The Truth About Low Refrigerant
Many homeowners assume their AC needs a "Freon top-off" periodically — like changing your car's oil. This is a misconception. A properly functioning AC system is a closed loop: refrigerant circulates continuously and is not consumed. If your system is low on refrigerant, it means refrigerant has escaped somewhere.
Recharging without finding and fixing the leak is a waste of money — the refrigerant will simply escape again. Worse, running a system with a refrigerant leak overworks the compressor, potentially leading to a compressor failure that costs $1,500–$3,000 or triggers a full system replacement. We always diagnose the leak source first, then repair, then recharge.
Signs Your AC May Have a Refrigerant Leak
- AC runs constantly but doesn't cool adequately — especially on hot Lake Buena Vista afternoons
- Warm air from vents despite the system running
- Ice buildup on the refrigerant lines or evaporator coil — counterintuitively, low refrigerant causes freezing
- Hissing or bubbling sounds near the refrigerant lines or outdoor unit
- Higher electric bills — the system strains and runs longer cycles
- System short-cycles — turns on and off repeatedly in short intervals
Our Refrigerant Leak Detection Process
We use professional-grade leak detection equipment to pinpoint refrigerant leaks accurately:
- Electronic leak detector — sensitive electronic sniffer that detects refrigerant concentrations as small as 5 oz/year
- UV dye injection and inspection — fluorescent dye added to the system reveals leak locations under UV light, even very slow leaks
- Nitrogen pressure test — pressurize the system with nitrogen to locate leaks by pressure drop or sound
Common leak locations include the evaporator coil (especially in older systems), Schrader valves, flare fittings, and refrigerant line connections. Once we find it, we provide an honest assessment — minor leaks can often be repaired, while severe evaporator coil leaks may make system replacement more economical.
R-410A vs. R-22 (Freon) — What You Need to Know
R-410A is the current standard refrigerant used in all AC systems manufactured after 2010. It's widely available and we carry it on every service truck for same-day recharge.
R-22 (Freon) was phased out of production in the United States as of January 1, 2020 under EPA regulations. Only reclaimed and recycled R-22 is now available — and it's extremely expensive, often $350–$800 per pound versus $150–$250 per pound for R-410A. If your system uses R-22 and has a significant refrigerant leak, the math often favors replacing the system with a modern R-410A unit rather than recharging. We'll give you an honest comparison of repair vs. replacement costs so you can make an informed decision.
EPA Certification & Legal Compliance
Only EPA Section 608-certified technicians are legally permitted to purchase, handle, and recharge HVAC refrigerants. All Lake Buena HVAC technicians hold current EPA 608 Universal certification. We properly recover, recycle, and dispose of old refrigerant — we never vent refrigerant to the atmosphere, which is both illegal and harmful to the environment.
Pricing — Refrigerant Recharge Service
All work is quoted before we start. For R-22 systems, we'll also provide a no-obligation replacement quote so you can compare both options side-by-side.