Can I recharge my room air conditioner?

Question

It seems it takes hours for the room to get cool, and it certainly never gets chilly. I've cleaned the filter and the machine, and made sure it is level. It is about 6 yrs old.

Answer 1

Take the temp of the air going into the unit and the air out of the unit. If the difference between the two is about 25 degrees, then the unit is doing all that it can and you should consider a larger unit for the room.
If the temperature difference is below 20 degrees it is probably low on refrigerant which indicates there is a leak.

Small units that cost less than $150 to replace, are not worth having them repaired. If you have a larger unit, you may want to have a servicer find and repair the leak.

You could do it but you would have to purchase the refrigerant and if you are not certified, no one will sell it to you. Because Window AC units don't have access valves to inject the refrigerant, you will have to add them yourself. You can add the type that clamp on the pipe and pierces the line but those are not designed to be permanent and WILL eventually leak. Other types would need to be brazed on the line. Unless you have the tools and skills, this could be dangerous.

I hope this helps you make a decision!

Answer 2

No, you don't need to recharge it. If this is a window unit you're talking about, these things have refrigerant gas that travels in a sealed system (unlike older car A/Cs). If you've lost cooling power, it most likely means that the unit is damaged, i.e. there is a crack somewhere and you're losing coolant. It's six years old, so no surprise there. You might want to invest in a new unit, since they've dropped in price considerably.

Answer 3

No not a room a/c unit. I have two of them for my house the newest one is made in 1983.(yes 83 not a typo). I take them apart and clean and lube them at least twice a season.I have never had to replace any thing in them EXCEPT fan bearings. And they work sooo much better than the new models. (They cann cool so much colder than the new models)

One is upstairs, one is downstairs. My house stays a nice comfy 67 degrees (three bedroom) and it is only $30 a month more on electric bil

Answer 4

Also check if it is cheaper to just buy a new one. Last time I looked room airconditioners were selling for less than 200 bucks. An HVAC technician might charge you more for service and the refill refrigerant. With a new unit, you have warranty and you can return it if you are not satisfied with the performance.

Answer 5

You may have a room air conditioner that is too small in BTU/HR for the room you are trying to cool. Mark down the size of your room that you are trying to cool and go to your local hardware store and check the boxes that they have there for a chart. By following the diagram you will be able to see what size BTU you need to have to the size room that you are trying to cool.

Answer 6

if the machine is 6 years old it is not very efficient anyway. new units are very affordable. you won't believe how cheap they are now. the savings in energy over a 6 yr old unit will pay for itself in less than a years use. don't waste money on a repair.

Answer 7

Take it to an HVAC shop they will test and fill it if needed. Costs about 30 bux.

Answer 8

I would say that you unit is not large enough.

DO NOT SPEND MONEY ON A WINDOW UNIT TO GET IT REPAIRED.

GO buy yourself a properly sized unit.

Answer 9

You will need to contact someone who is certified to recharge it...and AC repairman should be able to do it.

Answer 10

Yes.