2006-08-13 01:01:46 · 6 answers · asked by DP 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
There is no way that an individual can charge a window ac. The technician will have to place a schrader valve in the line and then charge the system. This is usually more expensive than just buying a new unit, so my recommendation is that you buy a new one.
2006-08-13 01:19:13 · answer #1 · answered by opie with an attitude 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In many cases=you should first take your a/c out of it"s case, and give it a good cleaning. This might consist of using a "coil cleaner" and garden hose to wash it out. Having a clean a/c is important to start with=for proper air flow through the coils>to transfer heat from the evaporator coil to the rear condenser coil. This is what a/c is all about>moving heat from point A to point B and clean coils work best. Think of your car radiator cooling system. After cleaning = let it dry a while, and then operate it in a normal cooling mode for a time to stable out. Sometimes a good cleaning is all that"s needed. What you are looking for is a good "sweat" on the front evaporator coil,and copper lines on it"s sides. If you place your hand on the coil=you can tell by the "sweat" and cold how it"s doing. If the coil is only partly "sweated" and you have proper air flow=then you will need to buy a "tap-line valve". These come in different sizes for installing on the low pressure side>this would be the larger size copper line out of the compressor=install it at a good spot anywhere on this line. This valve when installed punches a tiny hole in the copper line=there is a fitting that allows you to hook up a set of freon gauges to check the system for a proper R-22(freon) charge .As a layman=you are looking for a good,full sweat on the evap. coil=you will be close enough. Add R-22(freon) through this valve , if needed=little at a time. This should be done on a warm/hot day for better results.You propably will need some R-22 freon(green color can) You could also use a tap valve on another a/c unit and "transfer" via your gauge hose the freon out to your "good" a/c. Always clear the air out of the hose first by blowing a little R-22 through it==then add it to the unit if this is your only source of R-22. I have not spoke about a leak in the system=this involves more to repair=perhaps beyond your abilities. Depending upon the leakage rate(R-22) you will have to add more R-22 from time to time==it might last a year or more==or not(??). When you lose the "sweat"==it"s time to add more R-22. Have fun==take your time==it"s really not all that difficult==Good Luck.
2006-08-13 03:11:16 · answer #2 · answered by Spock 5 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Unless you are a certified HVAC Tech, you won't find a supplier willing to risk a jail sentence by selling you it. A couple was caught here in Canada and were sentenced to 30 years for unlicensed transportation of hazardous materials. They also received 10 years in a US prison for attempted cross-border smuggling.
ALL suppliers are required by law to ask you for proof of ODP(in Canada) or EPA(in the US) licensing.
Here in Canada (and I suspect it is this way in the US as well), it is a federal offense to knowingly sell refrigerant to an unlicensed individual.
And R-22 is illeagal, Spock. In Canada AND the US.
2006-08-16 07:49:54 · answer #3 · answered by Darth Vader 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think you can buy freon canisters anymore for a do it yourself recharge.
2006-08-13 01:04:29 · answer #4 · answered by WC 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
the costs associated with the repair makes it unwise to recharge one. you can buy one cheaper than you can repair it
2006-08-13 01:04:57 · answer #5 · answered by scrambledmolecues 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
you will have to call out an Air Conditioning Serviceman.
2006-08-13 01:07:21 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