What are the steps for refrigerant charging?
2 Answers
Refrigerant charging steps are as follows: Connect the manifold gauge to the compressor and refrigerant tank. Purge air from the charging hoses. Bring the system pressure to 0.4MPa. Turn on the air conditioning, open the manual valve on the manifold gauge, and charge refrigerant to the specified value. Extension: Air conditioning refrigerant is essentially the working medium in the refrigeration cycle, utilizing phase changes of the refrigerant to transfer heat - absorbing heat when vaporizing in the evaporator and releasing heat when condensing in the condenser. Currently, there are over 80 substances that can be used as refrigerants, with the most common being ammonia, Freon compounds, water, and some hydrocarbons.
I once refilled refrigerant by myself and found it quite interesting, but the key is to prepare properly. The tools needed include a refill gun, vacuum pump, and pressure gauge, which can be rented from tool shops. First, check the A/C system for leaks—otherwise, it's all for nothing. Second, connect the equipment and run the vacuum pump for at least 15 minutes to remove air and moisture, or else cooling efficiency will drop and the compressor may get damaged. Third, slowly refill the refrigerant while monitoring the pressure gauge to avoid exceeding the specified value. After refilling, check airflow and temperature changes. Don’t forget safety—work in a ventilated area, wear gloves and goggles, as refrigerant can irritate the skin. Using the wrong type is even worse, as different cars require R134a or newer eco-friendly variants. Doing it yourself saves hundreds, but beginners should ask a friend for help.
