Good video. One thing that some people don't realize is that AC systems don't "use" refrigerant. Some are used to thinking a slow leak is acceptable and normal.
Thank you very much for this video! I’m a new homeowner of a 2007 home in Texas - we have 3 HVAC Lennox units and one of them was found (1 week after we moved in) to have low pressure - the technician charged us $170 to refill the line but here we are 2 weeks later - the system is now sending warm air. I’ll call them tomorrow morning and ask them to work on the leak - now I know more about the process and hopefully i won’t need to replace them system just yet.
This video is the most thorough and insightful layman’s terms explanation for anyone and I wish Fox Family was the ones who did the install and follow up for my Brand New unit as my home was built in 2020. I haven’t lived here for even 1 year yet and the company that I am dealing with that completed this install is very unsettling. I have had the run around and gas and go since 5/6/21. They are milking their time and trying to push additional warranty protection when the initial issue hasn’t even been addressed. It’s shameful when I have seen this video so thank you.
Man, so sorry to hear this. There can be some scandalous companies out there for sure. Maybe a one star review online will get their attention.? Worth a shot.
Thanks for this, my mom has had a refrigerant leak for 2 years now, usually has to get freon 2-3 times a year because her "ac guy" can't find the leak. It's obvious to me after watching this that she needs to call someone else
Thanks so much for the great explanation! We live across the country from you and had a new 5 ton heat pump installed 4 years ago. We have had to replace refrigerant every year and this year again as it gets warmer it’s not cooling properly and we plan to have the installing contractor fix the leak or replace the system since it leaked from day one and at his expense. Wish you were closer, we would be setting a service appointment right now :-)
Very good video. With leaks on a/c units, you can do it fast, or do it right. The quick fix will need repeating later. Sounds like this company does it the right way.
Thanks for the info and educating us home owners on all this! I have a heat pump system leaking now....just put new A410 in it 10 days ago, cost me over $200 for the gas and service call (1 hour billed) but now system won't work again...so the gas has leaked out in only 10 days. Hope the guy can find the leak fast and fix it....I can't afford to replace the entire system at today's prices!
This is interesting. I would have thought environmental laws in the US would be more stringent than here in Australia. The Australian Refrigeration Council Code of Practice prohibits recharging a system even if a leak is “suspected”, until the leak is found and repaired. Again great informative video from Fox Family Heating & Air-Conditioning. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Great info. I really wish it was like that here too. I thought a trigger rate of 10% was the limit before we had to require a leak search. But was corrected a few weeks ago. This is why I made this video. Thanks for the compliment!
Question. My refrigerant needs to be charged at the beginning of every year for the past 3 years. I was told that with small leaks, you can just replace the refrigerant. Is it a large leak or small leak if the refrigerant lasts during the summer, but needs to be charged the next summer.
@@pono321 I live in an apt so I can't just fix the leak. My concern is - is it dangerous? Can a leak make me sick? It doesn't cost me anything either way, but if it will affect my health, I will definitely ask my landlord to fix it. If not, he can just keep recharging it every year. I'm not sure what to do in this situation.
Yeah the EPA 608 includes guidelines on this. I forgot which line of protocols it draws from (might be kyoto or the other one which i think is a canadian name based), but pretty much i think its commercial systems leaking greater than 35% per year that are required to fix. My big recommendation for a homeowner is to go with a reputable company with good reviews. Going with a cheap place or "an hvac guy" will guarantee me work hours to tell you you have a leak while i do a quick charge and then drive over to your neighbors house for the exact same problem. Easy money for me and my company, so technically im fine with that.
you may want to create a stage 4 leak search witch consists of . 1. a suggestion to the property owner to install a security camera on the unit for detecting refrigerant theft either by recovery into tanks or to huff it to get high. 2. a set of locking caps to prevent access to the refrigerant. 3. a police investigation into destruction of property and refrigerant theft. witch brings me to another point why does the person only get charged with refrigerant theft or destruction of property and never get charged with venting?
Great video! I have an HVAC system in my attic and the compressor is two stories below. The refrigerant line runs inside the finished building before emerging in the attic in a corner that is quite tight. My unit is losing refrigerant since it was filled less than 6 months ago. The previous refill was about two years ago. My fear is that the leak is in the line running inside the building and not at the coil in the attic or the compressor. The unit is 18 years old but still cranks along. I don't want to replace the unit without identifying the origin of the leak and I suspect it requires a new line, which, I am unsure as to how they will run.
