Can I Recharge My Car's AC at Home
When you settle into your car in the summer, you expect your AC to kick on and provide immediate relief from the Maryland humidity. The disappointment of your AC blowing warm air not only means you’re uncomfortable, but it might also mean an unexpected trip to the auto repair shop.
…Or does it?
If your car is blowing warm air, there’s a DIY trick you can try before rushing to the auto repair shop: recharging your car’s air conditioning at home with a DIY freon kit. While most often a temporary fix, at home car AC repairs can improve your comfort for your daily commute before you get an appointment at your local auto repair shop.
Learn why your car is blowing warm air from the AC, when to try an at-home fix, and when to call for professional repairs.
Why You Might Need to Recharge Your Car's AC
If your car’s AC is blowing warm air, you may have a refrigerant leak. Refrigerant leaks are one of the most common causes of a car’s air conditioner blowing warm air.
AC systems are closed systems, meaning that refrigerant doesn’t get used up, it gets recycled within the system. If you have low refrigerant, there’s a good chance that the system is open somewhere. This requires a simple leak repair that most auto shops can handle quickly by “recharging the AC.”
How an Auto Repair Shop Will Recharge Your AC
An auto repair shop recharges your car’s air conditioning by testing and swapping it out if it needs repairs or replaced. The check includes:
- Removing old refrigerant. A technician will connect a machine that pulls all refrigerant from your car’s system and stores it in a sealed tank. This is how they tell how much refrigerant your car has.
- Using the correct refrigerant based on the car. Auto repair shops know which cars need which refrigerants. While most cars use R-134a, many new EVs and hybrids use R-123yf.
- Adding the correct amount of refrigerant by weight. The right amount of refrigerant is printed under your hood, and auto repair shops have professional tools to ensure precision. They use the vacuum to drain the system before re-adding a digitally-weighed amount of refrigerant to your car.
- Identifying leaks in your AC to stop the underlying cause. Professional technicians can locate leaks in common areas by using UV dye and a blacklight, an electronic leak detector, or visual cues. Most often, they’ll find leaks around the O-rings and seals, rubber hoses, condenser, compressor shaft seal, or the evaporator.
Can You Use a DIY AC Recharge Kit?
For a temporary fix until you have the time or resources to take your vehicle to an auto repair shop, a DIY AC recharge kit is a fast and simple option. While these DIY kits may not address the root cause of the refrigerant leak, and improper use/human error could lead to additional issues with your AC system, they can provide relief and a fast fix when you’re out on the road and away from home.
Do not use at-home AC recharge kits continually, however. Over time, without professional repairs, you will notice:
- Cooling will fade again
- You’ll keep losing refrigerant
- Compressor damage risk increases
Trust Your Vehicle With Lisbon Auto Repair
When you need professional advice on your car’s AC, call Lisbon Auto Repair Center. We’ve been awarded the WMDA Highest Rated Service Station of all brands for 12 consecutive years, meaning we have the expertise to fix your car the first time.
Lisbon Auto’s experienced technicians take the time to explain every job and always provide you with an estimate in advance. We’re ready to diagnose and resolve any issues you’re experiencing with your vehicle, from warm air coming from your AC to damage restoration and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my car’s AC blowing warm air instead of cold air?
One of the most common reasons for a car blowing warm air is a refrigerant leak. Your car’s AC system is a closed system, meaning refrigerant should not be used up. If levels are low, there is likely a leak that needs to be identified and repaired.
Can I fix warm AC air by using a DIY recharge kit?
Yes, a DIY AC recharge kit can provide a temporary fix, especially if this is the first time the issue has occurred. However, it may not address the underlying cause, such as a refrigerant leak.
What happens if I recharge my AC without fixing a leak?
If the leak is not repaired, cooling will fade again, refrigerant will continue to be lost, and the risk of compressor damage increases over time. Do not put off professional AC repairs when you notice your car blowing warm air.
When should I choose a professional AC service instead of DIY for my car blowing warm air?
If the problem has happened more than once or you suspect a leak, professional service is recommended. A trained technician can properly diagnose the issue, repair leaks, and recharge the system accurately to prevent further damage.
