How To Add Refrigerant To Your Air Conditioner R410A & R22 

My Central A/C stopped working and I called a Serviceman. He said the Unit is 30 years old and to get a new one. He didn't even open the cover to do a diagnostic test. They quoted me $11k, plus a permit fee for $400. After watching your videos, I inspected the Starting Capacitor and it had leaked fluid. I bought a new one for $9.86 ,installed it and now I'm freezing in my home. Words cannot describe the feeling when that Compressor kicked on and my Girlfriend called me a Genius. Thank you so much, for what you do in helping out us DIY'ers. My words of gratitude does not come close in appreciation.

You don’t need the class. I studied for the test on my own and was easily able to pass the test. Beyond simple.

I’ve had my EPA license since 1998 and haven’t worked in the field for a long time. I woke up to a frozen coil in my 410A system. This video is a great review before I dust off my gauges and get to work. I’m glad I came across this video it’s very practical without all the jargon and double talk used to baffle the customer and confuse into thinking adding refrigerant is brain surgery. The field has changed so much but basically it’s still the same. Thank you for making this video to help and not just to inflate your own ego by sprouting a lot of technical terms as many do.

I have my EPA 608 Cert. and recently joined our HVAC group. Appreciate the information you provide. Im 62 years old and never stop learning. Learning helps the mind stay young!!!

Keep up the good work. My elderly neighbors were about to be scammed out of thousands for a replacement unit. Turns out he had be using the incorrect size filter and their evap coil was severely clogged. A Sunday afternoon and $30 in supplies had them back in business.

It is great to get a professional’s insight on doing DIY projects properly.

I feel like I'm going to HVAC School. I should have done this 40 years ago. So much useful info here. Thank you very much.

Great video, thanks, you just saved me a expensive service call. The A/C guy wanted $600 a pound for R22 and I bought a 5 pound can from Ability for $249.00.

I had to get my EPA for my job but I knew nothing about working on AC hvac, but it comes up new properties sometimes, and I found out I love troubleshooting systems, getting pretty good at it. then I ended up on an old property, and I had to get more knowledge. spent a ton on tools now i’m set up. and i look forward to ac/ heat calls

Thank you sir, the world needs more people like you, giving is a blessing to many and at the same time is creating blessings for you.

Thanks SO much for letting me see what's behind the green curtain (ref: Wizard of Oz). Wow at that price i Need to take the class. Not to work on my own AC, but to learn how to tell when the AC company is feeding me bullchit. Which I suspect is frequently. Tks again.

Thank you !! I just paid for a new unit, but what you just showed me is great, I'll keep my unit clean as you showed me how on other videos, THANK YOU!!!

Nice explanation on the meaning of the temp scales on the gauges for the home owner,

Really appreciate your input on adding Freon to my unit. It will be very helpful to me. I have been into industrial gases for 42 years. Did not know how to do a bigger unit like I have. You made it very simple. Thanks R.Cunningham

Thank you for the update on this. Not only will I be studying on my own to pass the test but I also will be purchasing the gauges and the refrigerant as soon as winter hits that way it's cheaper. God Bless be safe.

You do such a great job communicating in these videos, you never stray off topic, you have the ability to make your points quick and clear. Keep making these video's, I'm a true fan now! THANK YOU! ❤

Hey thanks man great info. filled my AC with Freon. No issues by following your instructions again, thank you.

I am hooked. You are my new youtube guy for hvac. I am a certified mechanic and do auto a/c, so your easy to understand videos are making it a cinch crossover for me since I already have a a/c background and try to learn more about hvac everyday. My gauge set is even R-134a/ R-22 set so I can use them on my house condenser as I am preparing to do my first house hook up with them as I think my R-22 is low. Please make more of these hook up and read and add videos on house condensers. Subscribed and looking at buying hvac tools on your affiliate links as I type this.

Hey good video was very well explained I started doing HVAC around a 4 yrs now it's a good trade to get into just have to do the job the correct way and you will succeed

Thank you for putting this together it's a great video. One item that seems to be really important for this is the leak detection. You mention it it kind of jumped over it, don't know if you did a video on it. That is absolutely critical before you add new freon. Otherwise your viewers are throwing good money after bad. Looking forward to leak detection DIY tips Thanks again

Great video, especially the disconnect procedure to preserve refrigerant.

