The refrigerant in the cooling system carries the oil that lubricates internal components. If the refrigerant is low and not at the correct level, you will find that you do not have enough freon for your car, causing damage to internal components.
⚠️ If It's Broken, Don't Fix It - Get Paid Cash for Your Vehicle ⚠️
Noticing signs of a faulty AC system, like the air conditioning not getting hot enough, a foul smell, unusual sounds, or liquid under the floorboard, you can help keep the freon replacement and flush cost as low as possible.
What is freon?
Freon is a chlorofluorocarbon gas that is liquid when first confined and kept inside the car, but then immediately turns into gas when exposed to room temperature.
Just like many other games, also known as CFC gases, freon has been used as a coolant in both refrigerators and AC systems in cars. Freon ever existed as a gas until 1930 and then was invented, replacing many coolants of the time that were harming your vehicle.
Freon became the new refrigerant and coolant after being produced, but then had some problems when converted to R-22, since it caused harm to the environment when it was converted to ozone. After 2003, there were no more freon-operated ACs to prevent environmental damage. This meant that anyone with a freon AC needed to look into the correct type of freon for your car.
Why is freon necessary?
Your car’s air conditioning is a specific kind of closed system that depends on refrigerant to cool off the cabin area of the vehicle on warmer days. The refrigerant evaporates, keeping you comfortable while sitting in the interior of your car. When the temperatures begin to rise inside the vehicle, the fluid condenses again to recirculate through the system.
When should I replace my freon?
It is crucial to replace your freon coolant in the air conditioning system at regular intervals to heat and cool efficiently, while also increasing the longevity of your air conditioning system.
Any AC system that was created and manufactured after 2003 probably runs on a safer gas instead of freon, known as Puron. Freon air conditioners are quickly losing popularity on the market today, although it doesn’t mean you can't use your vehicle air conditioning as it is. There are various freon replacement service stations that let you figure out the right kind of freon for your car.
If your car is a pre-2010 model year, this means the AC freon replacement cost can be much higher. In addition, fewer garages and autobody shops will be able to service the vehicles running on freon air conditioning systems manufactured before 2010. It could be worth considering a complete overhaul and installation of a Puron cooling setup to get the correct type of freon for your car.
Don’t Ignore A Freon Leak!
You must notice and fix any leaks as soon as possible. Not only is this the best option for your comfort and your passengers’ comfort, but it is crucial to keeping the outside air healthy and reducing harmful gases and burnt exhaust into the ozone.
When looking at the right kind of freon for your car, you need to know the importance of noticing signs and symptoms of a leak in your AC system. Leaks within the air conditioning system should never be ignored, as they can lead to further issues in your vehicle’s cooling mechanisms.
The refrigerant in the cooling system carries the oil that lubricates internal components. If the refrigerant is low and not at the correct level, you will find that you do not have enough freon for your car, causing damage to internal components.
Even in the winter, you may need the compressor and the air conditioner system to keep your car’s air circulating properly. The air conditioning system will assist in using the defroster via the air compressor to remove condensation on the windshield, ensuring a clear field of vision.
Symptoms Of Needing New Freon For Your Car
Any driver who frequently operates their vehicle in warm conditions knows the importance of having a properly-operating air conditioning system and high freon levels. Whether you only drive your car on the short commute to work or you frequently take your vehicle on weekend excursions across the state, getting the right kind of freon for your car is crucial to your comfort.
There are four signs that your vehicle’s air conditioner needs service right away. Noticing and analyzing these symptoms can help give you an idea of the best type of freon for your car.
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Air From The Air Conditioner Is Not Cold Enough
First, the initial sign of freon concerns is that your air might not be as cold as it should be. If you notice that your air conditioner is working, but the air coming out of the vents is not blowing at the correct temperature, this could be the first clue you have the wrong freon for your car.
If this is the case, you might need to top your car’s refrigerant. The car’s refrigerant, also known as the freon, is the important component that cycles through both liquid and gas phases and works to regulate your car’s temperature.
- Freon costs around $150 for a Freon refill, while the average range is between $100 and $350 for topping off your car’s refrigerant.
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Foul Smell From A/C
Second, another sign that your air conditioner needs service is a bad smell coming from the vents. If you notice a smell like mildew coming from the air conditioning, this could indicate that you might have mold in the system.
- Adding professional mold removal costs around $600 to $2,000 when purchasing the correct kind of freon for your car. Removing the mold takes extensive labor time, special equipment, and certain types of chemicals.
- On the low-end, removing mold from your AC system will only cost between $150 and $725 for minimal damage.