Very informative. I was just diagnosed with a leak and had a refill ($800!). They quoted me $3500 for a leak test. Another quoted me $1800 - 2500. My unit (AC with furnace used for the blower) is 10 years old and uses R410A. I got one quote so far for a replacement at $20 to 25K ugh. No cheap options here. I think now I might see how long this charge lasts before proceeding.
I've had to "top off" my refrigerant once in 16 years, although judging by how the AC isn't cooling, I might be able to do it again. Is it possible to have a leak so low that it takes years to drain out?
leaks are hard to find but replacement is the easy way out i personally would not use you for my tech if you looked at it and with in seconds say nope need a new system
@@apctech1 generally my process is as follows... diagnostic fee to come out and check the system, find the system low on refrigerant, quick check in the obvious places thrown in free with the diag, if nothing is found the following conversation takes place: You have a leak in your system, your ac uses r22 which is being phased out by the epa. Production will stop in 2020 but it will probably be around for a while after that. The price for r22 is x per pound. The price to leak search and repair with refrigerant is generally $800 to $1600 depending on what is leaking and how difficult the leak is to find. Your system is over twenty years old, we can fix it but I wouldn't recommend it. Often times more leaks can occur even after making repairs. Typically the customer understands the system is at the end of its lifespan. Is it an easy out for me? Absolutely. But I genuinely believe its the right move for the customer too.. I have seen more than enough people spend two thirds of the price of a new system to repair a pile only to replace a year later. Or for that matter spend $1200 replacing an evaporator coil only to have the compressor fail. There is nothing shady or deceiving about my method and my customers make their own decisions.
Brad B I agree I’d rather have a dead compressor! Bad part change and your good , some leaks are hard to find Especially if they’re in the line somewhere on multiple story building
@@RealityRenovations Tough decision for the home owner! Either way it's expensive. "Gas and Go" makes sense every year maybe if you don't need it more than once a year. If you're worried about global warming...find the videos of Tony Heller and learn some real facts (there is no significant man made global warming and in fact the earth was much warmer and had tons more CO2 thousands of years ago!)
Well. My stupid suction line has a major leak in it where you can't even put refrigerant in it cuz it just leaks our as fast as you put it in. There's apparently a leak in the suction line because my house is on a slab and the line is in the damn slab. Hvac company says they need to run new lines into the attic that go to the hvac unit. Ugh 1200 dollars and have to wait a whole week without ac in 90° southern humid weather during the day and only getting down to like low 80s at night. Blahhhh so frustrating
I have a leak. I’m concerned because I have a breathing problem as it is. Q: if I leave the a/c off will that at least help keep refrigerant out of my house? Things move slow in this rental complex
Nah, small freon leaks leaking in your house wouldn't give such a profound odor. You most likely have a mold or related moisture problem and in your state of fear are aiming it at freon. Your system would have died of freon starvation before your family fully noticed it. You need a home inspector to verify you have mold issues or possibly sewer backup issues. It is of course possible for refrigerant to leak ANYWHERE there is piping and fittings. However, the most likely cause of that smell is something else.
We have a Newman AC. And the Teck is being trying to fix a problem that he can’t find We turn power off and on then the unit works all night to morning around 8-10 then doesn’t start again We check for linking Freon ,the switch of water level but problem continues after 5 times the Teck doesn’t want to comeback cos can’t find the problem Any suggestions ??? Pls
I found a leak today customer just call for service; He never says the unit wasn't working. The condenser was full of cotton from trees nearby. My suction was 18.5 PSIG 😐. The leak is at the little line on the TXV 😅
If you have a leak in your home from fridge how can you get rid of the vapors. I have tried to open allthe windows but I can't seem to get rid of the vapors
Everytime I come across a system that is low, I first test the Schrader pins and surrounding area. I then inform the customer of my findings and give them the option of recharging and letting them know that I can't guarantee how long the charge will last. I also highly suggest a full blown leak check to see if it can be repaired or replaced.
I had problem with my ac it wouldn’t kick on right away it would lag a bit contacted a company and they said it was something with the memory so they re wired the unit a different way now I have a leak somewhere in the house and they don’t wanna take responsibility for the same they done to the unit!
So i subscribed, what do you recommend, I’m interested in becoming a hvac, I’m 19 years old. I’m currently in college, do i need a college degree to become a hvac, if so, what type of degree and what classes do you recommend me taking.
