Should I Recharge My Car’s Air Conditioning?

When air conditioning units of practically any variety are properly maintained and installed, they can run smoothly for years, often needing little more than a yearly checkup and some common-sense TLC to stay in top condition. Many people have become accustomed to changing an A/C unit’s air filter all by themselves. Still other feel comfortable cleaning the filter on a whole-house humidifier, or the elements of a more advanced air cleaner.

Of course, no maintenance task on any household appliance should be undertaken if the person performing the work lacks adequate safety and technical training. These are appliances, after all, that run on electricity and/or natural gas. Those Do-It-Yourselfer (DIY)’s who are only partially confident that they know what they’re doing should leave any needed work to a qualified professional – or risk expensive mitigation or serious injury.

So, why would DIY’s who appreciate the complexities and dangers of home cooling units suddenly seem willing to jump into recharging their car’s air-conditioning system?

The power of suggestion, for one: A few companies have figured out how to market and sell seemingly easy-to-use products that appear to restore a car’s failing A/C system back to a reasonably operating one. Everyone likes saving money on potentially costly repairs. But what if a DYI solution for your car’s air conditioner could actually cost you more money than it’s worth?

A spokesperson for AAA Auto Repair recently told an Arizona newspaper that car owners should have their A/C units inspected once a year and consider recharging the system, which gradually depletes its amount of stored coolant, every couple of years.

But wait: Doing that can run in the neighborhood of $100, so why not instead use a $20 can of coolant that, as advertised on TV, looks easy and simple to use?

Here’s why: The can doesn’t come with a critical pressure gauge that indicates when you’re close to the high- or low-pressure system levels. Also, many DYI recharging cans use a substance that supposedly is designed to stop system leaks. However, once that substance is in your car’s system, it could cause damage. A reputable shop will be able to tell if the substance has been used; if so, most will refuse to service your car’s A/C.

“Basically, it’s not worth the hassle to possibly save a few bucks,” says the AAA spokesperson. “And for most people, it ends up costing way more to make things right.”

Sounds like a seasoned DIYer.