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Ever experienced an AC that just was not keeping up with the cold or heat outside? This is usually an indicator of low refrigerant. Simple enough, the fix for this mechanical issue is an air-conditioning recharge, which must be done by a certified A/C mechanic. There is no reason a vehicle should be using refrigerant because refrigerant operates in a closed system. The most likely cause for low levels is a leak in the air-conditioning system. Shamrock Tire & Auto Repair has qualified technician that can inspect your vehicles AC system for hose leaks, and other malfunctions in the pipes or the air-conditioning compressor.

The EPA regulates coolant, so a certified technician must be the one that cleans your AC system and replaces new refrigerant back into the system. Specialized equipment is required to extract it and replace it. Once the exchange is made, the system is tests via an electronic leak test.

Can I Buy a Kit and Refill the System Myself?

Hypothetically, you can do that. However, the problem with this approach is there is no way of knowing how much refrigerant is left in the system. Even a certified technician, will have to guess on how much is needed to top off the system. The best practice is to evacuate the system and fill it with the specified amount as stated by the vehicles owner’s manual.

Topping Off the Refrigerant

If you choose to top off the vehicles refrigerant, remember, that is not a fix, as you may still have leas in the system. Remember, a vehicles AC system does not consume refrigerant like other things such as oil or gas. If your vehicle is blowing warm air, there is a good chance your vehicles refrigerant has fallen to a low level and turned off the system. This would be an indication there is a leak. Air Conditioning Repair Garage>>

Do not Be Surprised If You Don’t Find the Leak

Small leaks such as pinholes in hoses are easily overlooked, so do not be surprised if you are returning to the mechanic to recharge the system following a recharge. In these cases, the shop technician might have to inject dye into the system and trace it with a black light for leaks. Sometimes the leaks occur in hidden locations such as the evaporator, which is behind the dashboard.

How do I know if my air conditioner is bad?

Bad is not the best word, but obvious signs something is amiss are when the AC blows warm air and when you hear noise when you engage the AC.

How often should I recharge my air conditioner?

Never. It does not require evacuation and replacement. Only when your mechanic finds a leak will this need to take place. If your AC is blowing cold air, you are good to go. Remember, refrigerant circulates in a closed system; it is not burned up like gasoline.

Why do I have to check my air conditioning?

When it is discovered that something is malfunctioning or that there is a leak, they do not go away or get better. Refrigerant could be leaking, the compressor could be failing or the condenser, evaporator or another component might be corroded. A temporary fix could be to add refrigerant, but if there is a faulty part or a leak the AC will eventually stop working. When you do consult a mechanic over your AC, make sure they inspect the entire system and fix the cause. A nonfunctioning air conditioner is not only about comfort; the air conditioner also dehumidifies the air to defrost and defog the windows so you can see in bad weather. AC Repair Wichita>>