Charging an Air Conditioning System

Charging an air conditioning system is very important and is one of those tasks best left to the professionals. Learning how to charge an air conditioning system is a critical area of study for anyone who wishes to perform HVAC maintenance, installation or repair services. It is a complex process that involves a complete evaluation of the entire cooling system to determine the exact quantity of refrigerant needed. The following outlines why charging a residential air conditioning system is best left in the hands of qualified professionals.

EPA Section 608 Technician Certification

Under Section 608 of the Clean Air Act, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) established strict regulations to minimize the release of refrigerants into the environment. Only technicians with an EPA certification can legally purchase refrigerant and provide charging services for equipment containing ozone-depleting refrigerants.

While the EPA does not yet require certification for the new non-ozone-depleting alternatives, the agency urges homeowners to ensure that contractors are trained in the special techniques that it takes to charge a system with a substitute refrigerant.

Refrigerant Leaks

Properly installed cooling systems are charged with refrigerant during the installation process. If your air conditioner is running low, chances are there is a leak in the system. There are several important reasons to identify and resolve any leaks before recharging your A/C:

• Refrigerant leaks can damage equipment and lead to costly repairs and replacements.
• Leaking refrigerant impacts performance and efficiency, resulting in higher energy bills.
• Leaks from ozone-depleting refrigerants are harmful to the environment.

Professional Refrigerant Charging Services

At Rex’s Heating and Cooling, our certified professionals provide the diagnostic and maintenance services you need to verify that your air conditioner is properly charged, and they are well-equipped and qualified to get the job done. For more information about how Rex’s Heating and Cooling can improve your comfort at home, check out our cooling solutions or call (574) 500-2867.