are not flammable and not explosive. However, if some freons are heated up to 250°C, poisonous gas phosgene (COCl2) will be released.

Refueling the air conditioner with freon is included in the complex of preventive maintenance — but it may also be necessary separately, for example, in the event of a refrigerant leak. The coolant evaporates gradually regardless of the presence or absence of a leak. The presence of the gas pressure required by the manufacturer in the system is very important — it directly affects both the efficiency of the equipment and its service life.

At least once a year, it’s necessary to call the service team to check the pressure in the system and general diagnostics of the equipment. Otherwise, you can lose the warranty on the equipment because in all operating instructions regular maintenance of air conditioning systems (including refueling) is a prerequisite for maintaining warranty obligations. Freon of various brands is used in air conditioning: R22, R410A, R404A, R407C.

Causes and signs of freon leaks in the air conditioner

1. The split system consists of two blocks — external and internal, which are interconnected by copper pipes-freon route. The connection of the track with the blocks themselves is carried out with the help of nuts and rolling joints through which freon leaks. The tightness of these connections depends on the quality of the installation.
2. Another source of freon leaks is cracks and fistulas that appear in the air conditioner itself. The reason for their occurrence is vibrations due to the operation of the compressor and fan, while the inner tubes are frayed.
3. A leak may appear at the soldering point of the internal parts of the air conditioner, for example, the compressor.

Signs that indicate an insufficient amount of freon

1. Cooling efficiency decreases – the fan of the indoor unit drives warm air
2. The compressor runs non-stop at full load
3. The inverter air conditioner goes into error and often turns off (the display shows a malfunction code)
4. The service port located on the external block, where the liquid line comes in, is covered with ice
5. Under the influence of freon pressure, oil appeared on the leaky connection
6. Freezing of the indoor unit evaporator

An air conditioner is a device meant to improve the climatic conditions in a room. The principle of air conditioning is based on the general physical property of all substances to absorb heat during the evaporation process and release it during condensation. In other words, an air conditioner uses a refrigerant (which is, as a rule, freon) to change the pressure and temperature in a closed loop of the air conditioner system, thereby changing the temperature and pressure of the space it’s in.

But how exactly does it do this, and what are the main parts of an air conditioner? Read on to find out.

Indoor unit

An indoor air conditioner is required to obtain cooled indoor air. The design of this block allows you to receive incoming air from the street and distribute it evenly in the room. In this regard, the main elements of the internal structure are: 

Compressor

The air conditioner compressor compresses the freon flowing through the pipes of the refrigeration circuit and maintains its movement. Gaseous freon is supplied to the compressor inlet from the evaporator at a low pressure of 3 – 5 atmospheres and a temperature of 10 – 20°C. The compressor compresses the freon to a pressure of 15 – 25 atmospheres, as a result of which the freon heats up to 70 – 90°C, after which it enters the condenser.

In split-system air conditioners, the compressor is located in an external unit — out the window. This reduces the noise generated by the air conditioner in the room. The main characteristics of a compressor are the degree of compression (compression) and the amount of refrigerant that it can pump. The compression ratio is the ratio of the maximum outlet vapor pressure of the refrigerant to the maximum inlet pressure.

Evaporator

It got this name because during the cooling stage, freon evaporates in the tubes, and the principle of the circuit is based on this phenomenon. The power of the unit largely depends on the size of this device: the larger the air conditioner, the larger the evaporator should be. It’s an interweaving of tubes with plates that increase the heat transfer plane. The refrigerant moves through the capillary vessels at a certain speed and temperature.

Fan

To quickly cool the room, it’s necessary to force the airflow through the cooling radiator. This impeller helps with this. In many models, the evaporator delineates the fan configuration and makes the installation of the indoor unit more compact. This creates an effective circulation of air masses. The fan motor is attached with a special bracket to the module box and serves to rotate the impeller.