I’m an hvacr student who is about to close his first year in six months. These next coming up months are going to be spent in a lab. Anyways your video is nicely made. I got my epa in class and i have been asked to install refrigerant by a student and even though I was taking the classes I knew not even where to begin In doing anything. Now with your help it’s a win-win. Like and commented. Thank you

Another great video! My 20 year old system froze the coil. I used Craig Migliaccio's book on Refrigerant Charging to go through all of the prior diagnostic steps (filters, airflow using differential pressures) and then used this one to refill based on superheat. Thanks for helping me keep my 2004 Trane XR11 humming along!

Even my brother said what I was thinking “he’s good” and you are and your very much appreciated

EPA free study all over RU-vid.. Got mine studying for 2weeks !

A good starter video. The challenge in a DYI situation might be being able to find a leak. If it is locating in the evaporator coil, (inside the home) it might be difficult to find. Using a high quality filter with a high rating will keep your evaporator coil and air ducts clean. Also, there might be a need to empty the system of a complete charge and and replace the compressor oil which probably would require a professional or more experience. Thanks for the information.

I’ve done a lot of studying but there’s always something that I think having your experience or explanation will help I don’t want to waste the expensive 410A

Years ago (I'm older) I would use a little tap fitting on high side shrader valve and, suck it back with low side line shrader valve. Your low loss lines do a much better job! Have a great day Bill

Glad you showed to purge the air out of the hoses to avoid non condesibles getting into the system

Thanx. I can listen to You all day...best teacher ever.

All very well done. Thanks for being there for us!!

I started doing hvac work in 2010. Made my way over to the Controls side around 2019. It’s definitely been awhile, I feel as though my skills have perished but you’re videos are very informative. Keep up the good work.

Excellent video...I've been EPA certified since they first required it...Yeah, I'm that old and still running service...Mostly word of mouth anymore, and for older people that have been lied to by the gougers selling units...They're out there...Anyway, thanks for the video...Very common sense and well done.

Awesome video! Just what I was looking for. Keep making more content, you are really good at explaining.

bought a tank off eBay, and simply had to check a box. Surprisingly easy. All the other parts are easily acquired off

Awesome video for DIY! You do such a great job of explaining this task.

Nice, that actually worked for me. Thanks for your help and knowledge.

Great Job Sir. I am a new tech and you made this noticeably clear. My first-time hearing about Ability Refrigerant. What a great saving you can gain. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and information.

Great video. Newer home and wanted to be prepared for future. Helped a friend in same area fix their capacitor. Watched your video on that and worked great afterwards. Bought a spare capacitor for my system for spare.

Excellent how-to. Thanks for demystifying how HVAC works.

Thank you so much. Just the video I needed to see. Plus now I have a place to get refrigerant from too. This video will help a lot of people.

I’ve watched so many videos on this topic and by far my man here explains it the best that relates to home owners. I would really like to buy this guy a beer.

Thanks for the great info. A/c call just wanted to charge me over $2k for 16lbs of 410a. This video gave me negotiating leverage so that I don’t have to get into the self service but don’t get screwed by price gouging.

Love this videos, it’s very helpful. For most of the time I’ve been doing my own stuff. Except for charging the system. But I’ve saved a lot of money and helped my friends and family do the same. Thanks for all your insight!🙏🏻

You should do a video on using a micro leak additive. I don't do this professionally but have used Easy Seal Ultimate with the UV dye on about a dozen systems that would get low on gas a few weeks after topping off with good results. Including on one of my older 22 systems a few years ago.

I'm an electrician with a motor rewind shop. I want thank you and congratulations on what your doing with your videos. You are a very good teacher. Maybe I'll get my HVAC license also just because of you, thank you.

first time seeing those low loss connectors, fantastic! thanky

Thank you for a complete and professional introduction to this topic. Thumbs up and saved to favorites!

Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge we us, I have learned so much from you as a diy guy in maintaining my hvac system , I now have several spare parts on-hand in case of a breakdown , capacitors, vacuum switch, transformer, hot surface ignitor, condenser contactor !

Nice videos ! Great job explaining the details .

Excellent basic video on adding refrigerant to an A/C system. I had a home warranty A/C tech come by who did not have low loss fittings & just vented the refrigerant in the hoses into the atmosphere. I am currently take a HVAC course so that I can service my own HVAC unit.

Hicking up the cost! Last year I was quoted $600 for the 1st pound of refrigerant. Needless to say I have not had it done yet. Thank you for your video.

