it depends on many factors, like indoor and outdoor temps, and type of system and refrigerant being used.
r22
Most Likely refrigerant charge is low -- compressor will not engage unless system has proper pressure
Unless you have the proper equipment, skill, and knowledge to recover the refrigerant and to pressurize the system and install the proper amount of lubricant & refrigerant then you should seek out a professional. It is illegal to release refrigerant into the atmosphere and you will be fined heavily if caught.
Most new equipment is built for and charged with R410a, a refrigerant with much higher pressures than the R22 used for decades, R22 units are still available, dry charged however, you must fill them with R22 onsite. This is how new R22 compatible equipments being sold still.
Too much refrigerant can do it, yes. System pressures get extremely high on both sides of the AC system when it is overcharged.
No, not unless you have the proper equipment to recharge the system and/or dispose of the old AC refrigerant.
134a refrigerant
What Ac refrigerant freon is required in 1989 BMW 7-Series? What Ac refrigerant freon is required in 1989 BMW 7-Series?
Many home AC units are sealed, and there is no way for a homeowner to add refrigerant.
The Freon is added through the low side ac port. Using the proper type of Freon and a gauge, fill the system to the recommended pressure.
Many home AC units are sealed, and there is no way for a homeowner to add refrigerant.
The proper term is actually refrigerant - Freon is a specific brand name trademarked by DuPont for a series of CFC and HFC refrigerants - thus, an AC system only has Freon if it has the product manufactured by DuPont. Answering your question, yes, an outside AC unit uses refrigerant, although it's normally not the same type used in automotive AC systems.