Are you having issues with your home A/C unit and wondering whether you need to repair or replace it? In this article, you’ll discover how to recharge your AC Unit and how much it costs in Valparaiso.
You’ll take a deep dive with Andy Wheele from Crown Wheele HVAC to get straight answers. As Valparaiso’s longest-running “AirCon Repair”, the Wheele family has charged thousands upon thousands of air conditioning units since opening in 1946. Today, we’ll leverage Wheele’s experience and expertise to learn how to recharge an air conditioner’s refrigerants, how much it costs in Valparaiso, and which is better, AC recharge or choose “aircon fix!”
With the new refrigerant requirements in 2025, Wheele can help you decide if you’re better off buying time and a recharge. According to our expert, “we’ve seen numerous refrigerant changes over the years, and it’s not uncommon for HVAC’s to exploit these changes to cash in. While new refrigerants are typically good for the environment, it is often in the homeowner’s best interest to recharge or opt for the AC Fix. In this article, you’ll discover which is right for you!
What does Recharging your AC Unit Do, and when Should You Do It?
When you hear someone talking about recharging an AC unit, they are talking about adding more refrigerant and ensuring it is properly pressurized within the refrigerant system.
If you need refrigerant for your air conditioner, contact a local HVAC service. Under EPA regulations, only a certified professional can recharge your home’s HVAC system. Crown Wheele HVAC is Valparaiso’s longest-running certified HVAC and NWI’s Authorized Bryant Dealership. They are certified by the EPA to recharge all makes and models within the Valparaiso area. You should never try to recharge the AC yourself, even if you have a home air conditioner recharging kit. The refrigerant used can harm you and the environment if handled improperly.
How do I know if my home AC needs to be Recharged or Air Conditioning Repair?
There are a couple of ways you’ll know if you need an AC recharge:
Most of the time, when an air conditioning unit is leaking refrigerant, it will blow warm air. That’s because the refrigerant is no longer there to cool the air passing through your unit. However, your air conditioning won’t go from cool to warm overnight, as it might in the case of a typical ac air conditioner repair, such as a broken thermostat. It will slowly get warmer over time as your unit’s refrigerant leaks, so your air conditioner’s effectiveness will diminish over weeks or months.
Another sign that your refrigerant leaks is ice or frost buildup inside or on the unit. This happens because the refrigerant gas cools everything it touches to the freezing point—this is basically how air conditioning works; it cools outside air to pump into your home. When you look inside your unit, it’s normal to see frost on the coils. The condenser coils are a primary component of the refrigerant system. If everything inside your unit looks frozen or you see frost on the outside, it could result from a leak.
Learn More: Valpo & EPA Refrigerant Policy | Replace or Repair AC
How often do you need Air Conditioning Recharge?
The refrigerant systems in your air conditioner are sealed. This means your AC unit is designed not to require a recharge unless a leak develops in the refrigerant system. So, unless you notice a problem, a home air conditioning recharge isn’t needed, and your options are to replace it or get an air conditioning repair..
What does a typical Recharge Aircon Cost?
A recharge air con cost depends on the cause of the refrigerant leak and refrigerant prices, which depend on the unit and type of refrigerant used. The average retail price of refrigerant is $67 per pound, and most units require up to 10 pounds, so your recharge air con cost (AC Charge) could be up to $670.
If extra work is required to repair the cause of the leak, that may be an added expense. This is why homeowners in humid areas like Valparaiso often choose extended service and maintenance agreements.
Thinking about coverage? (CTA points to CW extended warranty or as determined by andy)
Security for your home. Protection for your budget.
When should I replace my Air Conditioning unit?
You may be better off replacing your leaking air conditioner instead of trying to recharge it—because even the best AC units from Bryant don’t last forever. Here are some signs that you may need a new A/C unit:
- The unit is 15 to 20 years old.
- The unit is a newer model, but the leak results from poor manufacturing.
- The repair cost is almost as much as buying a new unit.
- You’ve had to get the unit repaired frequently.
How do I extend the life of my AC Unit?
Routine maintenance is the key to extending your air conditioner’s lifespan, like any appliance or vehicle. Here are some tips:
- Get a seasonal HVAC tune-up. When you have your yearly Air Conditioning tune-up, the service technician will ensure that your unit’s refrigerant levels and pressure are adequate and that the refrigerant system is leak-free. Here is a link for Crown Wheele’s bookings and service appointments.
- Catching problems early is always the best way to minimize damage. Removing debris, replacing the filter, and cleaning the unit will help extend its life. Crown Wheele has maintenance agreements that ensure periodic inspections as part of its preventive maintenance packages.
However, even with regular maintenance, parts of your AC unit will sometimes malfunction. When you invest in a home warranty from Crown Wheele HVAC, you can rest assured that your budget will be protected if a covered item malfunctions from everyday wear and tear. Crown Wheele has a Valparaiso warehouse that stocks virtually every part and component for Bryant, Carrier and other leading HVACs.
Our full-coverage warranty is here to help you if you need an A/C recharge but also covers all HVAC repairs, including Furnace Repairs and Heat Pump Repairs.
Read More: Guide to Air Conditioning Installation | When to Replace AC in Valparaiso
Air Conditioner Warranty Coverage
Your air conditioner is an essential system in your home, especially when outside temperatures rise. Having the right coverage makes keeping your air conditioning system up and running much easier. To learn more about how to recharge your ac unit and best-practice maintenance, contact Crown Wheele HVAC. With 75 years of experience in Valparaiso, they have the expertise and frigerants to keep your family safe and comfortable!
Written by Jim Jano Janesheski
