Where can one get good info on central air repair?

Question

I would like to know where to purchase A/C gauges, refrigerant and instructions on adding refrigerant to my central air unit. It has always had a small leak and I have to call someone to add refrigerant every two years.

Answer 1

The gauges can be bought from Harbor freight.

You want 68 PSI on the low side for ideal cooling.

Freon was 195 to 252 dollars last monday for a 30 pound jug on the gulf coast.

You cannot buy it unless you have a freon card. To get that you need to go online and get qualified. The cost is 20 bucks but you need to pass the open book test. You will be wanting to get the Type I certification. To get the card start here:

Answer 2

Its cheaper to find the leak and get it fixed(probably at the Schroeder valve).Community tech schools have courses and there are some on line(you have to be EPA certified to buy freon(its a racket)).Also to do it correctly you will need a vacuum pump,and of course know how to solider/braze) I saw a course somewhere for about $600 just to get certified.The electric isn't that complicated(simple) but getting the frost line where you want it can be a pain.That's why half the repairmen in the big repair outfits do more harm than good( they are in a hurry)