How to Install Freon in an HVAC System
Freon is a refrigerant gas commonly used in HVAC cooling systems. Cooling units measure and mix Freon and compressed air, then distribute the mixture throughout the building to provide air conditioning. The Freon inside the cooling system does not typically need replacing, but will need to be filled during a new installation or any time repairs are made to the system. Installing Freon in a HVAC system is a straightforward process, but specific steps must be taken to make sure that no gas escapes into the atmosphere.
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Instructions
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1
Determine whether you will do a high-pressure Freon installation, or a low-pressure Freon installation. Low-pressure installations are typically used on new HVAC air conditioning units, after all moisture has been removed. High-pressure installation is typically used when you are topping off an existing supply of Freon following a repair, or when the HVAC system is fitted with capillary tubes. Determine in advance which filling method you will use.
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Open the maintenance panel on the HVAC system to gain access to the compressor and other working parts. Locate the power switch and turn off the air compressor. The air conditioning will stop working at this point. If you cannot locate the power switch, you can also kill the power to the unit by tripping the electrical breaker for the unit.
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3
Connect the Freon tank to the center manifold hose. This is a yellow hose attached to the center of the pressure gauge. One end of the hose attaches to the gauge, between the high- and low-pressure gauges, with the other end of the hose attaching directly to the valve on the Freon tank.
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Purge the line to remove any air that is in the hose. Open the regulators on both of the gauge hoses (red and blue) and on the Freon tank to allow the Freon to push the air out of the line. Immediately close both regulators to keep the line clear of air.
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Connect the proper gauge hose to the HVAC system's air compressor. If you have decided on a high-pressure installation, you will use the "plain gauge," which has a red hose, and leave the blue hose closed and unattached to anything. In this case, the other end of the red hose will be attached to the liquid line service valve on the compressor. If you have elected to use a low-pressure installation, then the red hose will be unused and you will work with the blue hose that is attached to the "compound gauge." In this case, attach the hose to the suction service valve on the unit.
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Open the regulators to allow Freon to flow into the system. Open the regulator on the Freon tank all the way to feed gas into the gauge. Slowly open the regulator at the end of the hose attached to the HVAC unit to allow Freon to flow into the air conditioning unit.
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Monitor the gauge to see the current amount of Freon in the system. The gauge will measure the Freon in pounds per square inch (PSI). The gauge should rise as more Freon enters the system. Close the regulators on the gauge when the desired PSI has been reached. The recommended PSI can be found on the label inside the door of the maintenance panel for the unit.
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Close all regulator valves tightly and disconnect the pressure gauge. Disconnect the hose that is attached to the HVAC unit first, then disconnect the hose that is attached to the Freon tank. Turn the power switch back to the "on" position, and place the door back onto the maintenance access panel.
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Tips & Warnings
If your HVAC system repeatedly loses its cooling capabilities, there is most likely a leak somewhere in the Freon line. Locate and repair the leak before refilling the Freon gas.
References
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