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Proline AC and Heating ServicesAir Conditioning Maintenance ArticlesMaintenance Tips
16 Jan 2023
0 Comments By MHoffpauir Air Conditioning Repair, Maintenance Tips

Complete 2023 Guide To Home Air Conditioning Freon and Puron Coolants

Home air conditioners use a refrigerant, also known as freon, to cool and dehumidify the air in your home. The refrigerant is responsible for absorbing heat from the indoor air and releasing it outside. However, not all refrigerants are created equal, and there have been legal changes regarding which types of refrigerants can be used in home air conditioners.

The most common types of refrigerants used in home air conditioners are R-22 and R-410A. R-22, also known as Freon, was the most widely used refrigerant in home air conditioners for many years. However, R-22 has been phased out due to its negative impact on the environment. In 2010, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) banned the production and import of R-22, and by 2020, it will no longer be legally allowed to be used in new air conditioning systems.

As a replacement, R-410A, also known as Puron, has become the preferred refrigerant for new air conditioning systems. R-410A is a more environmentally friendly option, as it does not deplete the ozone layer like R-22. Additionally, R-410A operates at a higher pressure than R-22, which allows for more efficient cooling and heating.

Homeowners who currently have an air conditioner that uses R-22 will eventually need to replace their unit with a new one that uses R-410A. However, they will still be able to continue using their current air conditioner until it needs repairs. After January 1, 2020, it will be illegal for technicians to top off R-22 systems with the refrigerant, and any repairs that require the refrigerant will require the entire system to be converted to use R-410A.

It’s important to note that when buying new air conditioners, manufacturers are required to use R-410A refrigerant as per the law passed by the US government. Therefore, it is necessary to ensure that the unit you are purchasing uses this type of refrigerant.

Can you add Freon coolant to your air conditioner yourself?

It is not legal for homeowners to add Freon coolant to their own home air conditioning systems in the United States. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates the handling and use of refrigerants, including Freon, under the Clean Air Act. This includes the requirement that only certified technicians, who have passed an EPA-approved exam and hold a valid certification, may purchase or handle refrigerants, including Freon.

Additionally, many newer air conditioning systems must use the newer R-410A, which is not interchangeable with Freon and requires different handling and charging procedures. Attempting to add Freon to a system designed for R-410A can cause damage to the system and potentially release harmful refrigerant into the atmosphere.

It is important for homeowners to have their air conditioning systems serviced by a certified technician, who will ensure that the system is charged with the correct type of refrigerant and that no leaks are present. Not only is it illegal for homeowners to add Freon coolant to their own home air conditioning systems, it is also dangerous and can cause damage to the system and the environment.

How long does Freon coolant last in a home air conditioner?

The lifespan of Freon and Puron coolant in a home air conditioner can vary depending on a number of factors, including the age of the system, the quality of the installation, and the amount of use the system receives. In general, a properly installed and maintained air conditioning system can expect to have Freon last for 10-15 years. However, leaks in the system can cause the Freon to deplete more quickly. Additionally, if the system is not properly maintained, the compressor or other components can fail, requiring the system to be recharged with Freon.

How do you know if your home AC is low on coolant (Freon / Puron)?

There are several signs that your home air conditioning system may be low on Freon coolant, including:

  1. The air coming from the vents is not as cold as it should be.
  2. The air conditioning unit is running constantly without effectively cooling the air.
  3. The air conditioning unit is making strange noises, such as hissing or bubbling sounds.
  4. The evaporator coil or the outdoor condenser unit is covered in ice.
  5. The low-pressure switch is tripped

If you notice any of these signs, it is important to have a professional technician check your system and recharge the Freon as needed.

Can my old AC that uses R-20 Freon be upgraded to use the new R-410A coolant?

While it could be possible to retrofit an older air conditioning system that uses R-22 refrigerant to use R-410A, but it is important to note that this process can be complex and may require significant modification to the system, which makes it cost prohibitive to attempt. New systems are required to run R-410A coolant at an affordable and efficient rate.

R-410A is a very different type of refrigerant than R-22, and it operates at a higher pressure. This means that the compressor and other components of the system may need to be replaced or upgraded in order to handle the increased pressure. Additionally, the refrigerant lines and other parts of the system may need to be modified or replaced in order to be compatible with R-410A.

