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If your AC is blowing warm air or not cooling like it used to, low refrigerant is often the culprit. But here's what other companies won't tell you: if your system needs refrigerant, there's a leak somewhere. We find it, fix it, and recharge properly.
Let's start with something most HVAC companies don't explain: refrigerant doesn't get "used up" like gas in a car. It circulates in a completely sealed system. If your AC needs refrigerant, that means it's leaking somewhere. Period.
Bernie's has been in this business long enough to see the games some companies play. They show up, check your refrigerant, say "you're a little low," add a pound or two, collect $200, and leave. Six weeks later, you're low again. They come back, add more, collect another $200. This is not a coincidence - it's a business model.
We do things differently because Bernie insists on it. When we find low refrigerant, we tell you the truth: you have a leak, and we need to find it. Sometimes that leak is easy to fix. Sometimes it's in the evaporator coil and repair isn't economical. Either way, you deserve to know what's actually going on so you can make an informed decision.
Low refrigerant doesn't just mean less cooling - it can damage your compressor if ignored. Here's what to watch for:
Your AC runs but blows lukewarm or room-temperature air instead of cold. The temperature split between supply and return should be 15-20 degrees - less than that often means low charge.
Frost or ice forming on refrigerant lines or the evaporator coil. This happens because low refrigerant drops pressure, which drops temperature below freezing.
Hissing sounds near the indoor unit or bubbling sounds at the outdoor unit can indicate a refrigerant leak. This is the sound of refrigerant escaping.
Your AC runs longer and harder to achieve less cooling. This shows up on your electric bill before you notice the comfort difference.
Your system never reaches the set temperature and runs all day without cycling off. It's working hard but not cooling effectively.
Your house feels sticky even when the AC runs. Low refrigerant reduces the system's ability to remove humidity from the air.
When you call us because your AC isn't cooling, here's exactly what we do:
We don't just hook up gauges and quote a recharge. We check temperatures, pressures, amp draw, and system operation. Low refrigerant might be the problem, or it might be a symptom of something else entirely.
If we confirm low refrigerant, we look for the leak. We use electronic leak detectors, UV dye, and good old-fashioned soapy water. Common leak locations include service valves, brazed joints, the evaporator coil, and the condenser coil.
Once we find the leak, we give you real options. Small leaks at accessible fittings are worth repairing. Evaporator coil leaks on older systems often aren't. We'll explain the math so you can decide what makes sense for your situation.
When we add refrigerant, we weigh it precisely. Overcharging is just as bad as undercharging - both damage compressors. We verify the charge using subcooling or superheat measurements, not just pressure readings.
Some companies will happily add refrigerant every year without fixing the underlying leak. Here's why that's a problem:
The repair that costs $400 today saves you $1,200 in repeated recharges over the next three years.
If your AC was installed before 2010, it probably uses R-22 (Freon). Here's the situation:
Bernie's recommendation: If your R-22 system needs more than 2 lbs of refrigerant per year, the math usually favors replacement with a new R-410A system rather than continued expensive top-offs.
Key benefits: More environmentally friendly (no ozone depletion), more efficient operation, lower cost, and readily available for repairs.
Check the data plate on your outdoor unit - it lists the refrigerant type. Or just call us. We can tell you over the phone if you give us the model number, or we can check during our service visit.
We believe in upfront pricing. Here's what refrigerant services typically cost in Chicago:
All prices include labor. We provide exact quotes before any work begins.
R-410A costs $75-$150 per pound installed. Most recharges need 2-4 pounds ($150-$600 total). R-22 is $150-$300+ per pound due to scarcity. We always diagnose before quoting so you know exactly what you're paying for.
Technically yes, but we don't recommend it. You'll be paying for refrigerant again in weeks or months. The leak usually gets worse over time. And running low on refrigerant damages your compressor. For slow leaks, repair almost always makes more financial sense.
It depends. If your R-22 system is working well and rarely needs refrigerant, keep using it. But if you're paying for R-22 every year, do the math. At $200-$400 per year for recharges, you'll spend $2,000-$4,000 over 10 years. A new system costs $5,000-$8,000 but runs more efficiently and doesn't need annual recharges.
In a leak-free system, forever. Refrigerant doesn't get used up - it circulates continuously. If you need to add refrigerant, you have a leak. A properly installed and maintained AC should never need refrigerant added unless there's a problem.
R-22 production was banned in January 2020 due to its ozone-depleting properties. The only R-22 available now is reclaimed from old systems. Supply is limited and shrinking every year. Prices will continue to climb until all R-22 systems are eventually replaced.
We'll diagnose whether it's low refrigerant, a leak, or another issue - and give you honest options so you can make the right decision for your home.