Do you feel that your window air conditioner is not releasing the amount of “coldness” it should be? Maybe it is time for you to check and learn how to recharge it.
Usually, air conditioners stop releasing cold air because of a leak in their closed-loop system. In turn, this leak allows the refrigerant to escape. Take note that this refrigerant is what cools down the warm air.
You have to refill it or “recharge” it when this happens. Otherwise, your window air conditioner will not be at its peak performance.
So, yes, you can Recharge a Window Air Conditioner.
But Can You Recharge a Window Air Conditioner Yourself?
Of course, it is recommended that you leave it to the professionals. But if you want, you can also do it. However, recharging the refrigerant of a window air conditioner is not done frequently, and most of the time, a person buys a new unit once the device fails.
However, if you are a spendthrift or want to get your hands moving like me, learning to charge your window ac can help you save tons of money.
There are two ways to do it: the low-cost backyard quick method or the technology method, which can be more involved but is recommended over the other.
If you want a quick but cheap way, then low-cost is the way. But if you are tech-savvy, then go all out on technology.
9 Easy Steps How To Recharge a Window Air Conditioner
Before I share with you the basics of recharging a window air conditioner, ensure that your country has the necessary parts to tinker with the inner parts of an air conditioner since some places do not.
Now, here are the nine easy steps you can follow:
Step 1: Prepare the needed supplies.
You will need the following items to refill your window air conditioner unit:
- Gloves
- Protective eyeglasses
- Screwdriver
- Leak detector
- Refrigerant
- Freon kit
Step 2: Unplug your ac unit
It may sound pretty basic, but most people forget this important step. Unlike central air conditioner counterparts, window AC units only need to be unplugged from the wall socket plugged into, and the entire system would shut down.
Step 3: Wear PPE or personal protective equipment
Before starting, make sure to wear gloves and protective eyeglasses. Take note that freon (the refrigerant) is toxic. Aside from that, it is also cryogenic, which can cause frostbite if it comes in contact with raw skin.
Step 4: Open the window air conditioner unit.
You must slide the front ends out of place and lay bare whatever is inside. Others, especially the newer ones, must be put apart using a screwdriver. To be sure how to do this, it is best to check your owner’s manual.
Step 5: Check it for leaks
Here are some of the methods you can do to check it for leaks:
- Use soap and water – Lubricate the refrigerant transmission gear (the valves, pipe, hose, etc.) and turn on the system. Make sure to monitor the bubble formation. Wherever a bubble forms, the leak is there.
- Use a leak detector – Switch the unit on and cover it from a direct draft. Then, you have to turn on the leak detector and pass its probe near the air conditioner’s outdoor unit. If a leak is detected, the leak detector will give off an audio or visual signal.
Refrigerant Leak Detector with LED Light
- Use nitrogen – This is a method that experts should only perform. It requires closing valves connecting to upstream or downstream apparatuses, pressuring the ac unit with nitrogen, and measuring and monitoring its pressure. If there is a notable decrease in pressure, there is a leak.
Step 6: Fix the leak
If your unit has a very slow leak, it does not need much fixing since boosting the system will suffice for the refrigerant leakage. However, you may need to solder the area if the leak turns fast.
Step 7: Connect the valves to the compressor
Check your unit’s manual and locate the compressor, specifically the two lines from it. Afterward, attach the compressor line to the service valve from your kit.
There should be one free line coming off the compressor. Attach it to the tap valve.
Step 8: Connect the valves to the freon kit
Almost every freon kit has a detailed diagram of connecting the two valves to the freon’s container.
Follow the diagram to the dot and position the freon tank between the two valves accordingly.
Step 9: Check everything
Ensure that everything is connected well and that there is no room for leakage. Turn your air conditioner unit on and ramp it up to its highest power setting.
The refrigerant should now flow from the tank into the unit.
How Much Does It Cost To Recharge a Window Air Conditioner?
If you plan to hire a professional to recharge your window ac, it will cost around $100 – $150. Meanwhile, DIY refrigerant kits cost about $20 – $30.
However, you might still need to hire a pro to do it.
People Also Ask
Are DIY AC recharge kits safe?
If you use them according to the instructions set, they are safe. However, it is recommended to opt for an expert’s help when dealing with such cases.
How often does Window AC need to be recharged?
If your AC works correctly, it does not need to be recharged. You should only do this if there is a refrigerant leak.
Why does Window AC need to be recharged?
An air conditioning unit should be recharged when, and only when, there is a refrigerant leak.