The refrigerant circulates with pressure yes but only after you set the lines up with a proper vacuum down to 500 microns. If you skip this step or lose the vacuum, the system won't cool right.
hmmm...I've had too many dealings with disappointed home warranty customers who call us after they can't get the results they're looking for. I was recently disturbed by a company that was going to charge the customer twice what we charged for an evap coil change. Very disappointing to see a customer paying for home warranty then being abused when it came to the repair.
Hello sir I'm from india I studied Ref. Air conditioning Diploma from govt. Institute in india And i have 2 year job experience. Please sir tell me i'm eligible for Canadian or u.s.a HVAC jobs??? And how much scope in this field???
Good video. One thing that some people don't realize is that AC systems don't "use" refrigerant. Some are used to thinking a slow leak is acceptable and normal.
good point RJ. That is something I've experienced as well with systems. Great idea for another video btw!
Yeah you just have to fill it up with gas every now and then! Just like your car right? 😊-> 🧐
Thank you very much for this video! I’m a new homeowner of a 2007 home in Texas - we have 3 HVAC Lennox units and one of them was found (1 week after we moved in) to have low pressure - the technician charged us $170 to refill the line but here we are 2 weeks later - the system is now sending warm air. I’ll call them tomorrow morning and ask them to work on the leak - now I know more about the process and hopefully i won’t need to replace them system just yet.
Great! Thanks for the feedback!
This video is the most thorough and insightful layman’s terms explanation for anyone and I wish Fox Family was the ones who did the install and follow up for my Brand New unit as my home was built in 2020. I haven’t lived here for even 1 year yet and the company that I am dealing with that completed this install is very unsettling. I have had the run around and gas and go since 5/6/21. They are milking their time and trying to push additional warranty protection when the initial issue hasn’t even been addressed. It’s shameful when I have seen this video so thank you.
Man, so sorry to hear this. There can be some scandalous companies out there for sure. Maybe a one star review online will get their attention.? Worth a shot.
Thanks for this, my mom has had a refrigerant leak for 2 years now, usually has to get freon 2-3 times a year because her "ac guy" can't find the leak. It's obvious to me after watching this that she needs to call someone else
Thanks so much for the great explanation! We live across the country from you and had a new 5 ton heat pump installed 4 years ago. We have had to replace refrigerant every year and this year again as it gets warmer it’s not cooling properly and we plan to have the installing contractor fix the leak or replace the system since it leaked from day one and at his expense. Wish you were closer, we would be setting a service appointment right now :-)
That's great thank you and good luck!
Very good video. With leaks on a/c units, you can do it fast, or do it right. The quick fix will need repeating later. Sounds like this company does it the right way.
Thanks for the info and educating us home owners on all this! I have a heat pump system leaking now....just put new A410 in it 10 days ago, cost me over $200 for the gas and service call (1 hour billed) but now system won't work again...so the gas has leaked out in only 10 days. Hope the guy can find the leak fast and fix it....I can't afford to replace the entire system at today's prices!
They should be able to find it for you. Hopefully it doesn't cost too much for ya.
👏 I applaud your honesty, can’t ask for more then that
Mark Kinney plumbing Heating and cooling I love your video. I do like you do. good job sir
This is interesting. I would have thought environmental laws in the US would be more stringent than here in Australia. The Australian Refrigeration Council Code of Practice prohibits recharging a system even if a leak is “suspected”, until the leak is found and repaired. Again great informative video from Fox Family Heating & Air-Conditioning. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Great info. I really wish it was like that here too. I thought a trigger rate of 10% was the limit before we had to require a leak search. But was corrected a few weeks ago. This is why I made this video. Thanks for the compliment!
Gas and go baby!!!!! Lol. It’s actually not too hard find leaks. Great info Greg. 👍👍
Question. My refrigerant needs to be charged at the beginning of every year for the past 3 years. I was told that with small leaks, you can just replace the refrigerant. Is it a large leak or small leak if the refrigerant lasts during the summer, but needs to be charged the next summer.
@@brendajameson5093 why not just find the leak? And patch it up, that's what I plan to do today!
@@pono321 I live in an apt so I can't just fix the leak. My concern is - is it dangerous? Can a leak make me sick? It doesn't cost me anything either way, but if it will affect my health, I will definitely ask my landlord to fix it. If not, he can just keep recharging it every year. I'm not sure what to do in this situation.
