How We Handle Refrigerant Recharge in Georgetown TX
Our refrigerant service process is designed to fix problems permanently, not temporarily:
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Leak detection firstBefore adding any refrigerant, we use electronic leak detection and UV dye to find where the system is losing refrigerant. If we can't find a leak and the system is low, we do nitrogen pressure testing.
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Fix the leakSmall leaks, Schrader valve cores, service valve packing, accessible joint brazes, are repaired on the same visit. Large leaks (evaporator coil, line set) are quoted separately.
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Evacuate if system was openedIf any refrigerant circuit work was done, we pull a deep vacuum to remove moisture and air before recharging.
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Charge to spec, not by pressureWe charge refrigerant by measuring subcooling (liquid line) and superheat (suction line) against manufacturer specifications. Pressure-only charging is imprecise and leads to overcharge or undercharge.
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Verify performanceAfter recharge, we verify the system is producing correct temperature differential and operating within normal parameters before leaving.
Refrigerant Types We Service in Georgetown TX
| Refrigerant |
Common In |
Status |
| R-410A | Systems installed 2010-2023 | Available · $75-$125/lb |
| R-22 | Systems installed before 2010 | Limited supply · Higher cost |
| R-454B / R-32 | Systems installed 2024+ | New standard refrigerant |
Frequently Asked Questions, Refrigerant Recharge Georgetown
How do I know if my AC needs refrigerant in Georgetown? +
Signs of low refrigerant: AC runs constantly but can't cool the house on a hot day, ice forming on the copper suction line, warm air from vents despite the system running, and higher electricity bills. A technician can confirm by measuring pressures and calculating subcooling/superheat.
Can't you just add refrigerant and be done? +
We can, but we won't without explaining the consequences. If there's a leak, the new refrigerant will slowly escape too. You'll be calling again in 6-18 months for another recharge. Finding and fixing the leak now is more expensive upfront but far cheaper long-term.
How much refrigerant does my Georgetown AC system need? +
A typical 3-ton system holds 6-12 lbs of refrigerant. If it's significantly undercharged, we need to find out why, gradual loss over 10 years is normal as fittings slowly weep. Sudden loss indicates a specific leak that needs repair.
Do you charge by weight or by pressure gauge? +
Both, but subcooling and superheat are the deciding measurements, not gauge pressure alone. Gauge pressure can look correct while the system is still over or undercharged, especially on TXV systems. We weigh in refrigerant and confirm with subcooling and superheat against manufacturer targets before calling the charge complete.
Can overcharging a system cause damage too? +
Yes. Overcharging can cause liquid refrigerant to return toward the compressor, risking slugging damage, and it raises head pressure, straining the compressor and reducing efficiency. Precise charging matters in both directions, which is why we measure rather than estimate.