Refrigerant handling requires specialized equipment and knowledge to avoid injury and environmental damage. Improper handling can lead to:
* Personal injury: Refrigerants can cause serious health problems, including frostbite and even death if inhaled improperly.
* Environmental damage: Older refrigerants like R-12 are harmful to the ozone layer. Even newer refrigerants require proper handling to prevent environmental damage.
* Damage to your vehicle's AC system: Incorrectly adding refrigerant can damage the system's compressor and other components, leading to more expensive repairs.
Instead, take your van to a qualified mechanic or auto AC specialist. They have the proper equipment, training, and refrigerants to safely and effectively recharge your AC system. They can also diagnose the underlying problem if there's a leak, which is a much more serious issue than simply low refrigerant.