Drainage bath

Condensation forms on the radiator during operation, and there’s a tray to collect it. In addition to moisture, it collects dust, dirt, and other foreign particles. This part can be removed when it becomes too full.

Outdoor Unit

Despite the variety of air conditioners, outdoor units have mosts of the same components: 

Compressor

It’s able to compress freon and give a certain movement along the contour.

Condenser

A condenser located in the outdoor unit. It converts the refrigerant into a liquid state.

Evaporator

The radiator is located inside the device – it’s used to convert freon from the water phase to the gaseous state.

Thermostatic expansion valve (TRV)

This device reduces the refrigerant pressure.

Fans

The purpose of these devices is to blow through the evaporator and condenser in order to create a more intense heat exchange with the atmosphere.

Filter

These parts of the air conditioner protect the circuit from the ingress of foreign particles such as dirt and dust.

You either love them or hate them — thunderstorms are both impressive to look at as well as terribly frightening. The United States alone experiences as many as 100,000 storms per year, which cause about 25 million lightning strikes. Most of the lighting strikes occur during the summer, just when we use our air conditioner the most. With lightning strikes occurring so often you may wonder: should you turn off air conditioner during storm? We’ll answer that question below.

Why Is It Important To Turn Off An Air Conditioner During A Storm?

Leaving your air conditioner on during a storm can lead to damage. If your house is hit by lightning, the lighting will travel through the path of least resistance. For a house, the path of least resistance is typically the electrical wires. If your air conditioner is running while lighting travels through the electrical wires, the lightning can melt the plug to your unit, making it unusable.

Lightning bolts can be charged with as much as five billion joules of energy. This is enough to completely toast your air conditioner, leaving it too damaged to be used and possibly also destroy its surroundings.

So should you turn off an air conditioner during a storm? To be completely safe, you should turn off your air conditioner during a storm. There are a few additional measures you can take to protect your house and appliances.

How Can I Protect My Air Conditioner?

As mentioned before, the electrical service drops where the utility lines connect to your house, making roofs vulnerable to lighting strikes. Installing some safety measures in your home can help with this risk. The safety measures include lightning rods, conductors, and ground rods to create an alternate path for the lighting. This will allow the lighting to divert from your house’s electrical system.

Another option is to use a surge protector to plug your air conditioner in. This type of device is designed to guard against lightning strikes, thereby protecting your devices.

While these measures will certainly lower the risk of a lightning strike, it does not provide a full-proof protection for electronics. Therefore, it’s always best to turn off your air conditioner during a thunderstorm.

How To Notice A Thunderstorm

To know when to turn your air conditioner off, it’s handy to be aware of an approaching thunderstorm. As a general rule, where there is thunder, there is lightning. While a storm may seem far away, you could easily be tricked. Did you know that lightning can hit as far as 10 miles away from the point of generation? While lightning strikes are statistically rare, they are possible. For this reason, it’s best to take precautions as soon as you hear thunder or see lightning.

There is an easy trick to determine how far away a thunderstorm is. First, count the number of seconds between the flash of lightning and the rumble of the thunder. Then simply divide the number of seconds by five and you get the distance in miles. Hence, if you count 10 seconds, the storm is 2 miles away. If the flash of lighting is almost immediate with the sound of the thunder, the storm is extremely near, and you should seek shelter.

Rainfall without thunder or lightning

Using your AC during regular rainfall is not a problem. Unless lightning and thunder are involved, it cannot pose any danger to your electricals. In that case, you can continue to run your air conditioner without a worry.

Conclusion

In conclusion, your safest bet is to power down your air conditioner at the first sight of lightning. You do not necessarily have to disconnect your air conditioner; simply turning it off so that the machine is not running will do the trick. While the heat and humidity a storm brings can certainly be uncomfortable, it’s better to turn the air conditioner off and avoid the risk of having to buy a whole new system.

With colder weather approaching, necessary preparations are in order. While you’re covering your patio furniture and barbeque, you may wonder, “Should I use an air conditioner cover?”