It is also worth noting that R-22 is being phased out and by 2020 it’s not legal to use it for new equipment, and it will become more expensive to find and maintain any equipment that use R-22.

It is important to consult with a Proline AC technician since it may be more cost-effective to replace the system entirely with a new one designed to use R-410A.

Is it safe for an individual to use R-410A coolant on their own home?

Additionally, refrigerant can only be sold to certified technicians or companies that have the proper certification to handle refrigerants. It is important to note that handling and working with refrigerants can be dangerous and should only be done by properly trained and licensed individuals.

R-410A is considered a high-pressure refrigerant and requires special equipment and training to handle it safely. It is illegal to release R-410A into the atmosphere and it must be recovered, recycled or reclaimed before it can be released.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the legal phase-out of R-22 refrigerant and the use of R-410A as the preferred refrigerant for new air conditioning systems is an important step in protecting the environment. Homeowners with R-22 systems should be aware of the phase-out and plan for eventual replacement with a new R-410A system. This change also ensures that the new air conditioners will be more energy-efficient and eco-friendly.

16 Jan 2023
0 Comments By MHoffpauir Air Conditioning Repair, Heating Repair, Maintenance Tips

Top Ten Maintenance Issues With Air Conditioning Systems In Texas

Home air conditioners are essential for keeping our homes cool and comfortable during the hot summer months. However, like all mechanical systems, air conditioners can experience issues and require repairs from time to time. In this article, we’ll discuss the top 10 most common home air conditioner repairs, what causes them, and how they are most often repaired.

  1. Refrigerant leaks: Refrigerant is the fluid that cools and dehumidifies the air in your air conditioner. If there is a leak in your system, it can cause a loss of cooling power and even damage your compressor. Refrigerant leaks can be caused by a variety of factors, such as corrosion, wear and tear, and damage to the coils or other components of the system. To repair a refrigerant leak, a technician will first locate the leak and then repair or replace the damaged component. They will also recharge the system with the appropriate amount of refrigerant.
  2. Clogged air filters: Air filters are designed to remove dirt, dust, and other particles from the air. If they become clogged, they can restrict airflow and cause your system to work harder than it needs to. Clogged air filters can be caused by a variety of factors, such as not changing the filter frequently enough, or having pets in the home. To repair a clogged air filter, a technician, or the home owner will simply replace the filter with a new one. It’s recommended to change the filter every one to three months.
  3. Faulty thermostat: A faulty thermostat can cause your air conditioner to not turn on or not cool your home properly. A faulty thermostat can be caused by a variety of factors, such as a dead battery, a malfunctioning sensor, or a problem with the wiring.
  4. Dirty coils: The coils in your air conditioner can become dirty over time, reducing their efficiency and causing your system to work harder than it needs to. Dirty coils can be caused by a variety of factors, such as not cleaning the coils frequently enough, or having pets in the home. To repair dirty coils, a technician will clean the coils and remove any buildup of dirt or debris.
  5. Electrical issues: Electrical issues, such as a tripped breaker or a faulty compressor, can cause your air conditioner to not turn on or not function properly. Electrical issues can be caused by a variety of factors, such as a power surge, a problem with the wiring, or a malfunctioning component. To repair electrical issues, a technician will first diagnose the issue and then repair or replace the component as needed. A great maintenance tool to help your electrical system last longer is to install a 5-2-1 compressor saver device. You can view a video on that subject here. Our technicians would be glad to come install one on your home.
  6. Leaky ducts: Leaky ducts can cause your air conditioner to work harder than it needs to, and can also lead to poor indoor air quality. Leaky ducts can be caused by a variety of factors, such as damage to the ducts, poor installation, or improper sealing. To repair leaking ducts, a Proline AC representative will locate and seal any leaks and repair or replace any damaged ducts as needed.
  7. Clogged drain lines: Drain lines can become clogged with debris, causing water to back up and potentially damage your air conditioner. Clogged drain lines can be caused by a variety of factors, such as not cleaning the drain lines frequently enough, or having debris in the drain lines. To repair clogged drain lines, a technician will clear the debris and restore proper drainage.
  8. Faulty compressor: A faulty compressor can cause your air conditioner to not turn on or not cool your home properly. A faulty compressor can be caused by a variety of factors, such as overheating, lack of maintenance, or damage to the compressor itself. To repair a faulty compressor, a technician will first diagnose the issue and then repair or replace the compressor as needed. In some cases, the entire air conditioner unit may need to be replaced if the compressor cannot be repaired.
  9. Worn fan bearings: Worn fan bearings can cause your air conditioner’s fan to make noise and can also lead to the fan not turning at all. Worn fan bearings can be caused by a variety of factors, such as lack of maintenance, improper lubrication, or age of the unit. To repair worn fan bearings, a technician will replace the bearings and lubricate them properly to reduce friction and prolong their lifespan.
  10. Worn out air conditioner: An older air conditioner that is past its lifespan may no longer be able to keep up with cooling your home and may need to be replaced. A worn out air conditioner can be caused by a variety of factors, such as lack of maintenance, poor quality of components, or age of the unit. In our area of Texas, summer heat can give an AC system a lot of wear and tear. If the air conditioner is getting to the age of 15 to 20 years, you may be approaching the end if life for this system. Also, older version of AC systems utilized freon coolants that are no longer legally sold and must be upgraded. Contacting a NATE certified AC technician at Proline AC and Heating for a consultation is a great first to to solving this common issue.

