What’s that, you say? Isn’t your ac blowing as cold as it should? You checked the cabin air filter, and it looks fine. And you don’t smell anything weird or burnt when the AC is running – no melting toasters, no stinky socks – nothing unusual at all. No big deal, right? Uh, not quite.
If your car is cooling properly and you have not seen any leaks. But the indicator on your dash is still working. It is time to check your freon levels and top them up.
In this article, we will show you how to check the freon levels of your car and the common signs that your vehicle may have a leak.
However, first of all, let us explain why your car needs freon recharge.
Does Your Car Require Freon?
The coolant must be circulated through your entire vehicle by a continuous flow cooling system (or CFC) for your air conditioning system to work correctly. Without circulating the coolant through your engine first, you have a fan blowing hot air. And you seriously don’t want hot air blowing on your face.
There are two main types of CFC systems today: the older, less efficient type with a single cooling fan, and the newer type has an auxiliary electric fan to supplement the main engine-driven cooling fan. Unfortunately, both systems have one thing in common – they’re prone to failure when it comes to cooling the air just enough in scorching weather.
Why Does That Happen?
Well, let’s take a closer look at what happens when you turn on your AC in the summertime. The refrigerant passes through an expansion valve, which undergoes rapid pressure reduction from around 200 psi to about 30 psi. But when the refrigerant leaves the valve and enters your space, the fan further reduces pressure to 10 psi or so, which heats it again.
When you add a second electric cooling fan that forces more air through the condenser, you’re going too fast for excess heat to dissipate effectively. The faster-moving air rises above the evaporator unit in your dash and goes right into your vehicle’s HVAC plenum.
Here, it mixes in with cooler air coming from outside your car through your front grill. Due to this, extra warm air flows throughout your cabin, which is a greater problem. To make matters worse, the temperature in your plenum is even higher than it was in your condenser.
All of this explains why the air blowing out of your HVAC vents can be all sorts of temperatures. It depends on where you are, what time of day it is, and how fast the wind blows outside. And this brings us back to our original question: does your car need a freon recharge?
Well, guess what? It might do if your AC system isn’t cooling properly due to excess heat generated by extreme auxiliary electric fan cooling going on. As a result, it robs your main radiator fan of its share of cooling ability.
Check Out How a Car’s HVAC System Works:
What Is Freon?
Freons are also known as halogenated hydrocarbons because they contain chlorine, fluorine, and carbon. It is used in the air conditioning system of your car so that you can have a cooling effect inside the vehicle even if you are driving on a hot day.
When freons first came to the market, they contained chlorofluorocarbons or CFCs, contributing to ozone depletion. Since then, several companies have researched innovative ways to produce freon refrigerants free from chemicals that damage our planet’s ozone layer.
The new kinds or types of freons are known as HFCs or hydrofluorocarbons, which do not harm the ozone layer.
There are a lot of advantages you will get from using freon refrigerants in your car.
- It helps to keep the temperature inside the vehicle cool and, at the same time, comfortable for everyone riding in that particular vehicle.
- R-134a is very effective in dealing with extreme temperatures because it lowers its boiling point. As a result, it helps make the cooling effects even more efficient during hot weather.
- Freons do not harm animals or humans because they contain no CFCs or other harmful substances.
- Freons contribute significantly to reducing greenhouse gasses though more research is still needed.
Are There Harmful Chemicals In Freons?
The answer is no because all air conditioning refrigerants contain halogenated hydrocarbons, which help lower the temperature inside your car’s cabin, even during hot days. However, this does not mean you can choose any brand of freon at random.
It would be best if your car manufacturer recommends the type or kind of freons used for your vehicle so that you will not experience any problems with its cooling system later.
Several brands sell freon refrigerants, but you should trust only those with high-quality ratings. You should ask your car dealer for advice on which type of freon you should use in your vehicle’s AC system.
By doing so, it will be easier to experience maximum cooling effects throughout the year while at the same time keeping everyone inside the car safe and sound.
How Does It Work?
The Freon in the air-conditioning system cools the air by removing heat and moisture. The Freon in the AC system is a hydrocarbon gas that has been compressed and purified, meaning it is mostly methane, ethane, and propane.
