How Long Does Freon In A Car Last And When To Replace It

‍How Long Does Car Freon Last And When To Replace It?

Freon, or refrigerant, is a crucial component of automotive air conditioning systems. Without it, your car air’s conditioning system would be unable to cool the inside of your vehicle. But how long does freon last? And what factors can impact its lifespan?

Freon can last several years inside a car’s air conditioning before being replaced. The ac system must be well maintained with no leaks present in the system. If a leak is in the system, you will have to replace the refrigerant sooner.

One of the most important factors that can affect the lifespan of air conditioner refrigerants is the quality of the freon. Some freons are designed to last longer than others, and may be prone to leaks or other issues.

Additionally, the quality of the refrigerant can impact its ability to cool the air inside your car. If the refrigerant is of poor quality or has been contaminated, it may not be able to cool the air effectively, which can put extra strain on the air conditioning system and lead to more frequent breakdowns.

Another factor that can impact the lifespan of Freon is the condition of the air conditioning. If the air conditioning is well-maintained and is regularly inspected and serviced, it is more likely to last longer and require fewer repairs. Regular maintenance can also help identify potential issues before they become major problems, which can help extend the life of the air conditioning system and the refrigerant.

Finally, how often the air conditioning is used can also impact the lifespan of car freon. If you frequently use your car's air conditioning, the refrigerant may need to be replaced more often than if you only use it occasionally. This is because the more often the system is used, the more wear and tear it will experience, which can lead to leaks or other issues that can impact the lifespan of the refrigerant.

It's also worth noting that the use of some types of car freon, such as R-22, is being phased out due to environmental concerns, and is no longer being manufactured. Newer refrigerants, such as R-134a, are designed to be more environmentally friendly and have a longer lifespan.

How To Tell When Refrigerant Expires

There are a couple different signs your car will show when it’s time to replace your car’s freon. Your car’s freon should last for years, but it will start to show symptoms when it's time to replace it. Let’s look at the symptoms of expiring car A/C refrigerants below.

• Reduced Cooling Capacity: If you notice that the air blowing from the A/C system is not as cold as it used to be, this could be a sign that the refrigerant levels are low. Your car should be blowing cold air when the A/C is on, not lukewarm. If you feel the car air conditioning system is blowing warm air, it may be time to reup on the refrigerant.
• Unusual noises: Another sign that the refrigerant may need to be replaced is if the air conditioning system is making unusual noises, such as a hissing sound, or if you notice oil around the fittings or hoses, which can indicate a refrigerant leak. You should be able to catch this during routine maintenance like oil changes. In a very hot climate, the hissing will be a visible spray. Refrigerant leaks can be very subtle or very noticeable.
• Weird smell coming from vent: Refrigerant gas has a specific odor. If there is a leak coming from your car’s A/C vents, it might be coming from your car’s ac system. Freon leaks can be subtle, but if you smell a weird smell coming from your vents, it may be the freon, and you should have the car inspected for A/C leaks.
• AC clutch not engaging: A car ac and the AC system requires there to be refrigerant in the system. If there’s no refrigerant in the system, the AC clutch will not engage. A frozen compressor could mean it's time for freon replacement.

If your car is experiencing one or many of the symptoms outlined above, make sure to inspect your vehicle’s air conditioning.

How To Change Freon

All AC systems are an enclosed system. There are multiple joins in the system, so it’s not uncommon for an AC unit to have a few leaks. If you have leaks, adding fresh refrigerant won’t really help your situation.

But if you have no leaks and still have a sealed system and are looking for a cool blast, you might just need a recharge or just have low freon.  Freon loss can happen within a closed system even without leaks.

Determine the type of refrigerant needed

Check your car's manual or consult with a professional technician to determine the type of refrigerant your car needs. It's important to use the correct type of refrigerant, as using the wrong type can damage your car's AC system.

Check the refrigerant levels

Before charging the freon, check the refrigerant levels in your car's AC system. You can use an AC pressure gauge to check the levels, or take your car to a professional technician who can perform the check for you.

Attach the can of freon

Attach the can of freon to the low-pressure port on your car's AC system. The low-pressure port is typically located on the larger hose coming from the compressor. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for attaching the can of freon.

Charge the AC system

Turn on your car's engine and air conditioning system, and then slowly charge the AC system with freon. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for charging the AC system, and do not overcharge it.

Monitor the pressure levels

As you charge the AC system with freon, monitor the pressure levels using an AC pressure gauge. Be sure to stop charging the AC system once the pressure levels reach the recommended level for your car's make and model.

These are the steps necessary to refill your freon levels.