A/C on a HDJ81

[arbetrader]

From what I understand, fluid slowly but surely escapes due to the fact that every a/c system leaks through the seals (due to heating and cooling differences) and b/c of that, I didn't bother replacing my entire system, only to have to re-do it in future (of course it may last a little longer, but price/performance didn't make it worth it.)

 

[Martin White]

It makes sense doing what you are suggesting but only if you are sure there are no big leaks, which I think you need to eliminate by having the system properly tested. I was also told that the lubrication oil should be changed out, which a proper purge takes care of. But a $70 gamble is way cheaper, no doubt. It depends on the way you like to do things. My personal preference is to do it correctly, for sure, but to each his own. I've found that in the long run this is less expensive and certainly less frustrating.

 

[arbetrader]

The thing you have to remember is that there USUALLY are no big leaks. A/C units don't leak that way. Normally the coolant escapes due to the expanding and contracting of the seals due to the temperature differences they are subjected to. Most people think that if their a/c systems suddenly don't blow cold at all, it's because there is suddenly a big leak somewhere, but that's in most cases not true, it's b/c the cooling system is no longer effective at all if there is less than a certain amount of coolant in it. If it makes you feel better, get it evacuated and rebuilt, or retrofitted, but most retrofitted and rebuilt a/c systems only last no more than a few years anyway before they need to be fixed again. Personally, if I recharge it once a year, it's still cheaper doing this 5 times than having it serviced, and hoping it'll last that same length of time, plus in most cases it wont blow as cold.

Don't forget, you only need 1 bottle for a recharge, and the kit contains 2 bottles, so it's really quite a deal when you consider the cost. $35 per application