Hi there as with any a/c unit or fridge they are sealed systems and if they require topping up with refrigerant then they have a leak. If your unit does not have any service ports then you can buy self tapping access points to connect gauges too. You can then pressure test, repair, vac then re-charge. Im not sure about the states but in the UK you cant but R12 anymore and its getting harder to get R22.
neil drummond, November 2005