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How to Refill R22 in an Air Conditioner

At some point, you might find that your air conditioning unit requires a recharge. For those with older models, it’s possible that your system operates on R22 refrigerant. However, it’s crucial to note that as of January 1, 2020, the production and use of R22 refrigerant have been discontinued globally due to its detrimental impact on the ozone layer. Refilling your air conditioner with R22 is not a do-it-yourself task. This process involves complexities, and safety risks, and requires specific training and certifications that the average homeowner does not possess. Because of this, we strongly advise against attempting to refill R22 refrigerant without the presence of a trained professional. The skilled HVAC technicians at Sanks Mechanical are ready to assist you with our expertise. For professional support and a trusted estimate, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today if you’re trying to understand how to refill R22 in an air conditioner.

Required Tools and Materials

  • R22 Manifold Gauge
  • R22 Refrigerant
  • Adjustable wrench
  • A Thermometer

The Usual Steps Followed by a Certified Technician

* Production of R22 (freon) has stopped – For guidance, please contact us online today.

  1. Switch off the air conditioner and adjust the thermostat to its lowest temperature setting.
  2. Locate and remove the valve caps from the R22 refrigerant valves on the pipes leading to the outdoor unit.
  3. Attach the left-hand hose of the R22 manifold gauge to the valve on the larger pipe.
  4. Attach the right-hand hose of the R22 manifold gauge to the valve on the smaller pipe.
  5. Briefly open each handle of the manifold gauge to release any air trapped in the hoses.
  6. Connect the middle hose of the R22 manifold gauge to the R22 refrigerant container.
  7. Position the R22 container upright and open its valve to begin the refrigerant flow.
  8. Monitor the manifold gauge’s left and right gauges for pressure stabilization.
  9. Ensure the left-hand gauge reads below 60psi. If needed, open the left-hand gauge handle momentarily to reduce pressure.
  10. Let the system operate for 3 to 5 minutes.
  11. Measure the temperature using a thermometer placed 6 inches away from the valve on the larger pipe to assess the super-heat level.
  12. Compare the super-heat temperature with the pressure indicated on the left-hand gauge against the pressure/temperature (P/T) chart, taking into account the manufacturer’s recommendations.
  13. If the super-heat exceeds 20 degrees above the P/T chart reading, incrementally add R22 until the super-heat falls within an 8 to 18-degree range.
  14. Aim for a super-heat around 12 degrees for optimal performance (typically 70psi at 85 degrees).
  15. A super-heat below 7 degrees suggests the system is overcharged.
  16. To finish, close the valve on the R22 container, disconnect all hoses, and securely replace the valve caps on the pipes.

Contact Sanks to Refill the R22 in Your Air Conditioner

Recharging an older air conditioning system that’s low on refrigerant isn’t straightforward, especially since R22 is no longer produced or legally imported. It’s essential to consult with a professional when you’re wondering how to refill R22 in an air conditioner. The experts at Sanks Mechanical specialize in handling both new and old air conditioning systems. Our skilled technicians can either convert your existing system to utilize a permitted refrigerant or install a brand-new air conditioner for long-term reliability. Contact us online today to explore all your AC solutions.

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