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While you can do this yourself, it won't be the best job.
Pros, at least the good ones, don't use dye anymore, they use a 'Sniffer', an electronic detector which can pick up the leaking gas in parts per million; a leak so small the dye won't penetrate it for days.
Also, the system really needs to be made tight prior to recharging the refrigerant or you're just gonna lose it to atmosphere in little time.
And, for the system, esp. the receiver/drier to be fully efficient, it needs to be evacuated using a vacuum pump. This lowers the vapor pressure in the system so the remaining gas and old oil (which is now mildly acidic) literally boils off.
They will then add the precise amount (by weight) of oil and refrigerant to max out efficiency at the vent. The improper amount of either of these will result in less cooling and could actually lead to early death of the compressor - mucho dinero.
Considering AZ spends weeks or months at 100+ and the fact that amortized over the past 14 yrs., the expense isn't that great, if done properly, there's no reason you won't get another 10-14 yrs. out of it.
Cheers!
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