How to Recharge My Window Air Conditioner Unit

Spread a towel or sheet on a level section of floor near an electrical outlet. Remove the air conditioner unit from the window, and set it on the sheet.

Use a screwdriver to remove the screws that hold the unit’s metal shell casing. Grasp the loose shell firmly, and slide it off the unit to reveal the metal cylinder, called the compressor. If the casing does not slide off, locate and loosen the hidden screws in the middle or inner corners.

Examine the two hoses on the compressor, and locate the larger one. You will insert the coolant through this hose. Also examine the two valves on the can of coolant. Connect the larger valve, or service valve, to the larger hose on the compressor.

Connect the tap valve, or the smaller valve on the coolant can, to the smaller of the two hoses on the compressor.

Plug the air conditioner into an electrical outlet. Turn on the air conditioner to the coolest setting to begin the recharging process. The coolant will slowly begin to flow into the system.

Continue to charge the air conditioner until the coolant can is empty. Turn the unit off, and disconnect the plug to stop the supply of power. Disconnect the hoses from the valves.

Slide the metal casing back on the unit. Use the screwdriver to reinsert the screws, tightening until they are secure. Reinstall the air conditioner in the window.