If an AC guy checks a system and finds it 100% out of refrigerant, what is the correct next step?
If the system still had pressure you could add the correct amount of refrigerant and get the system running again. However the correct fix should be to find the leak, fix the leak, add suction and discharge filter driers, evacuate the system, then recharge with refrigerant. Just recharging with refrigerant guarantees the service company another service call to again recharge the system, since it will again leak out. I would explain your options and let you decide. My unit is 19 years old and has no leaks and has never had to have refrigerant added. What a great cost savings for me.