Whether an air conditioner cover is needed depends first and foremost on the weather conditions of your neighborhood. If you live in an area with typically extreme weather conditions, it may be beneficial to use extra protection. While air conditioner covers are not necessarily designed for mild climates, they can still be beneficial. Let us have a look at the possible hazards your air conditioner is exposed to.

What Factors Can Pose A Danger For My Air Conditioner?

An outside air conditioner unit must weather various seasonal changes. Some can be especially tough on the unit such as rain and snow. Particularly snow can be tricky, but not when it’s frozen. When snow gathers on your unit and temperatures rise, the snow will melt and make its way into the interior of the air conditioner. The water can cause rust and corrosion which leads to reduced efficiency of the machine.

And that’s not all. If temperatures drop, the water could refreeze around the condenser coils and weaken them. On top of that, freezing rain and snow can affect the air conditioner fins and put them out of place resulting in damage to your air conditioner.

Luckily, these potential dangers can be avoided by using a proper air conditioner cover. However, using a cover also brings its challenges. Discussing the benefits and drawbacks of using a cover should help you make an informed decision about whether you should get an air conditioner cover. 

Advantages Using An Air Conditioner Cover

Most importantly, covering your air conditioner unit will keep it free from leaves, seeds, twigs, and other dirt that the rustling fall winds bring. The protection will also avoid snow from accumulating on your air conditioner unit. As discussed, when snow melts and refreezes it can cause unwanted moisture affecting the machine. That’s where a cover can help protect against the freezing cold by protecting the air conditioner unit from water.

To elaborate on the above, a cover can prevent the outside material from ending up in the drain system and clogging it up. Air conditioner units are typically not designed to keep debris out. A little amount of dirt does not have to be harmful but if it adds up to a larger amount, damage could be done. Moreover, decaying piles of leaves and grass can produce formic acid. If this builds up on the copper tubing it can go as far as to cause corrosion. The corrosion can eventually lead to tiny holes in the tubes of the unit.

A cover can keep leaves and such out but on top of that a cover will also keep dirt and dust away from the unit. This is beneficial as dirt and dust in your air conditioner decreases the indoor air quality. Dirt can lead to filthy air ducts, condenser coils, and fans. If these parts get dirty, it can worsen allergies and asthma of people.

Taking good care of your air conditioner will help in maintaining its efficiency. Consequently, a more efficient air conditioner means a lower electric bill as well as fewer costs for maintenance.

Disadvantages Of Covering Your Air Conditioner

Generally speaking, air conditioning units are designed to weather the outside elements such as wind, rain, and snow. As a result, an air conditioner cover is usually not included by the manufacturer. This means if you would like to use a cover this would need to be out of pocket. Finding the right measures and type of cover for your unit can take time and effort.

To achieve optimal functionality, choosing the right cover for your air conditioner is essential. It’s best to use a cover which protects the top of the unit — the most essential part. By covering up your air conditioner completely, you can possibly trap moisture which in turn can lead to mold or can freeze on the coils during the winter months.

As if that were not enough, the tempting full covers sure look like a nice home for rodents. Having rodents and such make a home in the cover can lead to damage of the air conditioner wires. Besides that, you’re probably not too excited to clean up the nests and feces left by the rodent family.

In Conclusion

So should you use an air conditioner cover? Well, there are two sides to the story and arguments can be made for both. In the end it depends on your own preference and the severity of weather conditions in your area. If your area is tormented with lots of snow and freezing rain, it’s certainly good to consider buying a cover. However, keep in mind to buy a proper air conditioner cover that does not completely cover the unit.

Long before the high-tech air conditioners were invented, homeowners were relying on ceiling fans to keep their rooms cool and comfortable. Even today, these fans are still considered an important part of our homes and workplaces. However, the most common question that we always hear from homeowners is: Should I run my ceiling fan with air conditioner? In this article, we will try to answer this question, but first let’s start by understanding how the two units work.

