How Long Does It Take To Add Freon To Dehumidifier?

Adding Freon to dehumidifiers, particularly those with silica gel, is a simple task. Most dehumidifiers typically use color beads, which turn green from orange when they require recharging. So, plug the device into the wall socket and wait for 7 to 10 hours for the color to change.

Do Dehumidifiers Have Freon Or Refrigerants?

Q: How Long Does A Freon Generally Last In A Dehumidifier?

Typically, refrigerants or Freon have a relatively long lifespan. They can last several years before giving up. Buying a good dehumidifier can get you a minimum of one year of impressive service, based on the quality and brand.

Q: How Much Does It Cost To Add Freon To A Dehumidifier?

Typically, the cost to add Freon to dehumidifiers is between $190 and $550. However, the cost of the Freon depends on the size of the dehumidifier. Also, before recharging, assess the cost of recharging against buying a brand new one.

Refrigerants are used in air conditioning systems, freezers, fridges, and also dehumidifiers. But what actually are refrigerants? And are refrigerants the same as Freon?

Over the years I’ve used lots of different types of dehumidifiers, but the majority of them use refrigerants, and the most common refrigerant is Freon. In this guide, I’ll explain what Freon is, what it does, and whether you should be adding Freon to your dehumidifier.

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What Is Freon?

Freon is a chlorofluorocarbon (a colorless gas), best known as “R-22.” It’s a type of refrigerant used in dehumidifiers and air conditioning. The refrigerant gas Freon is used in the condenser coils of refrigerant dehumidifiers and is a vital part of the dehumidification process. As air passes through the cold coils the excess moisture is extracted, leaving you with dry air.

There are other types of refrigerant available that work in the same way as Freon, but Freon is the most widely used. Recently, it has been known to contribute to the depletion of the ozone; therefore, it is gradually being phased out.

Do Dehumidifiers Have Freon in Them?

Most dehumidifiers use Freon refrigerant in their refrigeration system. Some modern dehumidifiers use a different type of refrigerant, and desiccant dehumidifiers use a different system, but if you have an old dehumidifier it likely uses Freon.

A Freon dehumidifier uses it to cool the air in the same way your centralized air conditioner works. The only difference is that the indoor air is warmed with the help of an additional heating component before it’s released back into your home.

This way, you have the humidity extracted from the house without the house cooling down, maintaining the indoor heat.

Refrigerant Dehumidifiers Vs. Desiccant Dehumidifiers

Not all dehumidifiers use Freon R-22 refrigerant. Freon is a specific brand (think Coca-Cola or Pepsi) of refrigerant that is very popular, but a modern refrigerant dehumidifier is more likely to use Freon R 410A. R 410A is a less dangerous gas that doesn’t contribute to ozone depletion, so there’s less risk if the Freon leaks. [1]

A desiccant dehumidifier doesn’t contain Freon or any type of refrigerant. Instead, they use an absorbent material which is usually filled with silica gel to capture the excess humidity from the air as it passes through. This dehumidifying process results in higher energy consumption, but you don’t need any Freon inside the dehumidifier.

Adding Refrigerant To A Dehumidifier

Most refrigerant dehumidifiers can have more refrigerant added to them. Refrigerant is like the fuel for your cooling coil and if it starts to run out you can ‘add ‘recharge’ the refrigerant to keep it running. However, your dehumidifier refrigerant should last as long as the dehumidifier (5-10 years), so you shouldn’t have to recharge compressor-based dehumidifiers.

When Do You Need To Recharge A Dehumidifier?

You should only need to add refrigerant to your dehumidifier if there’s a leak in the system. If there’s no leak then the gas should stay in the cooling coils and never run out. If you find your dehumidifier is no longer helping you reach the desired humidity level then it could be because you don’t have enough refrigerant in the cooling coils.

There are 2 main reasons for this leak occurring:

The dehumidifier is old and corrosion has caused a leak
It hasn’t been maintained well and damage has caused a leak

You can restore it to full functionality by adding refrigerant, but you also need to repair the leak.