Thank you for this ! Very helpful 👍

I decided to start working on my home AC after I got charged $350.00 dollars to install 1/2lb of R22 about 20 years ago. I said to myself, "Dude I'm Avionics Technician working on Fighter Aircraft Electronics and work on cars as a hobby. How hard can this BE!" I didn't get my license but I watched a ton of video's and have repaired a ton of cars with R134A since then, including complete rebuilds of car HVAC the systems to learn about AC Systems. I then purchased a HVAC maintenance manual and studied it. Then before I started working on the home AC I have a friend who used to own his own HVAC business and always consulted with him before I broke into the lines or did any maintenance with my diagnosis theory and plans/procedures of repairs. He always gave me a thumbs up and would also remind me of things to look out for and how to overcome problems if I ran into any. He was kind enough to purchase four 2lb bottles for me, of course I paid for them. With those bottles I kept my Goodman running since 1996 and it just went out last year in 2022, a 26 year run on that unit. So I put in another NOS R22 Goodman I've had sitting at the house since 2015 waiting for the other unit to go out after our home flooded in Katrina.

Makes me field line I’m out in the field wit you, thank you for the support and knowledge.

Great Video. I have a recovery license, but i have not used is in many years. Thanks for making it look so easy.

Great Video. Thank you for sharing

Ahh, so that's how to capture residual hose refrigerant at the end of procedure. I've been screwing that up when recharging my car's ac. THANKS!

VERY important information and well-done DIY HVAC guy! Kudos to U indeed!

Great video for basic addition of refrigerant.

Great job! You just saved me $400. I have a very small leak that takes a year or more to lose 3 lbs. My HVAC pirate charges that much for the service.

Great instructional. One thing to note. When you attach hoses to line set and purge air, make sure to purge air from hoses before you flip tank. Just like he did. This way there's less refrigerant loss. Vapor vs liquid.

That was excellently explained

Tthanks so much for sharing your knowledge! Very helpful!

You hit it out the park again; well done! God bless!

Keep up good work. I am experiencing a bunch of crooks in AC business working for HD and Costco. Thanks

This is a great video that gives a person a good idea about what it takes to charge your AC. I recommend watching it before you have your qualified AC tech out. My Tech has an App on his Tablet that gives him tons of data specifically about my system. Including temperature/airflow probes so he can balance the system. If you are low on freon you do have a leak. I DIYed my new Central AC system 3 years ago. And had my AC Tech finish off the last 2 hours of the install and startup.

Omg you are awesome. Thank you so much for doing this. I'm having AC Issues and this has helped. Wish you were here in Florida

Your definitely going to piss off the ol "Markup Hustlers".

Don't forget to mention checking the superheat of the system. Simply take your suction line temperature, after the system is running for 15 minutes, and subtract your guage temperature and that will give you your superheat on an acurator metering device. A superheat of 12 is usually good on a a\c system. Overcharging the system will damage the compressor by slugging it with refrigerant.

Appreciate the vid bud. Probably going to go for that EPA cert. Will be looking forward to the video.

Thank you for your great information. You're the best friend for the average DIY and homeowners

Dude your channel is awesome you explain all the points perfect..... Thank you!!!

As always your the man

great video! i appreciate your knowledge and in depth explanations , demonstrating that things dont need to be dumbed down if they can just be explained clearly- even if the aside explanation is subject of another video. I wish I worked with you!

All Your Videos are Great! Informative and Fun to Watch! Thanks for taking the time to help us out! Subscribed!

I just ordered one of those 2 lb bottles and it was here in 3 days! Nice video, you make it look easy!

Great video, but I'm going to pick at a couple things as an HVAC tech. I know you said there are other factors into charging than what was already said, and I'm also glad you talked about the EPA 608 certification. @ 4:07, You purged the line of air from the refrigerant can, but did not purge with liquid at least on video. If this was R22, it would be fine because R22 is a zeotropic liquid (meaning one component) and you would be able to charge an R22 system with gas or liquid. R410A is an azeotropic refrigerant (meaning two or more components) and can only be charged with liquid (or a flasher nowadays). You must purge with liquid refrigerant (burp the line unit liquid ref comes out at the manifold while the can is upside down), otherwise you may unequally add the refrigerant. Probably would not hurt the system unless charged with a lot of gas instead of liquid, but it's a bad practice. Companies charge a lot of money for the refrigerant because it costs a lot of money for us too. 25 lbs. Virgin R22 goes for $1800-2200 company cost, R410A about $300-600 for 25 pounds. Legit, licensed companies charge a lot because it takes a lot for us to know how to do it right plus business expenses. Thank your EPA and the Montreal Protocol for the giant money scheme! Yes they are 30 pound drums, subtract the tank weight and you get roughly 25.

