Now that summer is here, you’re probably using your AC more than ever. Your HVAC unit should undergo maintenance to ensure it’s constantly functioning properly. One such upkeep is an AC recharge. An AC recharge helps restore the cooling capacity to your HVAC system by adding additional refrigerant. If your AC ever begins to leak, it’s usually refrigerant once the unit becomes worn down. Here is some insight about what an AC recharge is and how it can benefit you.
Savings
It’s no secret that your AC can use a lot of energy, especially in the hottest summer months. And the more energy it uses, the higher those energy bills will be. When you upgrade the refrigerant, you’re making your unit more efficient. When it runs more efficiently, that means fewer bills for you. After all, if it’s running at its optimal level, you’re less likely to have to turn the unit up to the highest degree since it will cool the space evenly.
Reduced Carbon Footprint
Are you worried about your energy consumption and how it affects the planet? With an AC recharge, you know you’re using less electricity when you turn the unit on. The less electricity you use, the less of a carbon footprint you’ll leave on an already polluted planet.
Lifespan
According to Bob Vila, a well-functioning unit can last 12 to 17 years. Many factors go into its life span, such as maintenance and overall usage. An AC recharge is one of the best types of upkeep to keep your unit working for a long time. After all, when it’s properly charged, it’s less likely to overheat and have a damaged compressor. If the compressor fails, you may have to replace the entire unit. Get the recharge to improve your chances of having a unit that lasts closer to 20 years, as opposed to only 12.
Cost Considerations
There is no one set price for your AC recharge. According to BobVila, the national average cost of a home AC recharge is $300. Also, consider whether the leaking AC caused further damage to your home. After all, water damage can be an expensive repair to make. If the refrigerant from your AC has been allowed to leap for a long time, it could damage the wall, ceiling, or floors that it’s near. As a result, you may also have a breeding ground for mold. It only takes mold 24 to 72 hours to begin to sprout in a wet environment. So, if you’ve had a leaking AC, you must consider all the costs that come with getting your home better situated again.
In addition to any potential structural damage you need to fix in your home, here are the main factors that will affect your overall AC recharge:
- Unit model
- Refrigerant type
- Amount of refrigerant
- Labor cost
Remember, all AC units aren’t the same. So, if you’re dealing with an older model versus a more energy-efficient one, such as those from the Energy Star brand, your HVAC professional has different components to work with. As such, they will also have to work with different amounts of refrigerant based on the model. You can also expect to pay more based on the unit’s location in the home. Your central AC units are much more expensive to install this recharge in versus a window AC. When it comes to labor costs, the average hourly rate can range from $75 to $150.
If you’ve been battling a leaky AC, you may not have to replace the entire thing. Using an AC recharge is a great way to keep your existing model functioning at a more efficient rate and can increase its life span by several years. Now that you understand when AC recharge is, you can take the next steps to ensure that your HVAC system has the level of refrigerant that it needs. Remember, this upgrade is not a do-it-yourself project, as you need a licensed HVAC technician to do the job. For more information, contact our team about the cost of home AC recharge.
