Re-Charging Your Air Conditioner

By Levi Quinn

There are many automotive related things that you can easily take care of yourself at home for a fraction of the cost of having a pro do it. Re-charging your air conditioning is something that many people are not sure about. There is a common misconception that it should only be done by a professional but that is not always necessary. It can be done by anyone who knows what they are doing. It isn't all that difficult and takes less time than going to the shop.

You can re-charge your own air conditioning but there are a few stipulations. Vehicles that were made after the year 1994 generally have a R134 refrigerant installed. This is the kind that can be dealt with by you at home. Older cars often have a R12 refrigerant. For this you should see a pro that can do it for you or switch your system over so that it is R134. Don't take unnecessary risks by ignoring this. It's just not worth the hazard.

If you want to re-charge your own air conditioning unit, you must start off by having some proper eye wear. Safety glasses are important so that you don't get anything in your eyes. The chemicals involved in air conditioners could seriously harm your vision. You also will need refrigerant as well as a re-charge kit. You can most likely pick one up at your local auto parts store.

When you get your re-charge kit from the store, try to find one that has all in one. That way you will have everything that you need. Make sure that it comes with a pressure gauge so that you can test the pressure to be sure you don't overdo it. If you don't have a pressure gauge, you will need to get one before you start this.

Before you get started with re-charging your a/c unit, look it over for any obvious signs of damage or anything that appears to be leaking. An older car has a higher chance of air conditioner issues so make sure everything is functioning as it should be. When you are sure that it's safe to get started, follow the instructions that come in the kit you purchased. They are there for a reason so you should use them. Don't skip ahead, especially if you haven't done this before.

You absolutely cannot mix different refrigerants while you are re-charging your air conditioner. They are not all the same and to mix them could cause a serious problem. Read all labels carefully and make sure that you are using items that are made to be used on your car. This is very important to take note of. Using something that is not made for your car could cause damage.

Don't hesitate to confirm everything before you start. If you need some extra assistance, look for a step by step video online. There are many resources that provide such things. Re-charging your air conditioning unit doesn't have to be a chore. Follow instructions and you will be done in just a few minutes.

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