How to Recover Car AC Refrigerant at Home | DIY Refrigerant Recovery

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through the process of recovering car AC refrigerant at home. Whether you're performing major repairs or need to recharge your AC system, following these steps will help you do it safely and effectively. You’ll learn about the tools required, the process for recovery, and how to recharge your system afterward.

Step 1: Gather Required Tools and Equipment

To recover refrigerant from your car’s AC system, you will need the following tools:

• Manifold gauge set
• Recovery unit
• Storage tank
• Additional yellow hose
• Vacuum pump
• Bottle scale (optional)

Cost Consideration

• Total equipment cost is around $500.
• A professional recovery and recharge typically costs about $200. Using your setup just twice can make it cost-effective.

Step 2: Understand Limitations of Your Setup

• The DIY setup is slower compared to professional machines (which can cost $3000-$5000).
• This method is more manual, making it ideal for personal use rather than a shop setting.

Step 3: Locate the Refrigerant Removal Point

• Identify the service ports on your vehicle’s AC system. This is where you will connect your manifold gauge set.
• Consult your vehicle's manual for specific locations.

Step 4: Prepare the Equipment

• Ensure all hoses and connections are in good condition.
• Tighten all connections to prevent leaks during recovery.

Step 5: Hook Up the Lines to the Car

• Connect the blue hose (low side) to the low-pressure port.
• Connect the red hose (high side) to the high-pressure port.
• Connect the yellow hose to the recovery unit.

Step 6: Consider Using a Scale

• Using a bottle scale helps in monitoring the amount of refrigerant being recovered.
• This ensures you don't overfill the recovery tank.

Step 7: Recover the Refrigerant

• Start the recovery unit and allow it to pull refrigerant from the AC system.
• Monitor the gauges for pressure readings. Continue the process until the low side gauge reads zero.

Step 8: Confirm System is Empty

• Ensure that the system is completely evacuated before proceeding with repairs.
• You can check the gauges once more to ensure no pressure remains.

Step 9: Perform Necessary Repairs

• Once the refrigerant is recovered, carry out the required repairs on your AC system.

Step 10: Vacuum the System

• After repairs, connect the vacuum pump to the system.
• Run the pump to remove any moisture and air from the system. This step is crucial for the efficiency of the AC.

Step 11: Recharge the System with Recovered Refrigerant

• After vacuuming, reconnect the yellow hose to the recovery tank.
• Open the valve to let the recovered refrigerant back into the AC system.
• Monitor the gauges to ensure proper charging levels.

Step 12: Final Checks

• After recharging, check the system's performance.
• Ensure the AC is cooling effectively and there are no leaks.

Step 13: Disconnecting the Manifold Gauges

• Carefully disconnect the hoses from the service ports.
• Close the valves on the manifold before removing hoses to prevent any refrigerant escape.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can successfully recover and recharge your car's AC refrigerant at home. This process not only saves you money but also gives you a deeper understanding of your vehicle’s AC system. Remember to always prioritize safety and consult a professional if you are unsure about any steps. Happy DIYing!