Where can you get emergency help with your AC repairs?

Preventative maintenance is key in avoiding these common repairs. Regularly changing your air filter, cleaning your coils, and scheduling annual check-ups can help keep your air conditioner running smoothly. Additionally, if you notice any unusual noises or decreased cooling power, it’s best to call a professional to diagnose and repair the issue.

In conclusion, while air conditioners can be a reliable and convenient way to cool your home, they do require regular maintenance and sometimes repairs. By familiarizing yourself with the most common issues, you can take steps to prevent them, or at least detect them early on and have them fixed by a professional before they become a bigger problem.

13 Jun 2022
0 Comments By MHoffpauir Air Conditioning Repair, Maintenance Tips, The Woodlands Texas

Top 5 Most Common Air Conditioning Problems

One of the most common air conditioning problems is improper operation. If your air conditioner is on, be sure to close your home’s windows and outside doors. For room air conditioners, isolate the room or a group of connected rooms as much as possible from the rest of your home.

Other common problems with existing air conditioners result from faulty installation, poor service procedures, and inadequate maintenance. Improper installation of a central air conditioner can result in leaky ducts and low airflow. Many times, the refrigerant charge (the amount of refrigerant in the system) does not match the manufacturer’s specifications. If proper refrigerant charging is not performed during installation, the performance and efficiency of the unit is impaired. Unqualified service technicians often fail to find refrigerant charging problems or even worsen existing problems by adding refrigerant to a system that is already full. Learn what to ask for when hiring a technician to maintain your air conditioner.

Air conditioner manufacturers generally make rugged, high quality products. If your air conditioner fails, begin by checking any fuses or circuit breakers. Let the unit cool down for about five minutes before resetting any breakers. If a central air conditioner’s compressor stops on a hot day, the high-pressure limit switch may have tripped; reset it by pushing the button, located in the compressor’s access panel.

1. REFRIGERANT LEAKS

If your air conditioner is low on refrigerant, either it was undercharged at installation or it leaks. If it leaks, simply adding refrigerant is not a solution. A trained technician should fix any leak, test the repair, and then charge the system with the correct amount of refrigerant. Remember that the performance and efficiency of your air conditioner is greatest when the refrigerant charge exactly matches the manufacturer’s specification, and is neither undercharged nor overcharged. Refrigerant leaks can also be harmful to the environment.

2. INADEQUATE MAINTENANCE

If you allow filters and air conditioning coils to become dirty, the air conditioner will not work properly, and the compressor or fans are likely to fail prematurely.

3. ELECTRIC CONTROL FAILURE

The compressor and fan controls can wear out, especially when the air conditioner turns on and off frequently, as is common when a system is oversized. Because corrosion of wire and terminals is also a problem in many systems, electrical connections and contacts should be checked during a professional service call.