An air conditioner works as a giant heat exchange machine. In short, as air flows over a long coil of piping, cold Freon gas is pumped over the piping. As the cold Freon gas flows over the piping, it loads its cooling power onto it.
This piping is then located inside a very cold room. The cold Freon gas then takes the heat it has given off and puts it back into the air-conditioned space.
How To Check Freon In Car?
You must periodically check the freon in your car’s AC system to ensure it’s at the right level. If it isn’t, you will need to add more Freon or replace your AC altogether.
We will give you step-by-step instructions on how to check your freon level.
Tools Needed
- Phillips head screwdriver
- Wrench or socket set
- Ratchet
- Measuring cup/jug
- Funnel
Tutorial
- First, pop the hood of your car and find the AC compressor. It will be located on one side of the engine bay and look something like this:
- Once you have found it, use the Phillips head screwdriver to remove the three screws holding the cover. Be very careful not to lose any of these screws! Then use a wrench or socket set to remove the bolt that holds the compressor in place. You will then be able to take off the compressor cover.
- Now that the compressor is exposed, you can look at the freon tanks. There will be two of them on either side of the compressor. The tanks will be filled with colorless gas and have a pressure valve on top. On the side of each tank, you will see a gauge with markings from 0 to 300 psi.
To check the level of Freon in your car, you need to find out what the current reading is and compare it to the recommended levels listed below:
- If your car’s Freon level is at or above 150 psi, then it does not need any additional Freon
- If your car’s Freon level is below 150 psi but above 50 psi, then you will need to add about half a can of Freon
- If your car’s Freon level is below 50 psi, then you will need to add a whole can of Freon
It’s important to note that if your car’s Freon level is below 50 psi, you must have the AC system professionally recharged. It is because adding Freon yourself can be dangerous if done incorrectly.
Check Out How To Check Air Conditioner ( AC ) Refrigerant Level on Car:
Signs Of Low Freon In Car
When your car’s AC isn’t working as well as it should, the first thing you might suspect is that you need more Freon. But how can you tell for sure? Here are five signs of low Freon in a car.
Warm Air
The first sign is warm air blowing from the AC vents. If the compressor is running but not producing cold air, there’s a good chance that you’re low on Freon.
Leaking AC Unit
Another common symptom is leakage around the AC unit. If coolant leaks out, there’s likely a problem with the compressor or another system component.
No Clicking Sound
It can be another sign of low Freon if you don’t hear any clicking noise while turning the AC on. Clicking from the unit is a normal part of the compressor cycle, so if you don’t hear it, that might mean something’s wrong.
Ice Formation Around The Compressor
Fourth on our list of signs of low Freon in your car is ice forming around the AC compressor. When there isn’t enough coolant to keep everything running smoothly, condensation can cause frost and even ice buildup where it shouldn’t be. Keep an eye out for this sign when you’re checking things out under the hood.
Corroded Or Cracked Components
Finally, if all else fails and none of these other symptoms seem suitable for your situation, look at how badly corroded or cracked some components are near where the Freon enters into your system (for example, the evaporator). Corroded parts need replacing, and a broken component will definitely leak Freon, so it’s best to catch these things early.
If you’re experiencing any of these signs of low Freon in your car, don’t wait – take it to a mechanic and get it fixed! Not only will proper levels of Freon make your AC run more efficiently, but it’ll also keep you safe on the road by preventing the possibility of an AC-related accident.
How Much Does Freon Cost?
There are a few factors to consider when determining how much Freon in the car will cost. The type of Freon, the amount needed, and the location where it is purchased all play a role in the final price.
Firstly, there is the R-134a Freon available at many auto supply stores. Prices for R-134a vary depending on the quantity you purchase but typically range from $15 to $25 per gallon. Larger quantities tend to be cheaper per gallon.
Another option is R-1234yf, specifically for cars that use HVAC systems with CO₂ refrigerants. This type of Freon tends to be more expensive, ranging from $40 to $60 per gallon.