Thank you! You are so good with the commentary.

Best and simplist explanation ever, Thanks !!

I got worked for like $600 just to put a little R-22 in my system which was working but he said it needed it. He didn't weigh the refrigerant he added and just eyeballed it and sent the bill. Never said what it would cost until he sent the bill. I almost lost it. Whole process took him under 10 minutes and the cooling felt just the same as it did before he topped it off. That was when I decided to buy a fat tank of R-22 and a gauge set just incase it ever needs topped again. I also ran through some of that sealant stuff just incase there was a leak since he never checked for leaks.

410 A is a blend refrigerant. You failed to mention that with refrigerant leaks on 410A you should remove and replace the refrigerant. The refrigerant blend separates when idle and the blend will be altered. R22 has been outlawed, no longer made. 410A is also being taken off the market. EPA regulations require low loss fittings. Lastly the EPA refrigerant certificate does not cover all refrigerant. The current trend is going to propane based blends, not a fan of them. Sooner or later there will be a large leak near a source of ignition.

Thanks for making this video dude this was exactly what I was looking for 👍

This is like the car top up kit - awesome.

You make it seem so simple. Hopefully it is. Hope you get a ton of views. We need more HVAC guys like you.

Here's a 'comment' for the algorithm, friend! Thank you...🇺🇸 😎👍☕

Great information! Thanks so much Dave !

Just wonderful and clear explanation

Nice job, good to learn of ability refrigerants. Thing is with R-22 it's so stupidly expensive that I could pretty much replace my whole system for the cost of filling it with R-22 after sealing the leak! 😯

This is great content my dude. Any thoughts on how to do a refrigerant leak identification and whether any of those stop leak fluid injection kits are worth trying for a slow leak?

Very informative video. Thank you for sharing. Greetings from Bavaria/Germany where my HVAC is actually used as a heater because the outside temperature is 12°F 🥶🥶🥶🥶

Great job explaining

FYI if you have a TXV you need to charge by Subcooling and check by superheat. The TXVs job is to maintain a fixed superheat. Also before you even begin to add refrigerant you need to let the system run for 20 mins minimum also after adding you have to let the system run. For pistons you need to explain how to come up with the superheat value. Please if you’re trying to show people how to do it yourself these little details are very important. If they aren’t doing it correctly the repairs to have someone come out and fix it could be just as much or even more than “just topping off”.

wow ability(which has good prices) has 25lb of r410a for $400. I got same 25lb off amazon in 2019 for $118. Insanity is an HVAC tech will charge over $100/lb for R410a also 3 position service valves - operating position shuts off the port, another position opens the port, another position shuts off the discharge line (for doing pump down) when finished filling, turn service valve to shut off the port so you don't have to rely on the schrader and cap to seal.

I did a nine month advanced course. I am a electro mechanical and computer tech of 20 years. Hvac was easy for me. However, I say this. If you pick things up easily, go ahead and pass the test on your own but the school kids are ahead of you with references and experienced teachers. My personal list has three retiring Master service technician with over a century of combined experience.

Thanks for Showing us how to top up.

Dude. Thank you! I am a 57 yr old, retired computer engineer that fixes everything in a house. Everything. Or real close. However, having refridgerants and HVAC parts on lock-down where normal citizens cannot have them is very wrong . That has allowed runaway pricing on new installs - and even compressor repairs. I am getting that Refridge license! Thank you for the info, and I must say that your videos are fantastic! At 57, I am not going to do 5 yrs apprenticeship to be able to buy and do everything. I'm not opening a business. I just have two properties and 4 HVAC and a mini to maintain. I cannot afford to pay $12K to replace each one. That is insane. Your videos have helped me maintain and repair reasonably good systems well beyond the point that I would have had to shell out $10k+ per unit. ($3500 for a mini).

A company just tried to charge me $569 per pound for R22. And even said I should just replace the unit 😒

Great video Thank you. Got quoted $415 for just 1 pound of R22. Profit is one thing . Price gougers are another thing.

Absolutley wonderful and informative video. I will be getting my EPA Certification. Wonderful video as always!👍🏽