Today was a very nice day and I decided to put on my AC. I haven't used the AC in about 2-3months(because of winter) and the air is barely cooler than the outside air. Not to mention I just filled it up completely after last winter because the pressures were completely off.

So I'm assuming there is a leak somewhere in the system. I was wondering if theirs any easy way/tips to detecting and finding where the leak is coming from so I can plug it. (Heating works fine if that is any help).
I assume the leak is quite small since the AC works fine throughout the summer/fall months, it's just after winter when I fire it up for the first time it's not cold at all.

Thanks!

 

It sounds like you did lose your a/c charge since last year. You will need to add a leak detector when charging your system to find the leak.
Mine did about the same thing, and the compressor seal was the leak. after a proper service, (the receiver/drier was also replaced) my a/c delivers 38 deg air at the vent.

 

Do you mind if I ask how much that costed? If it's expensive I'd personally rather just re-fill it once a year or so :P

 

It was 1200 bucks for me it was worth it as I intend on keeping my rig for a long time.

 

Alright I'll see what I can do. Crossing my fingers it's a hose or something else easy to fix

Thanks!

P.S: I'm reading that people also use UV dye. Do you have any experience with it?

 

I am not familiar with UV dye. I'll keep my fingers crossed too. let me know how you do.

 

They sell refrigerant with a UV dye in it. Goes in the same way as regular refrigerant, but wherever the leak is, it will leave a telltale sign (larger leaks are visible with the naked eye, smaller leaks need a UV light and glasses to see).

Mine has a leak too. I put in some UV dye refrigerant last summer and it lasted the summer. I do not see a leak up top, and have not looked on the underside nor used a UV light. I need to look into it though, summer is coming. I noticed the other day when I turned it on it is not blowing as cold.

 

Fixing it is the best way. But if you don't have the funs this stuff works good most of the time.

 

Will "fix" small leaks, larger ones, not so much. It may slow down larger ones till you can save up for proper fix though.
It is worth a try though. It gives a little recharge as well as adding the stop leak. If it does not work, don't keep using it though.

 

^Correct. I was told about it this stuff by the owner of a top ac shop in my area. He said it is the only thing he found that doesn't harm the system. It is a temp fix till one can save up the cash.