Actually it is an easy job if you Add R134 to your car before. It is similar. You can get the gauge from the Envirosafe Site. If your AC is R410, you probably ask those HAVC guys to work on it. If it is R22, you can just buy the R22A from this site and you don't need license to use them. Its better if you see how those guys do it once.
ProSeal XL4 will stop the leak.80% of time. If your freon lasted 1 year, with that thing, It will fix the leak. Check this site.
http://milkyourmoney.com/2010/05/03/diy-how-to-add-refrigerant-to-a-homes-heat-pump/