Brenda Jameson k
Yeah the EPA 608 includes guidelines on this. I forgot which line of protocols it draws from (might be kyoto or the other one which i think is a canadian name based), but pretty much i think its commercial systems leaking greater than 35% per year that are required to fix. My big recommendation for a homeowner is to go with a reputable company with good reviews. Going with a cheap place or "an hvac guy" will guarantee me work hours to tell you you have a leak while i do a quick charge and then drive over to your neighbors house for the exact same problem. Easy money for me and my company, so technically im fine with that.
you may want to create a stage 4 leak search witch consists of .
1. a suggestion to the property owner to install a security camera on the unit for detecting refrigerant theft either by recovery into tanks or to huff it to get high.
2. a set of locking caps to prevent access to the refrigerant.
3. a police investigation into destruction of property and refrigerant theft.
witch brings me to another point why does the person only get charged with refrigerant theft or destruction of property and never get charged with venting?
wow! that's weird!
Great video! I have an HVAC system in my attic and the compressor is two stories below. The refrigerant line runs inside the finished building before emerging in the attic in a corner that is quite tight. My unit is losing refrigerant since it was filled less than 6 months ago. The previous refill was about two years ago. My fear is that the leak is in the line running inside the building and not at the coil in the attic or the compressor. The unit is 18 years old but still cranks along. I don't want to replace the unit without identifying the origin of the leak and I suspect it requires a new line, which, I am unsure as to how they will run.
Very informative. I was just diagnosed with a leak and had a refill ($800!). They quoted me $3500 for a leak test. Another quoted me $1800 - 2500. My unit (AC with furnace used for the blower) is 10 years old and uses R410A. I got one quote so far for a replacement at $20 to 25K ugh. No cheap options here. I think now I might see how long this charge lasts before proceeding.
same happened to me. 2200 to find leak, fix it and refill. I paid 2500 for the system...minisplit
I've had to "top off" my refrigerant once in 16 years, although judging by how the AC isn't cooling, I might be able to do it again. Is it possible to have a leak so low that it takes years to drain out?
Can you put freon in RV unit
In my opinion Leaks are the worst thing to deal with as an hvac tech. My preferred leak search method..... system replacement
leaks are hard to find but replacement is the easy way out i personally would not use you for my tech if you looked at it and with in seconds say nope need a new system
@@apctech1 generally my process is as follows... diagnostic fee to come out and check the system, find the system low on refrigerant, quick check in the obvious places thrown in free with the diag, if nothing is found the following conversation takes place: You have a leak in your system, your ac uses r22 which is being phased out by the epa. Production will stop in 2020 but it will probably be around for a while after that. The price for r22 is x per pound. The price to leak search and repair with refrigerant is generally $800 to $1600 depending on what is leaking and how difficult the leak is to find. Your system is over twenty years old, we can fix it but I wouldn't recommend it. Often times more leaks can occur even after making repairs. Typically the customer understands the system is at the end of its lifespan. Is it an easy out for me? Absolutely. But I genuinely believe its the right move for the customer too.. I have seen more than enough people spend two thirds of the price of a new system to repair a pile only to replace a year later. Or for that matter spend $1200 replacing an evaporator coil only to have the compressor fail. There is nothing shady or deceiving about my method and my customers make their own decisions.
Brad B I agree I’d rather have a dead compressor! Bad part change and your good , some leaks are hard to find Especially if they’re in the line somewhere on multiple story building
"Quick check in the obvious places thrown in free" ???? Isn't that supposed to be part of the diagnostic process? Wow
@@RealityRenovations Tough decision for the home owner! Either way it's expensive. "Gas and Go" makes sense every year maybe if you don't need it more than once a year. If you're worried about global warming...find the videos of Tony Heller and learn some real facts (there is no significant man made global warming and in fact the earth was much warmer and had tons more CO2 thousands of years ago!)
Makes a lot of sense
Well. My stupid suction line has a major leak in it where you can't even put refrigerant in it cuz it just leaks our as fast as you put it in. There's apparently a leak in the suction line because my house is on a slab and the line is in the damn slab. Hvac company says they need to run new lines into the attic that go to the hvac unit. Ugh 1200 dollars and have to wait a whole week without ac in 90° southern humid weather during the day and only getting down to like low 80s at night. Blahhhh so frustrating
Do you ever use or recommend a sealant for an old system that the owner want to get by on for another year?
That dye is a mess for anyone who services the system afterwards
Very true. I serviced a system earlier in the season that had some in it. Still on my hoses!
