What is the correct method for adding refrigerant?

[LeChloe]

There are two methods for adding refrigerant: 1. High-pressure side charging: Charging from the bypass port (multi-purpose channel) of the compressor discharge valve (high-pressure valve) is called high-pressure side charging, and the refrigerant added is in liquid form. It is characterized by safety and speed, and is suitable for the first charging of the refrigeration system, i.e., the system charging after leak detection and vacuuming. However, it must be noted that the compressor must not be turned on during charging (the engine must be stopped), and the refrigerant tank must be inverted. 2. Low-pressure side charging: Charging from the bypass port (multi-purpose channel) of the compressor suction valve (low-pressure valve) is called low-pressure side charging, and the refrigerant added is in gaseous form. It is characterized by slow charging speed and can be used when supplementing refrigerant to the system.

[VanIvan]

The correct method of adding refrigerant must be done step by step. I have performed car AC maintenance many times. First, check if the system needs a refill by using a pressure gauge to measure the high and low pressure values. If the pressure is insufficient or fluctuates significantly, there might be a leak that needs to be fixed first. After confirming there are no leaks, vacuum the system for at least 15 minutes to ensure it is dry and free of air. Connect the R134a refrigerant can, wear gloves and goggles, and slowly open the valve to add the refrigerant. Control the amount to avoid exceeding the recommended value, usually specified in the manual as 500-800 grams. After adding, start the engine and turn on the AC to test if the air vent temperature drops below 8°C. Common mistakes include adding too quickly or ignoring leaks, which can lead to compressor damage. Regular pressure checks help maintain AC efficiency.

[HaleyDella]

Adding refrigerant by myself is quite interesting. As a DIY enthusiast, I enjoy doing it. You can buy a refrigerant charging toolkit at an auto parts store for around a hundred yuan. First, confirm that the lack of cold air might be due to low refrigerant levels—don't just add it randomly. Check for leaks first by spraying soapy water on the pipe connections to look for bubbles. If there's no issue, start the charging process: connect the can to the low-pressure port, slowly turn the valve to add a little, wait a few minutes, then check the pressure—don't fill it all at once. Follow the vehicle's specified refrigerant amount and don't exceed it; overfilling can cause pipes to burst. Beginners can easily learn from online videos. After trying it once, the AC will cool much better immediately. But remember to clean and store the tools properly after use—it'll save a lot of hassle next time. Safety first—don't rush the process.

[EllieRose]

Adding refrigerant requires serious attention to safety, as I've heard of many accidents. The air conditioning system operates under high pressure, and improper handling can cause valves or pipes to rupture, leading to explosions that can injure people or pollute the air. Refrigerant itself is a hazardous chemical, and inhalation or skin contact may cause poisoning. Don't attempt to do it yourself casually; it's more reliable to go to a professional repair shop where they use proper equipment to detect leaks and refill. They wear protective gear to handle leakage risks and ensure precise refilling. If you insist on trying, at least wear gloves and goggles and do it in a well-ventilated area. The key is to prevent potential hazards, as adding the wrong refrigerant could damage the entire system, making repairs more costly. Safety always comes first in car maintenance.