Your vehicle’s air conditioning unit has six major components:

  • The refrigerant carries heat. In modern cars, refrigerant is a substance called R-134a. Older cars’ refrigerant is called r-12 freon, which is more expensive and difficult to find than R-134a.
  • The compressor circulates and compresses refrigerant within the vehicle’s cooling system.
    Your vehicle’s condenser changes the refrigerant from gas to liquid and expels heat from the car.
  • The expansion valve (sometimes called the orifice tube) is a nozzle that simultaneously drops the pressure of the refrigerant liquid, meters its flow and atomizes it.
  • Your vehicle’s evaporator transfers heat to the refrigerant from the air blown across it, cooling your car.
  • The receiver or dryer filters your vehicle’s refrigerant and oil, removing moisture and other contaminants from them.

Air Conditioning Servicing

The purpose of an air con service is to keep the system running effectively and problem-free. It involves a pressure test that will identify leaks within the system, which we can subsequently repair. This test will also show us whether your system needs recharging or not. Other aspects of an air conditioning service include checking that all vital components, such as the compressor, blower hose and ventilation fan, are all in working condition. If during the service we find the system has a lot of built-up dirt and bacteria within, we can clean it for you.

Air Conditioning Recharging

To recharge your air conditioning, we remove the old refrigerant gas from the system. Then we replace it with new refrigerant, which keeps your air con working at maximum efficiency. Most manufacturers recommend an air conditioning recharge every two years, otherwise performance drastically declines. Not only does this fall in performance mean it’ll be harder to keep your car’s internal temperature regulated, but your fuel efficiency will also suffer.

It takes less than an hour to complete a recharge, as we use the latest industry equipment, which attaches to your vehicle’s high and low pressure ports. This equipment utilises a specially-made vacuum pump to expedite the process. After recharging is complete, you’ll immediately notice a difference in A/C performance. Airflow will improve, and it will be easier to maintain the optimum ambient temperature within your vehicle.

Air Conditioning Repairs

Common issues experienced include:

Weak Airflow – There are a number of reasons why your vehicle might be suffering from weak airflow. It could be that the blower hose through which the air flows has come loose, or that the ventilation fan has ceased to work. Other reasons include a build-up of mould/mildew, or a compromised seal (blower house, evaporator case or core case).

Temperature Fluctuation – If your air con is emitting warmer air than before, it could be a result of a Freon leak. This would indicate that a component, usually the blower hose, seal or O-ring has failed. Other problems this symptom indicates are a failed compressor, compressor clutch, blower motor, condenser or evaporator.

Another possibility is that there is a vacuum leak within the system, which can be highly problematic if not dealt with immediately. A leak will not only stop your air conditioning from working as intended, but gradually cause damage to components. Leaks are usually a result of general wear and tear and lack of maintenance.

Persistent Odour – Unpleasant smells emerging from your air con system can be due to a dirty/worn air cabin filter or evaporator case, or a build-up of mould and mildew within the system. Luckily, it’s a fairly quick and simple job to clean your system and banish those unwelcome odours. Regular servicing and recharging will also make this problem less likely.

Gallery of Work