donbrew

We are agreeing! Freon does not disappear it escapes (leaks). A well engineered system doesn't leak much, if at all.

Vinnybagodoughnuts

Don I am glad I am not the only old guy who still uses the word freon.I still to this day have to remember its called refrigerant now.:)

db/sb

I'm an old guy also, likely older than you. Freon is a trade name for 5 or 6 refrigerants one of which R134a is not. People use the term generically for refrigerant. Not trying to sell Freon or any other refrigerant but I do have years of hands on experience with AC systems.
Some systems are better than others. And yes, they do seep over time, usually over a long, long period of time. I was merely suggesting that you keep an eye on it. We owned our 2006 HHR from late 2005 to mid 2013. It never seeped enough to effect the performance of the AC system in that nearly 8 years.

donbrew

Freon in the Fridgedaire, even if it's a GE.

Vinnybagodoughnuts

Oh beleive me I appreciate your input and concern. I certainly understand the value of having experienced people participate in forums such as these. It can be a thankless job I know. The climate in which the car is exposed is a key factor in how much seeping is going to occur.As well as the quality, number and types of fittings.In places that see freezing temps and highs over 100 like in my area are of course bad. I was actually looking for the charts I had from the EPA on the standards for AC fittings and tolerances but can't seem to find it.
I will of course monitor the pressure very closely in the coming weeks and months and yes I have the UV light.Thanks again to everyone who contributes here.

firemangeorge

If it lost enough freon to need recharging then it's got a leak. A very small seepage over a long time might be acceptable but I would think you've got a small leak somewhere.
A leak detector(or sniffer) would be useful in this case. I've used them many times to find leaks in places you can't see such as evaporator cores.

Fwiw. My 18 year old Dodge truck bought new still has a fully charged system and blows 40 degrees at the vents. Plus I live in the same type climate as you.
It has no visible signs of leakage anywhere.
Fact is, some leak, some don't.

Vinnybagodoughnuts

Can't find my EPA data sheet but did find this to support it.
The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) designed the A/C fittings that are on your vehicle. These fittings have a SAE acceptable leakage rate of 1/4 ounce of refrigerant per year per fitting. That does not sound like a lot, but the average vehicle has 8 fittings. This means that you can lose 2 ounces of refrigerant per year. It is recommended that you service your air conditioning every 2 years.

This is pretty typical to what I have experienced through my own work history and good friends that specialize in the AC field.Not all systems of course are created equal.

db/sb

Simply topping up a system isn't good either.