To stop EPA’s pending action, we request that you express your desire to hold on to the right to work on your own vehicle’s A/C system.

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Do-It-Yourself A/C Tips

A/C recharging is fast and easy! If you can inflate a tire, you can do it! There are only a handful of things you need to know to do the job right.

• Wear fabric-lined gloves and safety glasses while working under the hood.
• Check for and repair system leaks before recharging.
• Using an A/C gauge to check and monitor low-side refrigerant pressure before, during and after recharging service ensures proper fill levels and efficient cooling.
• Don’t overfill/overcharge the system… too much refrigerant can damage your A/C system
• Check vent temperatures while charging. Cooler air should result as you’re adding refrigerant.
• If you have added a can of refrigerant and are not getting cooler air…STOP! You may have leaks or equipment problems requiring more complex repairs to the system. You may need to see a “professional!”

These and many more tips, as well as step-by-step “how-to” guides and instructional videos are included below:

ECONOMIC IMPACT ON AMERICAN CONSUMERS
OF RESTRICTING ACCESS TO DIY MAINTENANCE OPTION FOR CONSUMERS PERFORMING ROUTINE SERVICE ON THEIR OWN AUTOMOTIVE A/C SYSTEMS
 

• Cannot afford professional service:            69%
• Less expensive:                                                 90%
• More Convenient:                                           85%
• Can do as good a job as a professional:      82%
• Enjoy working on own vehicle:                 76%

DIY behavior: Basic Maintenance Service:

• I complete the majority of my own basic service:           63%
• I complete the some of my own basic service:                  37%

DIY practice: Use of Product Instructions:

• Follow instructions on/with DIY A/C products:             95%
• Do not use instructions on/with product:                          5%

STUDY ECONOMICS:
A/C Refrigerant Recharge / Cost Differential DIY v. Pro DIFM:

• Average recharge / Refrigerant required:                         15 ounces
• Average DIY / Retail cost of Refrigerant:                        $13.32 / pound
• Average DIFM / Professional cost of Refrigerant:          $156.81 / pound

ANNUAL INCREMENTAL COST TO DIY CONSUMERS:       $2,774,379,000
(Windfall Profit to professional service lobby)

Source: Frost & Sullivan September, 2006 Study of U.S. Consumer Buying Behaviors of R-134a Refrigerant for Light Vehicle Applications / Automotive Refrigeration Products Institute

Stay Cool USA is dedicated to preserving the rights of American do-it-yourself (DIY) consumers to maintain and service their own vehicles using safe, economical, environmentally responsible products and practices.