A/C service ports

D & M wrote:
I have never seen an A/C unit that didn't have a Schrader valve for adding gas.

I have looked at about 35 rooftop RV a/c units and never saw a single service port on any of them. I installed one on my A/C and one that I repaired for a friend.

I have also looked at well over 150 window air conditioners and never seen a single service port, except perhaps some that my mechanics installed when adding freon to them.

I have also seen well over 200 residential refrigerators. Again, no freon service ports.

Commercial refrigerators are another story, many times they will have service ports. Sometimes just a suction service port, as the high pressure is more likely to leak.

Residential air conditioners? Always have service ports to test and add freon. Same with commercial A/C units.

A trained A/C mechanic can install a copper service valve that welds onto the 3/8" copper line, then once it is leak checked, pierce the copper tubing, then safely check the freon levels. This takes about an hour and $15 part.

Bolt on service valves tend to leak, sometimes right away, usually within 2 years start to leak. I would only install them on a system to recover the freon, say if I was making a perminate repair, or disposing of the unit, and recovering any remaining freon.

Fred.