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Many people are unaware of what the Air conditioning system can do for them and their passengers so we thought it would be an idea to explain a few facts about the benefits and servicing procedure.
Benefits:
Did you know that using your Air Conditioning in the winter in conjunction with the heater will de fog misted windows far quicker than hot air alone? This is because the system is also a de-humidifier and dries the otherwise moist air from the heater vents.
It is normal to see pools of water beneath the car after the system has been used and this gives a clue to another benefit. This water is the condensation removed from the conditioned air ether from the heater or the air around the car this condensation captures and removes foreign bodies like pollen, dust and road dirt that may have got into the car. This is great news for suffers of asthma, Allergies and is also good news for contact lens wearers.
Air conditioning also de-ionises the air removing static electricity a common cause of carsickness both in humans and pets.
During the summer the occupants of your vehicle will feel more relaxed and comfortable due to the cool air delivered by the system. No longer do you arrive at your destination feeling drained, lethargic and hot.
Air conditioning allows your car to perform to it’s designed fuel consumption as you can leave the windows wound up hence the air flow so carefully design by the car manufacturer is preserved. You can also hold a conversation or listen to your favourite music without the annoying in flux of wind noise. This also removes the threat from insects coming into the cabin especially worrying if you have youngsters on board who may be at risk of being stung.
Servicing Procedure; The work carried out and why.
Firstly a test is conducted to determine the contamination level of the systems refrigerant. Contamination such as air, water and solid debris all reduce the systems well being and performance. If any contaminates are found the refrigerant has to be removed and disposed of and if this was the case it will appear on your invoice.
If it is established that the system was 100% pure refrigerant then a performance test is carried out. These tests determine the current charge amount and vent temperatures with the Air Conditioning working at maximum cooling.
In the event of a problem being found such as air delivery not cold enough or system pressures being too low the existing refrigerant is removed for later recycling. This refrigerant although 100% pure contains chemicals and oils that need to be removed using a special machine and is carried out at a later date in bulk. The amount removed is carefully weighed out and noted.
Once the system has been fully evacuated it is pulled into deep vacuum (29.93hg at sea level). This boils off any moisture in the components and pipe work and toughly dries it out. This vacuum is typically held for 30 minutes and then tested to insure that it holds, as this is a good indication that all moisture has been removed.
The next step is to add oil of the correct type and amount as calculated by the technician using manufacturers data and a chart. This oil is essential to avoid costly repairs as it lubricates the compressor and coats other parts to aid in abating corrosion.
An Ultra violet dye is added next to help in finding a leak should one occur at a later date. This enables a technician with the aid of special glasses and touch to sot leaks more easily. A sticker is place under the bonnet indicating this has been carried out.
Finally the system is pulled into deep vacuum once again to ensure no moisture entered during oil and UV dye servicing.
Next the correct quantity of refrigerant, as specified by the manufacture of the vehicle, is weighed back into the Air Conditioning system using special heaters to ensure total vaporisation so as not to harm the compressor. The amount you are charged for this refrigerant is calculate by subtracting the amount removed initially from the amount of the full charge that is added… you only pay for the amount required to top up the system.
The final service step is to check once again the system pressures and vent temperatures using state of the art instruments.
The above procedure is not the same as “topping up” or topping off” which is a method that is condoned by the AC industry and environmental agencies. The term refers to adding refrigerant to a system until the special gauges known as a Manifold Gauge Set read an expected amount of pressure typically 30psi on the suction side of the system and 150 to 200 on the high pressure liquid side. This type of servicing is typically carried out with DIY kits and quick fix garages. It is not recommended because the operator knows little about the systems chemical content cares not about the lubrication and does not know the exact amount of refrigerant that is now in the system.
It is our hope that the preceding information was informative and has explained the procedure in more detail. Obviously this is the process provided no faults etc were found and the actual procedure may have been more in-depth had a fault been found.
Further information and frequently asked questions can be found on elsewhere on our website, just use the links
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