Is Your AC Low on Refrigerant? Understanding System Recharging

Is Your AC Low on Refrigerant? Understanding System Recharging

As Sacramento hits those triple-digit summer days, the last thing you want is your air conditioner blowing lukewarm air. One of the most common causes we diagnose at Always Affordable Plumbing & HVAC is low refrigerant levels. Homeowners often ask: Can’t you just add more Freon? The answer isn’t always that simple—but when recharging is the right solution, it can get your system cooling like new again fast.

Here’s everything Sacramento homeowners need to know about AC refrigerant and when (and why) your system really needs a recharge.

What Is Refrigerant and How Does It Work?

Refrigerant is the blood of your air conditioning system. It’s a special chemical compound that cycles between liquid and gas states, absorbing heat from inside your home and releasing it outside.

Common types you’ll hear about:

• R-22 (Freon) – Phased out in 2020; very expensive if your older system still uses it
• R-410A (Puron) – The current standard in most systems installed after 2010
• R-32 & R-454B – Newer, more environmentally friendly options appearing in 2025+ units

Your AC is a closed, sealed system—under normal conditions, it should never lose refrigerant. If levels are low, that almost always means there’s a leak.

Signs Your AC Is Low on Refrigerant

Watch for these red flags:

• Warm air blowing from vents
• AC runs constantly but house never gets cool
• Hissing or bubbling noises
• Ice buildup on the evaporator coil or refrigerant lines
• Higher-than-normal electric bills
• Indoor humidity feels sticky even when AC is running

Why Simply Topping Off Refrigerant Isn’t Enough

Adding refrigerant without finding and repairing the leak is like putting air in a tire with a nail in it—it’ll just leak out again. Not only will you keep paying for repeated recharges, but running low on refrigerant forces your compressor to work harder, which can lead to total compressor failure (a $2,000–$4,000 repair).

In fact, EPA regulations require technicians to locate and repair leaks before adding substantial amounts of refrigerant in most cases.

Our Professional Recharge Process

When you call Always Affordable Plumbing & HVAC, here’s exactly what we do:

1. Full system diagnosis – We check pressures, temperatures, and superheat/subcooling values.
2. **Electronic leak detection – We use nitrogen pressure tests and advanced electronic sniffers to pinpoint even tiny leaks.
3. Repair the leak – Whether it’s a Schrader valve, corroded coil, or rubbed-through line, we fix it right the first time.
4. Evacuate the system – Pull a deep vacuum to remove air and moisture.
5. Precise recharge – Weigh in the exact amount of refrigerant specified by the manufacturer (never “by feel”).
6. Performance test – Verify temperatures and pressures are perfect before we leave.

How Much Does a Proper Recharge Cost?

A simple “top-off (no leak repair) might run $200–$400, but that’s rarely the fix you actually need. A full leak search, repair, and recharge typically ranges $500–$1,500 depending on the leak location and refrigerant type. We always give upfront pricing before any work begins.

Special note for older R-22 systems: Refrigerant can cost $100+ per pound, making repairs very expensive. Sometimes replacement is the smarter long-term investment.

Prevent Refrigerant Problems Before They Start

• Schedule annual AC tune-ups (we check for early signs of leaks)
• Keep condenser coils clean
• Change air filters regularly
• Have us install UV-resistant line hide or rubbing protection on exposed copper lines

Ready to Get Your AC Cooling Strong Again?

Don’t suffer through another hot Sacramento day with weak AC. Our NATE-certified technicians have the tools and experience to diagnose and fix refrigerant issues correctly—the first time.

Call (916) 970-0099 or schedule online today for same-day or next-day service. Mention this blog post and we’ll waive the diagnostic fee with any repair!