I was told it was a good idea to have my units serviced annually. The once or twice I had it done the tech cleaned the filters (which I can do), lubricated the air handler fans (I can do this also) and checked the freon levels in the compressor units(I can't do that). My qustion is, "If I do the cleaning and lubing do I really need to have the charges checked if the units seem to be running properly?" Seems to me it just poses a situation to lose a little freon every time they are serviced. Thanks

A good annual service may also include cleaning the condensor unit and checking tightness of electrical connections and checking contactor and capacitor. There is no reason to ever add freon unless there is a leak in which case the leak must be fixed before anything is added. I am not an air cond. tech. so I am not sure how the connection ports work and if anything could be lost during the test. If the levels are low it may possibly damage the compressor, but I'm not sure how low they need to be, if the air is cold it is working.

I have to add freon to my system every year due to a leak and it wasn't cost effective to have it fixed vs the cost to add freon. This year though the leak has gotten worse so were looking at a new system next year.

If your systems Can cool your house to the desired setpoit there is no reason to have the freon checked unless that is the normal procedure for your HVAC tech.

Ours couldn't cool the house past 77degrees with an outside temp of 88 so I knew it needed a charge.

I have my HVAC units serviced every year at the beginning of the heating and cooling seasons. I have an independent guy that does it. The benefit with my guy is he'll come quickly if something does break down. I've had a couple of repairs over the years and he's generally been here in less than a half a day when I do have a problem. As a regular client with an annual contract I get put ahead of those who just call when something breaks.

That technician should have his license revoked. Leaks must be fixed before recharging. Freon should never be released, it should stay in an enclosed system, and when the system is removed from service the refrigerant should be recovered.

In a perfect world I would agree with you. I am thankful that he isn't like the majority of HVAC pro's who I have meet that charge you for things you don't need or try to up sell you.

Looks as if the leak will be fixed with a new system this next year. Again, its not cost effective to pay 1/2 of what a new A/C system would cost to repair a 16yr old one.