When your window AC unit stops blowing cold air but is functioning properly in every other regard, it is likely low on coolant. This means that the unit will have to be recharged with a fresh infusion of coolant, likely Freon. That isn’t necessarily a given though. Be sure to research what specific coolant your window air conditioner uses. If it does turn out to be Freon, you can buy a Freon kit, which will include all the tools and instructions necessary to get you through the AC recharge process. Note that Freon is toxic to humans and any handling and safety instructions that come with your kit should be taken very seriously. DISCLAIMER: Depending on your local laws, the use of refrigerants like Freon and even tinkering with the inner workings of an air conditioner unit are illegal unless you are specifically licensed to do so. Look into your local regulations and make sure that you are not breaking any laws by attempting a project like this. Unlike central air conditioner units, window air conditioners only draw power from the wall socket they are plugged into.

Simply removing the plug will ensure that you can open up the machinery and inspect things safely. Some AC units can be opened by simply sliding the front ends out of place, while others will require the aid of a screwdriver. Consult the owner’s manual for your specific device to determine the proper method. Having successfully opened up your window conditioner, you will need to carefully check for any signs of leakage. If you locate any leaks, fix them or call in a professional to do so before using the device again. mobile ac units for homesIf no leakage is present, consult the device's owner's manual to determine the proper amount of refrigerant you’ll need to add.outside ac unit will not come on Using both the unit’s manual and the tools included in your Freon kit, locate the compressor part of the window AC and the two lines coming off it.how much does it cost to repair ac unit

Next, take the service valve from your kit and attach it to the compressor line. The compressor should still have one free, unattached line extending from it. Take this remaining compressor line and attach it to the tap valve, which will also be included in the Freon kit. Attach both of the valves that you’ve just installed, the service and tap valves respectively, to your container of Freon. The kit should contain a detailed diagram showing how to properly position the coolant tank between the two valves. When you’re assured that everything is connected tightly and properly with no potential for leaks, plug in your window AC unit and power it on at its highest setting. With the Freon tank now directly linked to the unit’s inner working via the service valve and tap, the normal flow of air that occurs while the unit is operational will push or “charge” Freon into the unit. When the unit is finished taking in the amount of Freon mentioned in your user manual, power down the unit, unplug it, remove the valves from the compressor, and place the unit back in its housing.

To reiterate, in many parts of the country this work is legally restricted to people who are licensed experts. Assuming you can even legally attempt it, if at any point in the process you become confused or unexpected problems arise, stop what you’re doing immediately and call a professional. When this process is handled incorrectly is can be damaging to the window air conditioning unit and dangerous to the user.There is never a good time for your air conditioning in your car to stop working, but it typically seems to happen in the dead heat of summer. If your AC system has either quit working or has stopped working well, you're faced with driving your vehicle around with the windows down - which brings little relief when it is hot outside. Having some knowledge about how the air conditioning works in your vehicle can help you get the system functioning again. Your car's air conditioning system works just like a refrigerator or your home air conditioning. The purpose of the system is to remove hot air from the inside of your vehicle.

It consists of the following components:The purpose of the compressor is to pressurize the air conditioning system and circulate the refrigerant. It's located at the front of the engine and is typically driven by the main drive belt.The condenser is located in the front of the radiator and is used to remove heat from the refrigerant.The evaporator is located inside the dash of the vehicle and is used to absorb heat from the interior of the car. Component 4: Metering device. This is known as a metering tube or an expansion valve and can be located either under the dash or under the hood near the fire wall. Its purpose is to change the pressure in the air conditioning system from high pressure to low pressure. Component 5: Hoses or lines. These consist of metal and rubber lines to carry the refrigerant.Typically, all systems today contain R-134A refrigerant. This can be purchased over the counter at most auto parts stores. Older vehicles were built with R-12, which is no longer used because it contained high amounts of ozone depleting compounds.

If you have a license and certification you can still purchase this, though most people opt to retrofit this system to the newer R-134A refrigerant. Though these are the primary components of the air conditioning system, your vehicle has a series of electrical circuits that allow it to function, as well as a dash system that contains numerous doors that move within the dash that can affect effectiveness. Below are the most common causes of poor air conditioning performance and what can be done to get you comfortably back on the road. When performing any air conditioning system service you must have the proper tools - and exercise caution when when using them. Reason 1: High pressure. The air conditioning system is filled with high pressure refrigerant, and can operate at over 200 psi, which can be very dangerous. Reason 2: High temperature. Parts of the AC system can reach well over 150 degrees Fahrenheit so be very careful when coming in contact with parts of the system.