4. SENSOR PROBLEMS

Room air conditioners feature a thermostat sensor, located behind the control panel, which measures the temperature of air coming into the evaporative coil. If the sensor is knocked out of position, the air conditioner could cycle constantly or behave erratically. The sensor should be near the coil but not touching it; adjust its position by carefully bending the wire that holds it in place.

5. DRAINAGE PROBLEMS

When it’s humid outside, check the condensate drain to make sure it isn’t clogged and is draining properly. Room air conditioners may not drain properly if not mounted level.

13 Jun 2016
energy star ac ratings
0 Comments By MHoffpauir Air Conditioning Repair, Magnolia Texas, Maintenance Tips, The Woodlands Texas

ENERGY STAR’s Most Efficient Central Air Conditioners of 2015

The ENERGY STAR Most Efficient 2015 designation recognizes the most efficient products among those that qualify for the ENERGY STAR program. These exceptional central air conditioners and air source heat pumps represent the leading edge in energy efficient products this year.

9 Ways To Cool Down Air Conditioning Costs in Magnolia Texas

Hear that? It’s the sound of your air conditioner running and the sound of your bank account drying up. Heating and air conditioning your home take a 43 percent bite from your monthly utility bill, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Here’s how to reduce those costs in summer.

Where to Insulate in a Home

For optimal energy efficiency, your home should be properly insulated from the roof down to its foundation. In addition to insulation, consider moisture and air leakage control in each area of your house. If radon is an issue where you live, you’ll also need to consider radon and radon-resistant construction techniques as you research foundation insulation options. In addition, if you live in an area with termites, you’ll have to consider how termite protection will affect the choice and placement of insulation in your home. For additional information about remodeling and electrical services that could increase your home’s energy efficiency and pumps, check out

27 Jun 2014
0 Comments By MHoffpauir Maintenance Tips, The Woodlands Texas

Texas Summer Heat Can Be Harmful To Our Senior Citizens

The US Center For Disease Control (CDC) estimates that every year around 300 people in the US die from heat related ailments. In addition thousands of American citizens suffer from dehydration, heat stroke and heat exhaustion. Hot Texas summers put a lot of stress on air conditioning systems and many seniors put off servicing their ac systems due to cost and inconvenience. Senior citizens are more susceptible to the effects of heat as their bodies return to normal slowly and their bodies cooling mechanism is not as efficient as younger people. Hence seniors should be well aware of the health problems related to summer heat and keep their AC systems in good working order to prevent these health problems.

The faster you move the faster your body gets heated up. Hence seniors should take it slow in the summer, especially when it is hot. All outdoor activities should be planned for early mornings when it is cooler. As mush as possible, use the shaded areas under trees or covered porches. If possible air conditioning should be used when it is very hot and fans are not enough. If air conditioning is not available at home consider visiting public places like shopping malls, libraries, etc., that have air conditioning. Seniors also need assistance when it’s time to get an energy efficient roof should call Fichtner.

In places where there are no fans or air conditioning it may be dangerous if temperature rises above 90 °F. Some seniors prefer to keep windows closed for security reasons even when cool breeze is blowing. To ensure that your air conditioner works throughout the heat of our Texas summers, we suggest using Proline’s $59 AC Checkup. This simple and inexpensive AC service check will help you avoid any dangerous and unnecessary AC outages. Houston senior portrait photographer

Dehydration from the body accelerates during the summer months and some medications that have loss of fluid and electrolyte from the body, as side effects, can prove dangerous. It has been found that some diuretics, antibiotics and other medications can slow down the body’s natural capacity to control body temperature. Seniors as well as others should always check with their doctors and pharmacists to find out if the medications prescribed have any such side effects. Those seniors who are on low carbohydrate diets should be careful and take a lot of fluids, as the extra protein in their diets can cause the body to get heated up quickly. As such everyone should also take extra fluids during summer months to compensate for dehydration.

Help our beloved seniors this summer by making sure they are comfortable and well hydrated. If you would like to make sure that your loved ones do not suffer a dangerous AC outage, call Proline AC and Heating at 832-326-2242, and they’ll perform a complete system check.