How to Add Freon to a Window Air Conditiner Unit

Freon to air conditioner, not for novice

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A refrigeration expert
• A quote on the work
• Can the air conditioner be carried into a shop?
• Knowledge of refrigeration a must

1. I would not attempt to do a window air conditioner with freon, since you have to have equipment that is specialized, and knowledge of the process. The old air conditioner units used a different kind of freon coolant than being used now.
   
   Call a specialist and tell them the make and age of the unit. Ask questions as to whether it can be fixed. There are strict regulations on the use of these kind of products now.
   
   You might want to call several people in your area to ask for bids.

2. There are also many new and lighter weight units on the market. Priced so cheap that fixing an old one may not be the better choice.
   We needed a small unit to use when we don't want to run the swamp cooler. Desert LIFE. It only cost about 99.00 and works very well. Easy to install, light weight, and the annual cost averages according to the fact sheet on the energy guide pasted to it to be about $41.00 annually. That is just great. We will see. I have used it since late March when it was warming and I was ill. The air was fresh, and my electric bill barely noticed.
   
   Bigger units cost upward of $150.00 up. This I feel is the best way to go. Unless your unit is a fairly new one. Maybe even under a warrenty.
   
   There are just somethings that doing it yourself isn't practical, safe, or cost effecient. We are fortuntate in this country to have these items so readily available and at low prices.
   
   They work so good for small areas or rooms that you might not use real often. Large size ones are just as effecient.

3. The great thing about cash and carry is the fact if it doesn't fit, you can take it back, trade it out for one more workable. Stores like Home Depot and Lowes etc. are good about the return for customer service quality.

Tips & Warnings

• I am not an expert in this field, but I think common sense is our best measure stick. Reading up on the new things out there is a way to keep informed and find the help you need or services.
• Most of these units run off 110 instead of 220 hookups making room use so much more doable.
• Read all instructions if doing yourself. Ask for help of someone you trust if you are having trouble with installation or repair.
• Be sure to check the identy of anyone coming into your home for any kind of repair. Stay with them the entire time, and make a small excuse to carry your cordless phone if you have one. (Like I am waiting for an important call). Then arrange for a friend to call during the service call so all will go well and safely. If you have personal knowledge of the company and their employees then that step can be avoided.

[mattsaboy]

on 9/8/2009 Excellent article. 5 stars and a recommendation.

[ilivetoteach]

on 7/15/2009 Great article. I've been looking at those $99 window unit for the portable shed (my office and studio) that I had delivered this week. I was wondering about the energy cost. *5

[librarylady]

on 8/30/2008 I don't need to tell you how serious is our a/c needs in the areal we live in. Thanks