Is it illegal to release Freon into the atmosphere?
Bear in mind that federal — and many state — laws prohibit the knowing release of Freon into the atmosphere. If your car has a leak, you are legally obligated to have the leak repaired before recharging the system. Tom King published his first paid story in 1976.
Where does the Freon come from in an air conditioner?
Freon Freon is the brand name of a type of air-conditioning refrigerant gas manufactured by DuPont Chemicals. Your car’s air-conditioning system compresses refrigerant gases into a liquid, then releases the gas through a radiator-like evaporator coil.
How does refrigerant gas not wear out like oil?
Refrigerant gas does not “wear out” like oil nor is it used up like fuel. In a properly sealed system the gas can continue being compressed and released over and over, so long as it doesn’t leak out.
What happens when your air conditioner runs out of refrigerant?
Refrigerant gas often has a dye tag that may show up around hoses and connections as a red fluid. Chronic low levels of refrigerant gas can cause the air-conditioner compressor to heat up and damage it permanently. A relatively small loss of refrigerant gas can reduce the efficiency of your air-conditioning system dramatically.
How can I find out if my air conditioner is leaking Freon?
There are several ways to test the lines in order to determine where the leak is. The most precise method for locating Freon leaks is for the technician to install a liquid tracer into the air conditioning or heat pump system, and allow it to circulate about two weeks.
When to call a technician for a freon leak?
Freon leaks tend to start small, slowly allowing Freon to escape your system, and for that reason, they aren’t always immediately noticeable. The hope, however, is that you can learn of the leak before your system is completely void of refrigerant, so you can then call a technician. So, what causes these leaks?
What happens if you have a freon leak in your home?
A Freon leak inside your home can cause mild symptoms such as dizziness and shortness of breath, but these will generally show up only if you’re near the leak for an extended period. It’s also possible for your air conditioner to leak out all its refrigerant with no harm to you whatsoever.
Where does the Freon come from in an AC unit?
Freon leaks are typically found at the schrader valve, valve cores, evaporator coil, copper lines, “U” connectors, weld joints, electrical connection to the compressor body, or the copper tubing. Most of the time, the leak will usually occur in the evaporator coil.