How Often Should You Recharge Home Air Conditioner?
If your air conditioner isn’t cooling your home the way it used to, you might be asking the common question, “How often should you recharge a home air conditioner?”. The truth is, recharging a home air conditioner isn’t something that should be done on a regular schedule. Instead, it’s typically a sign of an underlying issue, and most often a refrigerant leak. At Oliver, we believe in helping homeowners understand how their HVAC systems work so they can make informed decisions about AC maintenance and repairs.
Understanding How Refrigerant Works
Refrigerant is the substance that circulates through your air conditioner, absorbing heat from inside your home and releasing it outside. It’s a closed system, which means refrigerant isn’t used up like gas is in a car. If your cooling system was installed properly and is in good condition, it should never need a recharge.
When Is A Recharge Necessary?
If your AC is low on refrigerant, it’s usually due to a leak. Some signs you might need a recharge include the following.
- Warm air blowing from vents
- Ice buildup on the evaporator coil or refrigerant lines
- Hissing or bubbling noises near the AC unit
- Longer cooling cycles or uneven temperatures indoors
- Higher than normal energy bills
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, don’t assume you just need a top-off. A professional HVAC technician at Oliver needs to inspect the system, locate the leak, and repair it before recharging.
Why You Shouldn’t DIY A Recharge
Some homeowners are tempted by DIY refrigerant recharge kits, but this approach can do more harm than good. Overcharging the system or using the wrong type of refrigerant can lead to compressor damage, reduced efficiency, or even complete system failure. Plus, handling refrigerants requires EPA certification due to environmental and safety regulations.
How Often Should You Recharge It?
Ideally, you should never be recharging your cooling system. If your AC system is losing refrigerant, the leak should be found and fixed. Simply adding more refrigerant without addressing the root problem is a temporary and costly fix. If you find yourself needing recharges every year or two, it’s time to talk to a professional about a permanent solution or possible air conditioning replacement.
Let Oliver Handle All Your AC Concerns
If your air conditioner isn’t performing as it should, our team at Oliver is here to help. Our certified HVAC technicians will thoroughly inspect your system, check for refrigerant leaks, and make the necessary repairs to restore your comfort. We never simply top off refrigerant. Our pros make sure to fix the problem at its source. Contact us online today to schedule an appointment, or if you’re still wondering how often you should recharge your home air conditioner.
