Can I Perform Car A/C Recharge Service at Home?
While spring is currently here, the breezy temperatures will not last long in The Woodlands, TX. By the time May rolls around, we will gently touch (if not kick down) the 90-degree door. This means a properly functioning auto A/C system isn’t a nice-to-have—it’s a must-have.
If your car air conditioning isn’t cooling as effectively as it did previously, you may be in need of auto A/C service and repair in The Woodlands TX. Fortunately, you have options, including over-the-counter A/C recharge kits.
However, before you do A/C recharge by yourself, there are a few things you should consider. The experts at Repair One in The Woodlands, TX explain a few watch-outs and considerations you should make before performing a DIY aircon recharge.
Should I Recharge My Auto A/C with an At-Home DIY Kit?
An A/C service recharge is simply restoring refrigerant that may have leaked out of your sealed system. However, because your A/C system is sealed, if it’s low on refrigerant, it most likely means there is a leak.
Whenever your vehicle is low on refrigerant, the air will not be as cool as it previously was. And if you have a leak, it can allow refrigerant to escape while allowing moisture into the closed system. Once the moisture combines with the refrigerant, it can cause significant damage to your A/C system.
Unfortunately, the over-the-counter A/C recharge doesn’t remedy leaks. If the leak is left unattended, it can do more harm than good.
DIY Auto A/C Service Can Be Dangerous
In addition to potentially causing harm to your vehicle, using those DIY recharge kits can be hazardous to you and the environment.
Why? Primarily because refrigerant is considered a hazardous liquid. It’s one of the top reasons we require our technicians to be trained for handling such repairs and dispose of hazardous materials properly.
When handling refrigerant, you should be aware that:
- It’s highly flammable. Freon and other refrigerants shouldn’t be handled near an open flame.
- It can cause physical harm. If refrigerant comes into contact with your eyes or skin, it can lead to physical harm. Once it comes into contact with air, the refrigerant will freeze immediately, and it can be excruciating if touched.
- It can cause refrigerant poisoning.
If you have handled refrigerant and are experiencing any of the following refrigerant poisoning symptoms, reach out to a medical professional:
- Headache
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Irritation of throat, eyes, and ears
- Dizziness
- Frostbite
- Cough
Don’t Overcharge Your Auto A/C with DIY Kits
The worst thing you can do to your vehicle’s auto A/C is overcharge it with a DIY kit. If you overcharge your aircon, you run the expensive risk of damaging your compressor. Overcharging can cause you to blow an air conditioning hose. The best way to determine if you’ve overcharged is to test it.
Contact Repair One in The Woodlands, TX for Auto A/C Service and Repair
As a resident of The Woodlands, TX, you know all too well about the summer heat. And if you need auto A/C service and repair, Repair One in The Woodlands, TX can help. Our experienced mechanics offer decades of experience and can restore your A/C to proper working order.
Repair One is conveniently located at 6495 College Park Dr in The Woodlands, TX. Feel free to stop in to see us anytime. You can schedule an appointment by completing the contact us form or give Repair One a call at 936-271-1110.