It is important to remember that not all stores carry both types of Freon, so be sure to call ahead and ask if they have the type you need before making a trip. Also, be aware that some auto supply stores will only sell Freon to licensed professionals. If you are not a professional, you may need to find a specialty store or order online.
If you ask how much a freon in a car costs, there are a lot of factors to consider. But with a little bit of research, it’s easy to find the right type of Freon at a price that works for you.
What Are The Types of Freons In Your Car?
The most common type of freon is R-134a, which contains hydrogen, chlorine, and fluorine, also known as HFC or HCFC. The majority of vehicles on the road today use this type of Freon.
R-12 was once widely used, but due to ozone depletion, it got phased out with increasing usage of R-134a for its better environmental effects. Sometimes, you’ll still see this referred to as traditional “Cars Trucks & Motorcycles” (CTM).
Another variant you may come across is a blend called R-500, which is one part propane and two parts ethane: C₃H₈ + C₆H₄ = C₃H₈C₆H₄. You can use it in place of R-12 or R-134a, where it is available.
Lastly, new refrigerants are rapidly developing all the time, so your vehicle may use one that is not covered here.
If you’re unsure what type of freon your car uses, consult a mechanic. They will likely need to access the system to check for the sticker or tag that indicates which type of freon is in your car.
How To Recharge AC In Your Car?
So your car’s AC is not working anymore. The first thing that comes to mind is the recharge, but do you know how to recharge it? It’s effortless!
Tools Needed
You will need the following tools before you start repairing your car’s air conditioning system yourself.
- An AC outlet adapter for the cigarette lighter
- A power inverter to change 12 volts DC to 120 volts AC
- The charger for your car
Safety Measures
Ensure you wear protective gloves and eyewear to avoid any injury. Use safety goggles if possible. Also, tie up hair properly so that no loose hair gets caught into rotating parts of the compressor unit, which might lead to injuries, etc.
Tutorial
Follow these steps for a quick tutorial on how to recharge the AC in your car:
- First of all, locate your air conditioning unit. This can be found inside the car or attached to the car’s front grille. Make sure that it is outside, not under any shade or cover, because this would make recharging harder as moisture calls out quickly through air conditioning units.
- Now take note of where you can find screws holding down your machine, and remove them with a screwdriver to open up access to the pressurized gas cylinder inside it (not necessary).
- Take out the safety clip. Look for it and put it back to start recharging your car’s AC unit if there is any.
- Use the correct pressure canister or an electric compressor, depending on how many windows your car needs recharging. An average gas R-134a can give about 9-10 pounds in 4 seconds at 30 psi.
- Once the pressure in your car’s AC is back to normal, check if you are getting cool air from all of the windows in the car. If it is not enough, you might need a recharge or have some service done to return them to their original cooling ability.
- Once everything seems fine and dandy again (i.e., cool air coming out properly; after checking it), put everything back together by screwing up all of the screws that were removed earlier (if removed).
- That’s it! You’re good to go!
Just make sure your AC works fine with using your car’s air conditioning unit before recharging it yourself again because this might cause damage. Read all instructions carefully before following them, and reset the AC system after recharging it (for suitability). You can call a trained and certified mechanic to repair the AC system if you don’t feel confident carrying out such tasks.
Check Out How to Recharge Your Car’s AC System (Fast and Easy):
Why Do You Need To Recharge Your AC?
The next time you want to turn on your AC in the car, think about why you need to recharge it. A properly working AC system ensures that the air temperature inside your vehicle is always comfortable, even when it’s extremely hot or cold outside.
A dysfunctional or non-existent AC system will leave you feeling frustrated with the intense heat during the summer months and might make you feel like giving up driving entirely during the winter months.
It is dangerous to delay the need to recharge your car AC because these symptoms may occur suddenly. Before you know it, you might already be left in the middle of the road without any means of transport until another car comes along and helps you out.
While there are many reasons for recharging an AC system, here are some of the most common ones.
Clogged Condenser
A clogged condenser can cause severe problems with how your air conditioning functions within your vehicle. The condenser is responsible for cooling down the hot refrigerant that enters your car’s AC. After doing its job, the condenser releases heat and turns the cool air back into a liquid before sending it out to be used in your vehicle.
