If the AC system in your car has started to fail or has completely stopped working, it may be time to replace the Freon. Air conditioning systems work by leveraging high and low pressure and converting the gas (Freon) into a liquid. The refrigerant is continuously circulated around the system, passing through both the high and low-pressure sides. The AC system will only be able to release cool air if there are appropriate levels of Freon running through it.
Over time the Freon levels in a car’s AC system will drop, but unlike gas, you do not need to top Freon up regularly. If your car engine is functioning correctly, the Freon in the AC system will not need to be replaced for years. However, leaks in the system can happen, causing Freon levels to drop. Leaking Freon can cause the AC pressure levels to drop and without enough refrigerant, your AC may stop working altogether.
To avoid the Freon levels becoming low enough to cause any lasting damage to the AC system, drivers should be aware of telltale signs that the Freon is running low. In this article, we are sharing 5 signs your car AC is low on Freon.
Low Freon levels can damage your AC system, but can also cause other parts of the car to fail too. Freon is decompressed by the car compressor to create the cold refrigerant that needs to run through the AC system, if there is not enough the system will not function correctly.
Here is a list of 5 important signs your AC is low on Freon:
If your car’s AC is blowing out hot or warm air, this may be a warning sign that the Freon levels are too low. If there is not enough Freon running through the AC system, the levels of refrigerant will be too low to cool down the air circulating into your car. Whenever your AC system is not performing as it should, low Freon levels may be to blame.
Ice on the compressor may mean your car’s Freon levels are running low. When there is not enough Freon for the compressor to decompress into the cooling refrigerant, water can take its place. If water builds up on the compressor it can turn to ice, this is a sign to replace the Freon as soon as possible.
If there is not enough Freon in the AC system, the AC clutch will not engage when you turn your air-con on. Whenever you turn your AC on you should hear a clicking sound, this is the clutch engaging. The clutch clicks when it senses there is enough Freon in the system for the AC to function correctly. If you do not hear a click when activating your AC, the clutch has failed to engage and you will need to check the Freon levels.
A leak is one of the more obvious reasons to why the Freon levels in your car may be running low. Leaking Freon will have a ‘thin’ and greasy feel and appearance. Freon leaks appear around the compressor under the hood and inside the vehicle cabin. You may also notice Freon leaking from underneath your car.
Leaks can happen due to natural wear and tear of the rubber in the AC system, moisture build-up, or exposure to salt and brine from the roads during the winter. A Freon leak is a serious issue that will need to be resolved quickly, ideally by a professional. An ASE-certified technician will be able to locate and repair the leak.
Many modern cars have glass on the AC system so the liquids inside can easily be seen. When there is enough Freon in the system there should not be any bubbles and the liquid moving through the system should be clear. If you notice the refrigerant is bubbling or it has a blurred appearance, it may be time to add more Freon to the AC system.
Freon (refrigerant) is not used up or consumed by the AC system. The Freon is continuously moving around the system and if you notice levels running low, it is most likely down to a leak. Your car’s AC is situated in the engine, a hot and dirty place where damage can happen. If any pipes or hoses in your AC system break, you will start to lose Freon.
If your AC system is in full working order, you will never need to replace the Freon. As Freon is not used up like gas or oil, you will not need to replace it unless there is a problem. A leak in your AC system may mean you will need to replace the Freon, if the levels drop too low your AC system may fail or break completely.
You can put Freon in a car at home, however, you must follow the instructions carefully. To recharge the Freon at home you will need two 12oz cans of refrigerant, a dispenser, and a pair of goggles. It should only take around 15 minutes for you to put Freon in a car at home. There are several step-by-step guides available online detailing exactly how to change the Freon in your car AC system at home.
It is possible to be poisoned by Freon although it is rare. Freon poisoning usually only happens when a person inhales the chemical from aerosols, as recreational drug use. However, if you work in close contact with refrigerants and do not follow the correct safety precautions, accidental poisoning may occur. To avoid Freon poisoning you will need to keep the area well ventilated and wear protective goggles.
If there is a leak in your car’s AC system and you need to have the Freon replaced, you can do it yourself at home or pay a professional. Drivers can expect to pay a professional between $150 – $300 to have the Freon replaced in their car AC system. Prices will vary depending on the make and model of your car.
If there is too much Freon in a car the compressor in the AC system may fail to function correctly. When there is too much refrigerant your vehicle will not run as smoothly as usual and may even fail to start. To confirm whether there is too much Freon in the car AC system, you will need to run a pressure check of the high and low-pressure lines.
Freon is an essential component in a car’s AC system. If the Freon levels in your car are running low, there is likely a leak in your AC. Running your car without enough Freon can cause damage to the AC system and knowing the signs of low refrigerant can help you to keep your car in working order. In this article, we have shared five telltale signs that your car is low on Freon, if you notice any of these issues you will need to check your Freon levels as soon as possible.
Check out some of these other guides that could help you:
How to Remove Freon or Refrigerant from Car Without Recovery Machine
What Causes Water To Leak From An Air Conditioner?
How To Fix An Overcharged AC – Symptoms and Fixes
