With summer in full swing, now is the time when many vehicle owners notice efficiency problems with their air conditioning systems. Thanks to our air conditioning expertise however you don’t have to suffer in silence. Unbeknownst to many, your air conditioning system needs to be recharged or re-gassed from time to time to improve performance and avoid the common air conditioning problems that lots of drivers encounter.
Air conditioning systems generally lose charge as each year goes by – some 10 to 15% charge to be exact – but with the right care and attention you can keep your vehicle cool come the summer months, enhance climate control all year round, successfully dehumidify your vehicle’s interior whatever the weather throws at you and experience greater efficiency overall. Read on to discover the advantages of this vehicle maintenance essential and find out the optimum time for an air conditioning system recharge.
What is an air conditioning recharge?
Recharging your air conditioning system is a relatively simple process. The process works to replace any old refrigerant gas and oil with new lubricant and refrigerant. Your air conditioning specialist will replace the refrigerant and oil in accordance with your vehicle manufacturer’s guidelines. Ensuring that your air conditioning system is correctly lubricated is vital to the circulation of refrigerant. Booking in for an air conditioning recharge will also ensure the cleanliness of your system is improved. For drivers who have their air conditioning systems switched off the majority of the time, recharging ensures the bacteria and fungi that quickly builds up as a result is kept under control.
As part of the air conditioning recharge procedure, your air conditioning system will undergo a vacuum test to examine its condition. This vacuum test will identify any cracks and damage within the system, ensuring that any replacement refrigerant and oil does not leak. The average air conditioning system is particularly susceptible to leaks with factors like engine temperatures, travelling at speed and poor road conditions all making the system more prone to damage. The air conditioning system’s flexible seals and pipes absorb some impact, however the same flexibility also provides an escape route for the gas that is integral to its performance and efficiency.
Isn’t this covered during servicing?
As you know, the majority of vehicles should be serviced every 10,000 miles, however standard services do not include air conditioning system recharges. To ensure the most efficient and effective air conditioning your vehicle can offer, booking your car or van in for a recharge is important.
When should I book my vehicle in for a recharge?
With an average gas loss of up to 15% annually, the optimum time to book in for a system recharge is every two years, a time frame that is backed by manufacturers of most makes and models. With your air conditioning system useful all year round there is no perfect time of the year to opt for a recharge, however many people choose to go ahead before peak air conditioning system use in the summer months.
There are little tips and tricks that may help to ensure optimum efficiency in between your biyearly recharge. Running your air conditioning on the coldest setting for at least 10 minutes every week can ensure the flow of refrigerant is good throughout your system. This simple process will also keep gas loss minimal.
Our air conditioning repair and servicing specialists are on hand to provide air conditioning system recharges all year round. Get in touch today to book and enjoy more efficient air con all year round.
