Understanding Freon and How It Cools Your Home
Freon is a brand name for a class of refrigerants, historically R-22, used in air conditioning systems. Your AC unit relies on a cycle of compression and expansion of refrigerant gas to remove heat from your home. This process is essential to keeping your home comfortable during Birmingham's hot summer months.
Here’s how it works: the AC compressor compresses the refrigerant gas (historically R-22, now more commonly R-410A), heating it up. As it moves through the system’s condenser coils, the refrigerant cools into a liquid. This cooled liquid travels through the evaporator coils, absorbing heat from the indoor air. The cycle repeats, constantly removing hot air and supplying cool air.
If your system has low refrigerant, this cooling cycle breaks down. You may notice warm air from your vents, longer cooling times, or higher energy bills. That’s where Cool Temp Air comes in.
Do You Still Have Freon in Your System?
Due to environmental regulations, Freon (R-22) is being phased out in the U.S. as it contributes to ozone depletion. Most AC units manufactured after 2010 use more environmentally friendly refrigerants like R-410A. However, many older systems in Birmingham homes may still rely on R-22 and require special servicing.
Because R-22 is no longer produced, maintaining these systems is more expensive. If your system still uses Freon and has a leak, it may be time to consider a replacement. We’ll help you determine if repairing or upgrading is the better option based on efficiency and long-term cost.
Freon Leak Detection
Refrigerant does not get used up like fuel—it circulates within a sealed loop. So if your AC is low on Freon, it likely means there’s a leak. Our team uses advanced electronic detectors and dye tests to find even the smallest refrigerant leaks, ensuring your system operates efficiently and safely.
- Electronic refrigerant leak sensors
- UV dye leak tracing
- Coil and line set inspections
Common Signs of a Leak
- Warm air blowing from vents
- Hissing or bubbling sounds near AC lines
- Frozen evaporator coils
- Increased energy bills
- AC runs constantly without cooling properly
More Than Just Freon: Other Causes of AC Inefficiency
Low refrigerant isn’t the only reason your air conditioner might not be working properly. Dirty filters, faulty thermostats, or failing components can also be to blame. At Cool Temp Air, we perform full system diagnostics to identify the true cause of your cooling problem—so you don’t waste time or money chasing the wrong issue.
We believe in honest service and expert solutions. Our certified HVAC technicians will assess your system thoroughly and provide upfront recommendations for repair or replacement based on your home and budget.
Why Choose Cool Temp Air for Freon Services in Birmingham?
- ✓ Fixed Right Guarantee: Our refrigerant repairs and AC services are guaranteed for the season.
- ✓ EPA-Certified Technicians: We follow environmental guidelines and safe handling procedures for all refrigerants.
- ✓ Full System Check: We don't just refill Freon—we fix the cause of the leak and optimize your AC performance.