New AC condensers are shipped from the manufacturer with refrigerant already inside the system. This factory charge is intended to support a standard refrigerant line length, typically around 15 feet, which works for many straightforward installations.
That said, many homes require longer line sets due to layout, attic placement, multi-story construction, or the distance between the outdoor condenser and indoor air handler. When the line set exceeds the factory standard, additional refrigerant must be added to ensure proper cooling, efficiency, and system reliability.
Incorrect refrigerant levels can cause a range of issues, including reduced cooling capacity, higher energy costs, compressor strain, and long-term damage to the system. Too little refrigerant can prevent your AC from keeping up during hot weather, while too much can lead to pressure problems and component failure.
This is why professional installation matters. At Mainstream Electric, Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, our licensed HVAC technicians measure, adjust, and verify refrigerant levels during every AC installation. We follow manufacturer specifications and real-world performance testing to ensure your system is properly charged, balanced, and ready to perform efficiently from day one.
Your air conditioner removes moisture from the air as it cools your home. That moisture collects as condensation and must safely drain away from the system. The condensate drain line is designed to carry this water out of your home without causing damage.
In most homes, the drain line exits near the foundation and releases water outdoors. In other cases, it may connect to a floor drain in a basement, utility room, or mechanical space. No matter the setup, the line must maintain a consistent downward slope so gravity can move the water away from the system.
If a condensate drain line is poorly placed, clogged, or improperly sloped, water can back up into the air handler. This can lead to water damage, mold growth, musty odors, and even system shutdowns if safety switches are triggered. These issues are especially common during peak cooling season when your AC is running the most.
At Mainstream Electric, Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, we inspect the condensate drain line during every AC repair and service visit. Our technicians make sure it’s routed correctly, draining freely, and not putting your home at risk for moisture-related problems. Preventing condensate issues early helps protect your system, your home, and your indoor air quality.
Professional AC maintenance means giving your system a full checkup so it’s ready for the seasons ahead. At Mainstream Electric, Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, we look over every key component — inspecting coils, checking refrigerant levels, tightening electrical connections, and testing airflow — to make sure your AC is operating safely and efficiently. It’s a thorough service that helps keep your home comfortable and your system dependable all summer long. And if we discover your AC needs more than a light cleaning, we’ll let you know and provide a clear quote for a deeper cleaning so you can make the best decision for your home.
Freon, or refrigerant, must be installed by a licensed HVAC professional using specialized tools to measure and adjust system pressure correctly. Adding too much or too little refrigerant can damage the AC system and lead to costly repairs. If refrigerant levels are low, a leak must be located and repaired before the system is safely recharged.
Adding refrigerant, commonly referred to as “Freon,” to an AC system is not a simple refill and should never be treated as a DIY project. Refrigerant operates under precise pressure levels that are specific to each system, and adjusting those levels requires specialized gauges, recovery equipment, and technical training. Even small mistakes can damage the compressor, reduce cooling performance, or cause the system to fail entirely.
One of the biggest misconceptions homeowners have is that refrigerant gets “used up” over time. In a properly functioning AC system, refrigerant circulates in a closed loop. If levels are low, it usually means there is a leak somewhere in the system. Adding refrigerant without locating and repairing that leak only provides temporary relief and can lead to repeated breakdowns, higher energy bills, and more expensive repairs later.
For Spokane homeowners, refrigerant issues often become noticeable during the summer, when AC systems run longer and harder. That increased demand doesn’t cause refrigerant loss on its own, but it does make existing leaks or pressure problems more obvious. Diagnosing those issues correctly requires both experience and an understanding of how systems perform in Eastern Washington’s climate.
Licensed HVAC professionals are also required to follow strict environmental regulations when handling refrigerant. Improper handling can release refrigerant into the air, which is harmful to the environment and illegal without proper certification.
Mainstream’s certified technicians inspect the entire AC system, verify refrigerant pressures, locate and repair leaks when present, and recharge the system only to manufacturer specifications. This ensures Spokane-area AC systems operate safely, efficiently, and reliably, without the risks that come with DIY or improper refrigerant handling.
The cost of installing a new air conditioning system depends on several factors unique to your home and comfort needs. One of the biggest considerations is the size of your home, as larger spaces require systems with higher capacity. System type also plays a role — central air conditioning and ductless systems differ in equipment, installation time, and overall complexity.
Energy efficiency ratings can affect upfront costs as well. Higher-efficiency systems often cost more initially but can lower long-term energy use, which is especially important in areas like Spokane and Northern Idaho where cooling needs can vary significantly throughout the year.
Existing ductwork is another key factor. If ducts need to be repaired, resized, or replaced to support proper airflow, that can impact installation costs. Homes without ductwork may be better suited for ductless options, depending on layout and usage.
At Mainstream Electric, Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, every AC installation starts with a thorough evaluation of your home. Homeowners receive upfront, itemized estimates and clear recommendations based on comfort goals, energy use, and long-term value. Financing options are available to help make upgrading your cooling system more manageable, without cutting corners on performance or reliability.
After a successful AC repair, your system should begin delivering noticeably cooler air fairly quickly. In many homes, occupants feel a temperature change within the first half hour, but fully stabilizing the indoor temperature can take several hours—especially during extreme heat.
Several factors influence how long cooling takes. Outdoor temperatures play a major role, as your AC has to work harder on very hot days. The size and layout of your home, insulation quality, window exposure, and ceiling height all affect how efficiently cooled air circulates. Airflow issues, such as dirty filters or duct restrictions, can also slow the cooling process.
The condition of the AC system itself matters as well. Even after a repair, problems like low refrigerant levels, aging components, or uneven airflow can prevent the system from performing at its best. If your home still feels warm or cools unevenly more than an hour after service, it may signal a deeper issue that needs further evaluation.
At Mainstream Electric, Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, our technicians don’t just fix the immediate problem—we check system performance, airflow, and temperature output to make sure your AC is operating efficiently before we leave. If cooling doesn’t feel right after a repair, we’re ready to take a closer look and get your system back on track.