Reason 3: Moving parts. You must watch out for moving parts under the hood while the engine is running. Keep all articles of clothing tightly secured. Air conditioning manifold gauge set Warning: Never add anything but the recommended refrigerant to the AC system. Warning: Always wear safety glasses when servicing any pressurized system. Warning: Never install the gauges with the system running. Step 1: Park your vehicle on a level surface. Step 2: Place the wheel chocks around the driver side rear tire. Step 3: Open the hood. Step 4: Locate the air conditioning compressor. Step 5: Turn on the AC. Turn the air conditioning on in the vehicle and see if that clutch that was previously stationary is now engaged. Step 6: Turn the fan to Medium. If the compressor clutch engaged, return to the inside of your vehicle and turn the fan speed to Medium. Step 7: Check the air temperature. See if the temperature of the air coming from the main dash vents is cold.

Read the parts below to understand the different conditions that you may see: When performing your initial check, if air does not come from the center dash vents or if the air is coming from the wrong vents (such as the floor or windshield vents) then you have a problem with the interior climate control system. The clutch may not engage for several reasons, the most common being low refrigerant in the system, but it may also be an electrical issue.Voltage is not sent to the clutch when the air conditioning is turned on due to an open circuit in the electrical circuit. Reason 2: Pressure switch. An air conditioning system pressure switch can disrupt the circuit if certain pressures are not met or if the switch is failing. Reason 3: Input issue. More up to date systems are computer controlled and use numerous other inputs including vehicle interior and exterior temperature to determine whether or not to turn the compressor on. You need to determine if there is refrigerant in the system.

Step 1: Turn the engine off. Step 2: Install the gauges. Install the gauge set by locating the high and low side quick connections. Step 3: Observe the pressure readings on the gauges. Warning: Do not check for pressure by pressing on the fitting to see if refrigerant comes out. This is dangerous and it is illegal to vent refrigerant into the atmosphere. If the reading is zero you have a major leak. If there is pressure but the reading is below 50 psi then the system is low and may just need to be recharged. If the reading is above 50 psi and the compressor is not engaging then there is either a problem with the compressor or you have an electrical system failure that needs to be diagnosed. Step 1: Turn the engine off and install the gauge set. Step 2: Restart the engine and turn on the air conditioning. Step 3: Observe the pressure readings. Though every air conditioning system will vary, you want to see the high side pressure around 20 psi and the low side around 40 psi.

If both the high and the low side are below these readings then you may need to add refrigerant. If the readings are very high then you may have a problem with air trapped in the system or an airflow problem with the condenser. If the pressures do not change at all when the compressor engages then the compressor has failed or there is a problem with the metering device. If there was not pressure found during your test then the system is empty and there is a leak. The most effective way to locate a leak is with refrigerant dye. Dye kits are sold at most auto parts stores. Using the manufacturer's instructions, inject the dye into the air conditioning system. This is usually done through the low pressure service port. Allow the dye to works its way through the system. Using the supplied UV light and glasses you will inspect all of the components and hoses of the air conditioning system and look for any glowing material. Most dyes are either orange or yellow.

Once you find the leak repair it as needed. If the system was empty then it will need to be fully evacuated and recharged. When adding refrigerant to the system you want to take it slow as you do not know how much it actually needs. When a shop performs this duty, they use a machine that pulls the refrigerant from the system, weighs it, and then allows the technician to add the exact amount of refrigerant back into the system. Most store-bought refrigerant kits come with their own charging hose and gauge that allow you to add refrigerant yourself. Step 1: Turn off the engine. Step 2: Disconnect low side gauge. Disconnect the gauge set from the low side port. Step 3: Install charge kit. Install the charging kit to the low side connection on the AC system. Step 4: Turn on engine. Turn on the engine and the air conditioning.Observe the gauge on the kit and begin adding the refrigerant whether it be with a button or a trigger on the kit. Step 6: Reach desired pressure.