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Unusual Sounds
Third, if you hear unusual banging or rattling sounds in the air conditioning system, this can be a clear symptom that the air conditioner needs service. The condenser or the fan belt could be worn out or damaged, or could be a sign that debris or sludge is clogging the air conditioner fan.
- Inspecting and cleaning the furnace of your AC costs between $100 and $300, while the high-end range can go upwards of $500 if you include cleaning the entire AC unit.
- When removing the debris and sludge from the AC fan, you need to make sure you then add the correct kind of freon for your car.
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Liquid Pooled Under The Car Floorboard
Lastly, if you notice puddles or stains from the water on your car's floorboard under the dash, this is a very noticeable sign that your air conditioner is leaking. By figuring out the correct freon for your car, you can determine if the car has a clogged drain hose.
- If the drain line becomes clogged in your AC system, water can back up and overflow into the cabin of your car. Flushing the line or repairing the AC hose can cost anywhere from $75 to $250 in most vehicles.
Freon For Your Car Cost Comparison
There are some sample costs for adding freon for your car at local places and chain stores, giving you an example of how much you'll spend for adding freon to your vehicle. These costs can be used as a rough estimate for how much you might spend in your vehicle for adding freon.
- At your local mechanic, you can expect to pay between $167 and $275 in total to add freon for your car.
- For a chain store, Midas, you can expect to pay around $171 to $261 to add freon for your car.
- At a similar shop, Mr. Tire, drivers will typically spend between $175 and $230 for a freon flush.
- The last chain store we have on our comparison list is NAPA, costing between $172 and $275 for the 12-month warranty, parts, and labor.
- If you feel like you can add Freon for your car without having to bring your vehicle to a shop, you can save on labor prices by doing the procedure yourself. At Walmart, buying just the freon will cost between $40 and $150, while Amazon parts will cost between $35 and $180 on average.
Recharge Your Car’s AC to Save On Freon For Your Car!
This step-by-step guide can help teach you how to recharge your vehicle’s air conditioner using AC pro refrigerant or freon for your car.
If your car’s air conditioner can no longer cool the air, a refrigerant leak from the front can be the culprit. This is especially true if the air has gotten warmer over a longer period of time or if you are going to turn your AC back on after not using it. A can of freon will charge your system and the small leaks that can occur in the rubber gaskets or hoses.
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Turn on the AC to Max Setting
First, start your car and turn on the air conditioner to the maximum cool setting with the AC blower set to the high setting. Next, open the hood and check if the AC compressor is running correctly. This should cycle on and off, and the pulley should be spitting.
Make sure the compressor is running so you can check the refrigerant pressure. If the pulley is not turning at all, you need to add the correct kind of freon for your car.
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Find the AC’s Low-Pressure Service Port
Third, locate the air conditioner’s system low-pressure service port. Two metal tubes emerge from the AC compressor, with the low-pressure port being on the larger one of these tubes. Remove the plastic cap from the port and keep it in a safe spot so you can replace it when finished.
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Unscrew the Pressure Gauge and Hose
Next, unscrew the pressure gauge and hose from the top of the AC pro can. Then, remove the red and white plastic shipping disk from the can and discard the disk.
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Attach the Fitting on the Hose
After the disk is discarded, you can attach the fitting on the end of the recharge hose to the low-pressure service port. Push the fitting on the port until it clicks, ensuring there are no freon leaks.
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Check the Refrigerant Pressure
After this step, check the refrigerant pressure by rotating the dial on the gauge until the center arrow points to the ambient outside temperature. If the needle pressure is too low, then you should add the right kind of freon for your car.
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Disconnect the Recharge Hose
Once the correct amount of freon is added, pull the ring back to disconnect the vehicle’s recharge hose. Screw the hose and gauge assembly on the can and shake the can well, reattaching the quick connect fitting to the low-pressure service port.
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Reconnect the Fitting to the Service Port
Rotate the can and the position every few seconds, releasing the trigger to check the pressure on the gauge. The system will be charged when the pressure is within the V on the dial.
Following these steps is an easy way to find the correct freon for your car, keep your AC system working properly, and ensure you have topped-off the freon level to the right amount.
Maintenance is a MUST!
As with any other part of your vehicle, you need to make sure it is properly maintained throughout your vehicle’s lifespan to ensure your car works correctly and optimally. A visual inspection of the AC system can help find possible leaks, with the technician looking closely at hoses, seals, and other components that could succumb to extreme wear and tear.
The Bottom Line
By using the correct kind of freon for your car, you can ensure the air conditioning system operates at a high level!