Recently, we had a customer who filled out our Ask an Expert form and asked, “Once the [air conditioning] system is filled with Freon, how long might the Freon last? Forever so long as there are no more leaks? For context, this customer’s parents had a slow refrigerant leak in their AC system. These are great questions. So we wanted to share the answers with everyone. Freon (which is really just a particular brand of refrigerant) lasts forever. It’s not like gas in car; it does not get “used up.” You see, your air conditioner’s refrigerant system is a “closed/sealed system,” meaning that it does not allow refrigerant to escape in any way. Of course, if you are low on refrigerant your system has a leak. So adding refrigerant without addressing the leak wastes money. A ton of it. R-22 refrigerant (a common refrigerant in older ACs) is expensive because it’s being phased out by the EPA. Adding 7 lbs of Freon could easily cost you $700. So, that leads to the next question.

Age eventually takes its toll on an air conditioner, so you could say a refrigerant leak is inevitable. Refrigerant circulates under high pressure and therefore wears down and thins the inside of the tubing. A better question is, “What can I do to prevent refrigerant leaks?” Your goal is to prevent refrigerant leaks and, when you do get them, nip them in the bud before they get too large. The larger the leak, the more refrigerant you lose. Keep your dog away from the outside AC unit Dog urine is acidic and can eat through the refrigerant coils. So keep your pooch away. Alternately, you could add a small fence around the unit. But make sure you leave at least 2 feet of space free around the AC so it can cool your home properly. Get professional AC maintenance once a year Many leaks occur because of vibration and wear and tear at multiple joints in the system. Annual air conditioner maintenance can catch any possible leak problems before they become expensive disasters.

See what a professional AC maintenance visit should look like according to ENERGYSTAR. We love hearing from our neighbors in the metro Atlanta area. So if you have any questions, ask one of our experts for help. Also, if you think your AC is low on Freon, or you just want to prevent a Freon leak, contact us for help. (P.S.: You’ll save 10% on any repairs by scheduling online!)ac unit outside winterIn the 1970s, The Carpenters wowed us with a beautiful song about 'Rainy Days and Mondays'. how to charge an auto ac unitWe love rain...it brings beautiful flowers,  but, it can also cause problems and the postponment of air conditioning service...and here's why...air conditioning units on the wall No one likes to be uncomfortable;

we're in agreement with that. During air conditioning season our phones ring 'off the hook' with dozens of calls pouring in every day...long-time customers and new prospective clients requesting service for their ailing air conditioners. And, we want to help...but Mother Nature sometimes has other thoughts in mind. Safety first...there is no doubt about that. Your expert local air conditioning service company  wants to take care of your needs; however, working on electrical equipment in the rain can not only jeopardize the safety of the HVAC technician, but can cause damage down the road to your system. Let's face it, water and voltage just don't mix well together! How can you survive during hot weather and a storm when you cannot get immediate service for your ac unit? Turn your system off at the thermostat. It makes no sense to have an cooling system, that is not functioning properly, run only to further cause problems with the system. If your system is low on refrigerant, it will 'freeze up' causing damage to the componenents and a delay when your air conditioning tech arrives.

Open windows that will create cross-ventilation so that you have air circulating through your home. If you have ceiling fans, use them. Dress lightly, layer your clothing for increased comfort.Be sure your AC contractor knows that  you'll be available as soon as the weather clears...and that he/she should keep your service call active so that you don't lose your place for service.Your local AC Service company wants to take care of you. While we know you're uncomfortable, calling every contractor in the area only to find the same response will not only cause confusion but will increase your frustration. Know that your AC repair company wants to take care of you....but safety first! "Nothin' to do but frown Rainy days and Mondays always get me down Hangin' around (hangin' around) Nothin' to do but frown" Need Air Conditioning Service in northern or north central NJ? Bornstein Sons Professional Advice Having a problem with service or mantenance for your home or business?

We're Air Conditioning, Heating, Plumbing, Electrical, Generator and Home Automation experts. Why A UV Light To Kill Mold In Your AC System Is A Must... Why Didn't The Other Contractor Tell Me That? Schedule your AC Tune-Up: 5 March 'Must Do's' Maintenance Matters: Your Standby Backup Generator 5 Indications That You Might Need A New Furnace Covering your outside air conditioning unit...Is it a Good Idea? What's That Burning Smell Coming From My Heating System? Is Your Water Safe After a Storm or Water Main Break? "Rainy Days & Mondays" Servicing Air Conditioning in the Rain So, You've Got a Steam Heating Boiler? Here Are Some Great Tips! annual ac tune-up service how to choose a great contractor heating season energy costs Mold in your AC system Oil to Gas Conversion Save on utility bills during heating season BackUp Sump Pump Systems Maximize your heating system Preparing for the changing seasons