I have a leak. I’m concerned because I have a breathing problem as it is. Q: if I leave the a/c off will that at least help keep refrigerant out of my house? Things move slow in this rental complex
Is it possible to have the freon to leak inside my home? When my air kicks on, I smell a very odd smell in my home recently. Thank you!
it could be you are smelling the oil in the refrigerant, and that could indicate a leak
I wouldnt think you would smell it though. Good question.
Nah, small freon leaks leaking in your house wouldn't give such a profound odor. You most likely have a mold or related moisture problem and in your state of fear are aiming it at freon. Your system would have died of freon starvation before your family fully noticed it. You need a home inspector to verify you have mold issues or possibly sewer backup issues.
It is of course possible for refrigerant to leak ANYWHERE there is piping and fittings. However, the most likely cause of that smell is something else.
Great video. 👍
wish your company was in Hampton Roads area of Virginia
We have a Newman AC. And the Teck is being trying to fix a problem that he can’t find
We turn power off and on then the unit works all night to morning around 8-10 then doesn’t start again
We check for linking Freon ,the switch of water level but problem continues after 5 times the Teck doesn’t want to comeback cos can’t find the problem
Any suggestions ???
Pls
I found a leak today customer just call for service; He never says the unit wasn't working. The condenser was full of cotton from trees nearby. My suction was 18.5 PSIG 😐. The leak is at the little line on the TXV 😅
If you have a leak in your home from fridge how can you get rid of the vapors. I have tried to open allthe windows but I can't seem to get rid of the vapors
Everytime I come across a system that is low, I first test the Schrader pins and surrounding area. I then inform the customer of my findings and give them the option of recharging and letting them know that I can't guarantee how long the charge will last. I also highly suggest a full blown leak check to see if it can be repaired or replaced.
good point. thanks for your input on when you recommend a leak search!
How much is it to refill my ac freon? I live here in Sacramento natomas area
Nice reading skills 😂👍
Immediately knew it was California.
Where in the can I find this info about the EPA allowing us to add refrigerant to an leaking system this would be very handy with my company
www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2016-09/documents/608_fact_sheet_supermarkets_property_managers_0.pdf
Thanks
I had problem with my ac it wouldn’t kick on right away it would lag a bit contacted a company and they said it was something with the memory so they re wired the unit a different way now I have a leak somewhere in the house and they don’t wanna take responsibility for the same they done to the unit!
My car's AC compressor is leaking green oil, is it ok to keep using AC until I replace the compressor? Will that damage other things in the car?
Starge 4? Get a new system wich we add to the bill also. 😆
guess it's time to ban swimming pools, city water, sewage plants and and and and...... lol
So i subscribed, what do you recommend, I’m interested in becoming a hvac, I’m 19 years old. I’m currently in college, do i need a college degree to become a hvac, if so, what type of degree and what classes do you recommend me taking.
Jonathan Patino try your local tech school I.e. community college which is the best route or join the union.
"The system lost some of its vacuum"? It is under pressure, right??
The refrigerant circulates with pressure yes but only after you set the lines up with a proper vacuum down to 500 microns. If you skip this step or lose the vacuum, the system won't cool right.
the way you do it is the right way. there is no other "uniquely" right way. Every other way is damaging our planet's future.
How much is a stage 1 search?
So Sorry I try not to talk numbers on this channel. Hope you understand.
Local companies charge a couple hundred dollars for that service.. it’s worth it because they find the leak most of the time
This is why you should encourage your customers to buy a home warranty to protect them in case of a leak.
hmmm...I've had too many dealings with disappointed home warranty customers who call us after they can't get the results they're looking for. I was recently disturbed by a company that was going to charge the customer twice what we charged for an evap coil change. Very disappointing to see a customer paying for home warranty then being abused when it came to the repair.
HomeWarranties are horrible. They almost always come up with a excuses not to cover the repair/replace- too old, too rusted, pre existing issue
Fox Family Heating and Air Conditioning Rieu
Hello sir
I'm from india
I studied Ref. Air conditioning Diploma from govt. Institute in india
And i have 2 year job experience. Please sir tell me i'm eligible for Canadian or u.s.a HVAC jobs???
And how much scope in this field???
Stay where you are. What ever gold mine you think your going to make abroad will be stolen from you in taxes and higher expenses.
@@deanmohamed7575 I'm sure regardless he will still make more money than whatever country he's from. HVAC is good and easy money in the u.s.a.
@@deanmohamed7575 may get shot too.
Please watch dan pena and what he has to say about global warming lmao
Spare me the global warming crap