Which type of refrigerant does my air conditioning system use?

There are two main types of refrigerant used in modern vehicles (R134A and R1234YF).

 

R134A is common in vehicles manufactured before 2014. Vehicles manufactured since 1st January 2017 use R1234YF gas which is more environmentally friendly.

 

R1234YF gas was phased in by vehicle manufacturers over time so vehicles made between 2014 and 2016 could use either gas. When you book a re-gas service for your car, we will check the manufacturer's specification to confirm the correct gas for your vehicle. 

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How often should I have my air conditioning system recharged?

We recommend that you have your air conditioning refrigerant level checked every couple of years. If the air coming from the vents is not as cool as it used to be, or it doesn't feel any different when the air conditioning is switched off, there is a good chance the system needs to be recharged.

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Does my air conditioning system need cleaning?

Air conditioning systems can accumulate bacteria through everyday use, as well as after long periods without use, often resulting in an unusual or unpleasant smell when the air conditioning system is turned on. We thoroughly clean the air conditioning system using the latest anti-bacterial cleaning techniques and can offer both fragrant and fragrant-neutral cleaning systems.

 

Air conditioning system anti-bacterial clean. - £19.50 (inc. VAT)

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What are common faults in air conditioning systems?

The most common reason we see for air conditioning systems failing is a refrigerant leak. This is often caused by dry seals that have become less efficient over time, or from damage to fins or tubes on the condenser caused by small stones when driving. We occasionally find that the wrong gas has been used to refill the system. We believe that this is not only dangerous, but it can damage the refrigeration system, leading to expensive repair bills in the future.

 

When we re-gas an air conditioning system, we test the existing gas and carry out an extended pressure test prior to re-gassing. We usually add a fluorescent dye with the refrigerant to enable the detection of the very smallest leaks using ultraviolet detection equipment and once we have re-gassed a system, we do a thorough leak test to ensure the system is holding pressure in accordance with the manufacturer's guidelines.

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We hear from customers who have had their air conditioning re-gassed only to find the systems is not working efficiently a few weeks later. Even a very small leak can cause the air conditioning to degrade or cease working after a couple of months.

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Can you diagnose air conditioning system problems?

With improvements in technology, modern car air conditioning or climate control systems have become more complex. In addition to compressors, condensers, evaporators and refrigerants, modern systems have complex electronics, sensors and actuators to control temperature and airflow. Hybrid and stop-start systems add a further complexity requiring different lubricants to support electric rather than engine driven compressors.

 

We have the tools and knowledge to go beyond the basic re-gas service, to thoroughly diagnose and resolve air conditioning problems and to make sure your air conditioning system is properly repaired and working as designed. 

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Should I use my air conditioning all year round?

In our own cars, we use the air conditioning all year round for a number of reasons. It removes moisture from the air which helps to keep windows clear in summer and winter. It stops mould and bacteria accumulating in the system and it keeps the refrigerant and the lubricant circulating which helps keep the pipework and rubber seals in good condition. The small downside is slightly increased fuel consumption though this is minimised if the air conditioning system is well maintained. On balance, we feel that turning the air conditioning on, even if it is only occasionally, is better than not using it for long periods of time.