How I Add Refrigerant to an Air Conditioner

Hey HVAC techs! Since so many other YouTube techs show you how to add refrigerant to an air conditioning system, in this video I thought I'd show you how I add refrigerant to an AC.

I wanted to expand on our recent AC troubleshooting series by going into each part of its sequence of operations. This week, we're going to talk about how I add refrigerant to an A/C system. How do you get to the point where the air coming out of the registers isn't cold? You need to add Freon R-22 or Puron R410 refrigerant to your air conditioning system if the temperature difference between the return air and the supply air coming out of the registers is low. We want this temperature split to be between 18 and 22 degrees. Ideally, a 20-degree split would be perfect. But to get there you'll need to add refrigerant by using refrigerant gauges and a digital scale in order to put in the right amount.

Watch this video to get a better grasp on recharging your HVAC system and get your subcooling to the right level. Charge the 410a or r22 refrigerant the right way, and you won't be in the situation where your AC doesn't cool enough. Because if your air conditioner is not cooling, it can be tough to stay comfortable on a hot summer day. I hope you get something out of this video.

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00:00 Intro
0:57 32-degree saturation article
1:55 Get your temp split
2:10 Let's head outside
2:53 Talk temperatures, not pressures
3:53 What a good charge looks like
5:03 Using a scale is the right way
5:18 Getting the tank and hoses ready
6:21 Read to charge
7:38 Dialing in your subcool
9:03 Wrapping things up

[Lionscall]

This should not be try it at home without supervision if you don’t know what you’re doing you can have a serious accident and burn yourself. Refrigerant is no joke and nothing to play around with. Sorry that’s the truth this is one thing you don’t want to make a mistake with.

[scrambler]

As a tech that learned everything either out in the field or on YouTube when I started, I distinctly remember when things finally snapped and became clear in my head when it came to refrigerant - from then on I always referred to the charge(especially the suction side) in terms of TEMPERATURE - not PRESSURE when communicating an issue to someone else or while figuring out the issue.
Trained a few other guys at the first company I worked for and would always try to get them to think in the same terms (Blue gauge TEMP, Red gauge Pressure) - it makes understanding Superheat and Subcooling (and what it means in the system that much easier).

[THETIMINATORTHETOOLMAN]

Great video
I am a 54 year old maintenance tech and also do and still learning HVAC. Your videos are very informative

[AmateurSuperFan]

i literally didnt understand a single part of this video, but something about listening to a guy who knows what he's talking about with visuals is so awesome

[PenaR]

Going into my second summer and really am understanding these systems is becoming increasingly easier to understand. Really appreciate the video for folks like me.

[chancecooper]

Greg, you have killed it as a small business owner. Most of you guys put out alot of great stuff on HVAC technical stuff. That's awesome. I would LOVE to hear more about the actual building of the business and growing it. Thats very inspiring!!!

Keep doing great things brother!

Chance from Myrtle Beach SC

[armandprovost]

New HVAC/R Tech in the game and this is the best I've seen it broken down for me. Thank you.

[BlackheartCharlie]

Thanks for making this video - best one I've seen on how to properly add refrigerant to a system. Helped me to top off my boat's A/C unit.

Best regards from Key West,
Capt. Blackheart Charlie

[foxfamilyheatingandaircond]

I hope you are able to take something away from this video. Let me know what you think of it below. I'd really be interested in hearing your opinion.

[jassvirk]

great information about charging,
before charge i would try find leak first, open evap coil panel, look in drain pan for any trace of oil, most of the time thats where it leaks, if its is leaking, most coils have 10 year warranty, get it done when its under warranty.

[scotttimmins]

The first conversation you should be having with a customer once you determine the system is low on charge, is finding and repairing the leak.

[settjessettje]

Well done. You gave excellent information!

[williamkanipe]

Thanks for the video! One question... Wouldn't you want to find out where the leak is? 5 lbs. is a substantial leak, I would think you would be back there soon.

[garyoconnordbaairrepair]

I have a set of test gauges. That way I do not automatically take too much from the system. With test gauges I take minimal refrigerant from a system.

[elleondejuda]

Hello, I just have a simple question.
Is it ok to store r22, r410 a in your garage during summer?
And where to store it in winter ?
Thanks

[jovelitoola]

Nice.. and clear explanation.. thanks much😊

[RiceRiceBaby]

Great videos for new techs. Wish I worked for you when I was a new guy, I think my life would’ve been a bit easier, great leadership my friend!

[adamspears]

& if the liquid line temperature (make sure the sun or your hand, or other heat source is not warming the area where your temp probe is mounted) is cooler than the outside ambient temp, then suspect a restriction up stream for that measured spot of the liquid line....i.e. a liquid line filter drier.
Take a Delta-T across a liquid line filter drier, if it happens to be located up stream from the measured spot of the liquid line.
If there is a temp drop of (I think) more than 3 degrees, I have been told that the liquid line filter drier is the source of the restriction, & would need to be replaced with a new one.

[bettershooter]

Hi, boss, why not use digital gauge which can give you either superheat or subcool right away, easier & faster.
(One more thing, I think R-410A is a blended refrigerant, it can only be added as liquid in suction side, you'd better mention it to use a nuzzle or throttling method.)

[sajjadawan]

Thanks very informative but one question @start if you are talking about td or approach temperature it shouldn't be return air temp ‐32 or 35 = coil temp