how would test the freeon level in my ac unit?

[sadworld]

coils/fins are totally freezing over and ac not working well. if its not too much hassle id like to start with just checking the freeon level.

 

[NotHerDecision]

I'm not an ac guy but if you have ice buildup the Freon is most likely low.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[gerryb]

no easy way to check the 'amount' of refrigerant on the marine units. If you have gauges, you can get 'pressure' readings which will tell you if you are high or low relative to the temperature. A pro should calculate superheat value which is a much more accurate assessment of how much refrigerant you need (after they check for leaks in the system). Without some special equipment and experience, this is a difficult 'diy' repair imo but start with a set of gauges and some readings on the ports when the system is operating. Also a leak detector can be purchased for helping to find any leaks.

 

[PlayDate]

A service call is probably the only practical way to sort it out. Your system is 21 years old and probably uses r-22 refrigerant. Most of these systems use a weighted charge....meaning that a certain weight of charge is added to an empty, evacuated system. While it is possible to add r-22 to your system....it really involves having the operating specs on the unit being serviced. Additionally adding freon to a system that is leaking....doesn't solve anything. A qualified tech can find the leak, evacuate the current charge, repair the leak (if it is repairable) and recharge your system with what he took out plus an additional amount to bring it up to the weighted spec.

What typically happens as these systems get older, is that the coils corrode and lose freon over time. This generally is not repairable and requires the unit to be replace. Also, R-22 requires an EPA license to purchase.