What are the dangers of refilling your air conditioner yourself?

Question

Both of the Haynes manuals for my cars list refilling the refrigerant in your car as a do it yourself procedure. Both vehicles use R-134a refrigerant and the manual shows them being recharged with a simple hose without a pressure gauge on it.

I also watched the ChrisFix video on recharging your A/C refrigerant, which makes it look simple, safe and easy. The product he uses in the video comes with a pressure gauge and contains sealant.

However, when I started reading the many one star reviews, things didn't look so simple or safe. Many people destroyed their compressors, by either overfilling or by the sealant clogging their compressors.

Quoting one reviewer:

I have spoken to a couple of different shops and both have said they see person after person come in with issues from these home kits. They don't show the amount that goes in, just the pressure in the system. Well that isn't nearly enough information since the weight is what is important.

and another one:

Don't use this unless you have professional gauges. You can likely borrow them (appropriate gauges) from Auto Zone or equivalent. Or, just do what I eventually did, take it to Jiffy Lube (or equivalent) and let them remove all the refrigerant and refill to factory specs.

My question is not about this specific product, I'm just using it and the reviews as an example.

1. What issues can I run into trying to recharge my A/C refrigerant myself?
2. What equipment do I need to do it safely ( for me and the A/C system) ?
3. What issues are there with sealants?
4. Should I get a refill that contains compressor oil?
5. Would I be better off just paying a shop to do it?

Answer 1

What issues can I run into trying to recharge my A/C refrigerant myself?

The most common DIY problem is overfilling oil, under or overcharging refrigerant and installing the virus that are sealants.

What equipment do I need to do it safely?

Gloves and safety glasses. The PAG oil used is not good for humans and the gas can cause frostbite.

What issues are there with sealants?

Sealants rarely work well if at all. They can plug critical parts such as expansion devices or heat exchangers.

Should I get a refill that contains compressor oil?

No, the oil amount is set during build and it impossible to know how much is might have been lost. Overfilling reduces system performance and under filling will destroy the compressor.

Would I be better off just paying a shop to do it?

Yes

There are two key issues that make this a non-DIY job. A high vacuum must be pulled on the system to ensure that every last bit of air is out. And the refrigerant must be carefully weighed during installation. A few ounces over or under can significantly affect system performance. The DIY install systems only show one of the available pressure readings and in any case charge amount cannot be determined from pressure readings.

Answer 2

Personally, I recommend option #5.Refrigerant will cause frostbite in sufficient quantity. If you are unfamiliar with the principles of A/c you could damage the compressor. If you accidentally inhale you can be poisoned by it. You have to know which line to charge the system the vapor line or liquid line . If you do not know -Do not attempt it.

Refrigerant poisoning happens when someone is exposed to the chemicals used to cool appliances. Refrigerant is a tasteless, mostly odorless gas. When it is deeply inhaled, it can cut off vital oxygen to your cells and lungs.

Limited exposure — for example, a spill on your skin or breathing near an open container — is only mildly harmful. However, you should try to avoid all contact with these types of chemicals. Even small amounts can cause symptoms.

Inhaling these fumes on purpose to “get high” can be very dangerous. It can be fatal even the very first time you do it. Regularly inhaling high concentrations of refrigerant can cause issues such as:

breathing problems
fluid buildup in the lungs
organ damage
sudden death

Go Option #5