How Long Does Freon Last In AC Unit?

Freon is a collective name for the chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) refrigerant in air conditioners. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) banned its production in 2010 due to its impact on the ozone layer. 

However, since most AC systems last up to 15 years, many homes and businesses still have Freon-based air conditioning systems. If you’re in this group, you’re probably interested in the refrigerant’s longevity. So, how long does Freon last in an AC unit?

As the top choice for AC repair you can trust in Inman, SC, we work with Freon-dependent systems weekly. Therefore, we have the answers in his article.

Why Is Freon Important in an AC Unit?

Freon is important in your AC unit because it has the properties to serve as a heat conduit. It’s odorless, noncorrosive, colorless, and non-flammable. Without a full charge of Freon, your air conditioner can’t absorb heat or cool the home.

The Longevity of Freon in an AC Unit

From the design of air conditioners, Freon should last forever on paper. It doesn’t dry up like fuel or engine oil. It will circulate in a closed-loop system non-stop every time you turn on your HVAC unit.

However, the reality is often different. Your air conditioner’s Freon levels will drop as the system’s components age.

Top Signs of Refrigerant Leaks

You need an AC freon recharge if you notice any of the following:

• Heavy condensation on your indoor and outdoor units
• Hissing or bubbling sounds in the refrigerant lines
• Higher-than-usual energy bills
• Warm air coming from the air conditioner

Call an AC maintenance professional if you spot any of the above signs. The technician will decide whether an AC Freon recharge is necessary or whether there are other underlying problems. If there’s a leak, the team will address it before topping off the Freon to the right levels.

Should You Repair Freon Leaks or Buy a Newer Air Conditioner?

Freon or R-22 refrigerant is expensive because it’s now on the “banned” list. A pound of Freon can cost you $100 or more. When you consider the fact that you need two to four pounds of refrigerant per ton of cooling power, the numbers will give you cause for concern.

The cost of Freon replacement for a five-ton AC unit can easily reach $1,000 to $2,000. Why spend $2,000 adding Freon to your old unit when you can get a new one with a more modern and affordable type of refrigerant (like Puron) for around $5,500?

Unfortunately, it’s not that straightforward. You have to weigh your options carefully. If you have a problematic air conditioner that’s already more than ten years old, switching to a new air conditioner is the right thing to do.

However, if your air conditioner is less than seven years old and doesn’t need frequent repairs, you should repair the Freon leak instead of buying a new unit.

Will All Air Conditioners Need a Freon Recharge at Some Point?

One of the questions we get from customers when discussing “How long does Freon last in an AC unit?” is about the inevitability of a Freon leak. Will it occur in every air conditioner?

Unfortunately, it will. Wear and tear will eventually catch up with your air conditioner’s tubing. When that happens, a Freon leak is inevitable. However, you can take steps to extend the lifespan of your tubing. Here are some steps you can take:

Keep Your Pets Away From the Outside Unit

Acidic urine from your dogs can corrode your refrigerant coils. You need a protective barrier around the unit to keep them out—but without blocking airflow. You need at least two feet of space between the outside unit and the barrier.

Alternatively, you can build a raised platform for the outside unit.

Schedule Periodic AC Maintenance

Refrigerant leaks don’t happen overnight. They start gradually until they become expensive problems. With regular maintenance, the technicians can spot signs of an impending Freon leak and get in front of it.

Solve Your Refrigerant Leak Problems Today

We hope our answers to the question “How long does Freon last in an AC unit?” have shed enough light on what to expect with the refrigerant in your system. Do you suspect Freon problems in your air conditioner unit?

Call the Smooth Sailing Heating & Cooling team in Boiling Springs, SC, at 864-804-6400 to schedule an inspection today.

We are happy to solve any HVAC problems you may have. Check out this post on why your air conditioner turns off by itself.