How to Remove Freon From A Dehumidifier

It is possible to remove Freon from a dehumidifier, but it should only be attempted by a professional. Freon is a dangerous greenhouse gas with ozone depletion potential. If it’s released into the air/oxygen supply it can damage the ozone layer and have a severe impact on the environment.

There are strict laws and guidance from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) about how Freon refrigerant should be handled and disposed of [2]. If you are no longer using a refrigerant dehumidifier and it does contain Freon then you’ll have to have it removed before you can dispose of the appliance.

Unless you are a trained professional then you should hire a professional to handle and remove dehumidifiers that contain Freon.

Can You Remove Freon From Your Own Dehumidifier?

Technically, it is possible to remove the refrigerant from dehumidifiers that contain Freon. Here’s how to do it:

Cut the dehumidifier’s cords
Unscrew its plastic covers and slowly pull it off. You’ll find Freon in the condenser placed within the dehumidifier
Experts use 6000BTU cooling power recovery systems (similar to an AC unit’s compressors) to extract Freon from the condenser. Do the same.
Attach output and input tubes to the recovery bottles and condenser, respectively.
As the compressor starts, the Freon shifts from condensers to recovery bottles.
Subsequently, both these tubes, if needed, can be swapped to shift Freon or refrigerant from recovery bottles to elsewhere.

How To Add Freon To Your Dehumidifier In 10 Steps

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to add Freon to the dehumidifier:

Order your Freon recharge kit. This way, your task will become much easier as the kits come with tiny cylinders or gas can containing Freon or R-22 (modern dehumidifiers may need R410A)
Switch off the dehumidifier and remove the cable from the plug
Gather the essential equipment you’ll need to crack it open
Unscrew all nuts and bolts from the dehumidifier (Take pictures of where you’ve unscrewed from as it will help reassemble the device)
Make sure to remove the top or back first
After opening, remove the compressor, and you’ll spot the hose
Grab the gas can and fasten it securely to the hose
Within a few minutes, all gas will be transferred into the compressor
Once done, remove the gas can and reassemble
Please make sure all the parts are in place before starting it again

Here are some things to be cautious about when following this process:

Wear a mask throughout the procedure
If you’re not sure and confident, call a professional technician to do it [3]
Many dehumidifiers require charging after years of heavy use. Thus, avoid frequent replugging as it will reduce its durability

Tanks of Freon to Recharge Dehumidifiers

FAQs

How long does it take to add Freon to a dehumidifier?

Adding Freon to a dehumidifier that requires refrigerant will typically take under 30 minutes and the gas should transfer in just a few minutes. Remember, this job should only be done by professionals, and Freon R-22 is generally only used in older dehumidifiers.

How long does a Freon generally last in a dehumidifier?

Freon should last the entire lifespan of the dehumidifier. The best dehumidifier can last up to 10 years, and only those devices with damage to the cooling coil will need more Freon to be added.

How much does it cost to add Freon to a dehumidifier?

It costs between $190 and $550 to add Freon to the dehumidifier, depending on which recharge pack you buy, the size of the dehumidifier, and whether you do it yourself. It is often cheaper to buy a new dehumidifier, though you need to consider the environmental impact of disposing of your old one as it is considered hazardous waste.

Conclusion

Most dehumidifiers used in the US use Freon R22 gas but it is being phased out in favor of R410A gas. R410A is more effective and has a less harmful effect on the ozone layer but it will take a good few years until we stop having Freon R22 dehumidifiers on the market.

Hopefully, this guide has helped to explain the role that Freon plays and why it’s so common in dehumidifiers. Just remember that the Freon within dehumidifiers should be considered hazardous waste and only dealt with by professionals.

References:

1- https://www.climate-environmental.co.uk/r22-phase-out/

2- https://www.epa.gov/section608/stationary-refrigeration-safe-disposal-requirements

3- https://www.epa.gov/snap/refrigerant-safety

Last Updated on February 6, 2023

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Josh M

My name is Josh and I am obsessed with the HVAC industry. I created this website to help HVAC techs of all levels get the best out of their heating & cooling systems. I have spent thousands of hours studying air conditioners, heaters and home air products so you can learn & buy with confidence. Learn more about the team here.