How to properly charge an air conditioner and why 90% of companies do it incorrectly

Any air conditioner must be recharged with freon, which is used in the system as a refrigerant, every once in a while. A refrigerant is a colorless liquid or gas that is unique in that, when boiled, it absorbs warmth, while during condensation, it emits it. 

Why is charging needed? The issue is that, while the air conditioner is in use, a natural release of refrigerant occurs. A loss that does not exceed 15% per year is acceptable. 

When the refrigerant level drops below what is acceptable, air conditioner operation is negatively affected. This is because, if there is not enough refrigerant, the compressor is operating with a higher load. The air conditioner operates incorrectly and malfunctions when operated in different modes.  

The importance of regular charging is clear. This is why all companies that service air conditioners provide this service. But by no means do all of them perform it correctly. An overwhelming majority of contractors permit mistakes. Let’s figure out why this is the case. 

There are two types of air conditioners: non-inverter and inverter. The difference is in the way the compressor works. In the first type, the compressor operates on an “on/off” basis, while in the second, the compressor does not turn off at all, instead regulating its performance by increasing or decreasing the rotor speed. 

Non-inverter air conditioners are quite easy to recharge when the air conditioner starts cooling poorly as a result of a minor leak in the refrigerant line. Recharging is done by measuring the freon’s temperature and pressure. 

Inverter air conditioners cannot be recharged accurately, only approximately—‘by eye,’ which is what the majority of companies do. In this case, significant miscalculations are possible. As a result, the air conditioner can continue operating incorrectly, causing increased compressor wear and tear as well as higher energy use and poor room cooling.

Inverter air conditioners are charged to full capacity only in accordance with the specifications for each individual model. Each outdoor unit has a marking showing the amount of freon needed for a recharge. In order to conduct a full recharge of the air conditioner inverter, if it requires one and is in working condition, the following is required:

- A full recovery of all the refrigerant in the system, using special equipment (a recovery machine) and a recovery cylinder for collecting the refrigerant. 

- Then the air conditioner must be recharged with the necessary amount of refrigerant in accordance with its specifications. 

This is the only method that allows for effective recharging of the refrigerant without potential unwanted consequences. When contractors offer to do the work ‘by eye,’ they put the effectiveness and functionality of the air conditioner at risk. 

We recommend you contact certified technicians who have a good knowledge base and all the necessary abilities and experience to conduct air conditioner recharging . Contact AEL&L, and you will receive professional service and quality repair of your air conditioner. We provide a whole range of services for the maintenance of climate control equipment. All our personnel are EPA certified. Air conditioner diagnostic is performed free of charge.