Suppose you suspect that dirt or debris has clogged your condenser. In that case, we recommend having a professional inspect the system to unblock it and restore everything.
Torn Or Damaged AC Line
There are multiple different types of lines included in an air conditioning system. These parts work together to ensure that the correct amount of pressure is applied throughout the entire system while ensuring no weak points where leaks might form. An AC line is The most common hose in a vehicle’s AC system.
Several parts comprise this valuable piece of your vehicle’s AC system; it connects the condenser, compressor, and other components. If any part of the ac line is torn or damaged, there could be leaks in your system, which would cause severe problems with its ability to function correctly.
Repairing Or Replacing Leaking Lines
As mentioned above, if you detect a leak anywhere throughout your vehicle’s air conditioning system, the damage is likely done to other components as well. The pressure inside the entire system should remain steady at around 90 psi (pounds per square inch).
If there is a problem with pressure within this closed circuit, some parts of the system are likely leaking. A professional mechanic should be able to repair or replace any damaged lines, ensuring that your vehicle’s AC functions as it should.
Compressor Issues
The compressor is responsible for turning the refrigerant inside your vehicle’s car air conditioning systems into a cool liquid state. This liquid then flows through the central air conditioning vent, absorbing heat from inside and outside your car before going back into the car as a freezing gas.
If there is any problem with your compressor, you will notice it immediately because it won’t entirely turn the refrigerant into its cooled liquid state. It means you won’t get cold air from your vents after using it. So, having a professional mechanic replace or repair your compressor to help you get the most out of your car air conditioning systems.
FAQs
Will AutoZone inspect your freon?
Yes. AutoZone provides several ancillary products for cars to meet customers’ demands. But, many of its potential customers claim that AutoZone’s essential commodity items are a great deal.
For example, top-off freon is a commodity available for free testing to ensure safe use. However, it is unclear how common these leaks are. This is a service that many people may not know about and can be of great help.
What kind of freon is ideal for cars?
Not all freons are created equal. To determine what freon is best for your car, you need to know its type. Once you know that, you can tell which freon is best because there are different freons for different vehicles. So, you must do proper research before buying a freon suitable for your car model. A quick way to go will be to ask a mechanic.
Where can I find freon for the air conditioner in my car?
There are two types called R-12 and R-134A. The newer refrigerant, the R-134A, which comes in aerosol cans, isn’t suitable for older systems. While R-12 is expensive, it’s still the most efficient of the two on the market.
In the United States, the average cost for a can of R-12 is about $200. If you can’t find a local supplier, you’ll check online. Most freons are available on Amazon.
If you want to be environmentally conscious, it’s probably easiest to avoid using any refrigerant. You can always insulate your car or use a cooling bucket to keep things cool.
How long does the AC refrigerant in a car last?
It is difficult to say how long a car AC refrigerant lasts, but a standard window estimate is five years. There are a lot of different factors to consider when it comes to how long a car AC refrigerant will last. It includes car usage, the ambient temperature, model, and whether or not you leave the AC on.
Therefore, the best way to determine a long-term interval is to have a diagnostic check to see how much refrigerant your car needs. If your vehicle has a leak, it may need a more significant refrigerant charge. Most car supply stores sell a variety of gadgets to aid with this.
Does air conditioning affect how well a car drives?
Yes, it does affect car performance. Air conditioners are heavy devices that typically weigh 100 pounds, thus really affecting the car’s driving performance. In addition, the air conditioner will harm the vehicle’s fuel economy, increasing the number of gallons needed to travel a given distance.
Final Consideration
The freon level in car AC matters because it affects the quality of car life. If the car’s freon level exceeds, it can cause a vehicle to break down at any time, which can be damaging in many ways.
For one, the car is unusable when it breaks down, and the driver will be in a sticky situation when trying to fix the car. It can also lead to a potential safety hazard for the driver. At the same time, the overuse of freon can be dangerous to the ozone.
Overall, it’s essential to check your car’s freon level to ensure it’s below the maximum level for safety purposes.