Running a Ceiling Fan and an Air Conditioner Together

How Does a Ceiling Fan work?

Although a ceiling fan won’t necessarily lower the temperature in your house, it will offer a wind chilling effect by exploiting the air temperature on your skin. If the blades of your ceiling fan are working properly, they should direct the air straight down on your skin. The air then disperses your body’s heat, evaporating perspiration, and giving you a cooler feeling. With this chill factor, a ceiling fan will keep you cool even when a thermometer in the room reads 86 degrees. 

How an Air Conditioner Works?

Unlike a ceiling fan, an air conditioner is designed to alter the temperature, humidity, and the general quality of air in a room. Basically, it helps to keep your room cooler by removing heat energy from the house and replacing it with cooler air. This unit removes the warm air from the house through a special liquid called the refrigerant. The liquid passes through the evaporator coil where it’s transformed into vapor, thus removing heat from the surrounding air.

Once the heat has been removed, the air is then blown back into the house by the evaporator fan. The refrigerant vapor is then condensed and converted back to liquid, which returns to the condenser to repeat the entire process all over again.

Benefits of a Ceiling Fan and an Air Conditioner Combo

So can you run a ceiling fan and air conditioner at the same time? The quick answer is yes, you can. However, it’s a little bit more complicated. Be warned that a ceiling fan won’t necessarily increase the effectiveness of your AC, and neither will it help the conditioner lower the room temperature faster. In fact, studies have shown that sometimes ceiling fans can add heat to a room, albeit in almost immeasurable tiny amounts. Nonetheless, there are several benefits of running your ceiling fan and air conditioner together.

Increasing the Thermostat

When the ceiling fan and AC run simultaneously, the fan will circulate cooled air, making the house occupants feel even cooler. That way, you can increase the thermostat of your AC without decreasing comfort. By increasing the thermostat, you reduce the length of “on” cycles of the AC’s compressor by a substantial percentage, thereby lowering energy consumption and the carbon footprint.

Reducing the Costs

Studies have shown that a combination of a ceiling fan and an air conditioner helps to cut down the overall air conditioning bills by a few bucks. At normal utility rates, an AC costs $0.43 per hour to run, while a ceiling fan costs $0.1 per hour. By increasing your AC’s thermostat by 4 degrees, you will lower your total central air conditioning cost by $0.17 per hour. When you subtract the one-cent it costs to run a ceiling fan, you are able to save $0.16 per hour.

Since a central air conditioner will run for at least six hours a day in summer, you will be able to save up to $30 per month without losing any amount of comfort in the house. You can even save more energy and cut down your monthly utility bills by ensuring that your ceiling fan is on only when you are in the house. Remember that the ceiling fan is only meant to make the room feel cooler for you and your pets. That’s why you should turn it off if no one is in the house, in order to save money.

In different seasons, the air in our homes and workplaces changes. For instance, in winter, humidity levels drop significantly because the heating systems reduce the amount of moisture in the air. In summer, the air in our homes and offices becomes dense, pushing humidity levels through the roof. Both situations can be extremely uncomfortable and unpleasant.

That’s why it’s important to control humidity levels in your home and workplace in order to maintain comfort and good health. This is where dehumidifiers and air conditioners come in handy. A common question that homeowners ask is: Should I get a dehumidifier or air conditioner? In this article, we tell you why and when to use each of these devices.

Dehumidifier Vs Air Conditioner

What is a Dehumidifier?

A dehumidifier is a machine designed to remove moisture from the air for health and comfort purposes. By getting rid of excess moisture in the air, this device eliminates musty odor and prevents the growth of mildew in your house or office. It also makes the air more comfortable and less humid.

How Does It Work?

A dehumidifier sucks in the damp air and cools it to a temperature upon which the moisture condenses to become water. This water is collected in a drainage tank, which can be emptied either manually or automatically, depending on the type of dehumidifier you have. Unlike an air conditioner, a dehumidifier doesn’t produce warm air, which means it can be used in a room without external vents.

Reasons You Need a Dehumidifier

• Room is unpleasantly humid
• Musty odor in the house
• Visible mold in the house
• Excess moisture in the air
• Condensation covering the windows
• Wet stains on the walls and ceiling

What Is an Air Conditioner?

An air conditioner is an electronic machine designed to remove heat from the air and eject it from the room in order to cool the temperature down. The latest air conditioners can dispense the cool air to different rooms through ventilation.

How It Works

An air conditioner works the same way as a heat pump, but follows a cooling cycle. This machine comprises different parts including the evaporator, condenser, compressor, and expansion valve. It removes heat through a refrigerant, which is a fluid pumped out of the system through a chain of pipes. A refrigerant with hot air is expanded through the expansion valve and converted to gas.

This gas is then passed through the compressor where it’s converted to a high-pressure gas, which goes through the condenser coils and is propelled by fans that remove the heat from the refrigerant. The evaporator is the component that is responsible for throwing the cool air into the room. 

Why You Need an Air Conditioner

• To avoid heat exhaustion because of heavy sweating
• Prevent dehydration because of continuous perspiration
• Enjoy relaxing sleep
• Prevent premature aging of furniture and other belongings
• Keep the air fresh

In Summary

Since both the dehumidifier and air conditioner offer many pros and cons with regard to controlling humidity levels in your house, your objective should determine which appliance you choose. However, it’s important to mention that a dehumidifier can help you to avoid overusing your air conditioner, thus reducing your air conditioning bills. That’s why you can learn to take advantage of both of them.

Those long, sunlit summer days can quickly be marred by overbearing heat and humidity. Many people living in hot climates regularly use air conditioning units to make the temperature bearable and so that they can enjoy the weather without feeling oppressed by the sun. If the heat becomes too much, then should an air conditioner run all day? Although it may be tempting to seek a reprieve from the sweltering heat, that doesn’t mean it’s beneficial for you or your AC. 
 

Is It Safe to Leave the Air Conditioner on All Day? 

Primarily, this is the concern for most people when they wonder whether they can leave the AC running all day. Typically, leaving your air conditioning unit on all day is not going to cause any electrical disasters. It’s unlikely to cause a fire or break down in a way that would injure anyone. However, although these things don’t generally happen, there is always the possibility. So it’s important to be considerate of these factors when leaving your air conditioner on for the day.
 

Will My Bills Skyrocket if I Leave the AC on?

Another aspect to consider when leaving your AC on is how it will affect your electricity bills. Sadly, there is not a simple answer to this question as it depends on your home, general electricity consumption and the model of your air conditioner. Usually, you will be provided with information when you purchase the machine that will detail how energy efficient your model is. This information can help you make an informed decision as to whether it’s cost effective to leave the AC on.
 

How Will This Affect Power in my Neighbourhood?

Depending on where you live will depend on how much usage your local grid can take before it is more likely to trip. When it’s hot, you’re likely to see lots of households blasting their air conditioning which isn’t great for the neighbourhood power supply. Being sparing means that you’re less likely to lose power and anyone in your neighborhood with vulnerable people will still be able to take advantage of their air conditioning unit.

Sometimes, the answer to this question is to think of others and the position that they would be put in if the neighborhood was to lose power.

Coping with the Heat 

Naturally, using an air conditioner all day will make it easier for anyone to deal with the heat. If you have children, pets, or elderly relatives to look after, then it’s wise to leave it on during the day. Pets specifically won’t be able to verbally tell you that they are hot, and, with the extra layer of fur, their tolerance is different from their human counterparts.

If you’re going through a heatwave, then blasting the air conditioner may make it much more bearable. It’s a good idea to climatize as much as possible to your environment, but if the heat is at a dangerous level for yourself or anyone else, then leaving the air conditioner on all day isn’t a problem.

So before leaving your AC on to run all day, consider the variables that may affect your neighbourhood, household, bills, and your safety before leaving the unit on for an extended period.