Summertime in Washington state is absolutely beautiful. There are plenty of craft fairs, car shows, and camping & hiking activities. What’s not to love? Well, a car air conditioning system that doesn’t work can quickly turn a fun adventure into an unhappy, sweaty nightmare. Here’s how an auto AC recharge can prevent a low refrigerant level in your car’s HVAC system from blowing warm air through the air conditioning.
What Is An Auto AC Recharge?
An auto AC recharge service returns the refrigerant in your car’s HVAC system to the original factory-recommended level. Your vehicle’s air conditioning system creates cold air by turning the refrigerant from a gas to a liquid and back again. The refrigerant level in the HVAC system must be high enough to pressurize and flow through all the AC components. An inadequate refrigerant level results in an AC system that produces many of the symptoms below.
Signs Your Car Needs One
During the summer, nothing is worse than feeling your car’s air conditioning system blow warm air in your face. If your auto AC doesn’t blast the deliciously cool air you expect, you may need to schedule an auto AC recharge service. Below are several common air conditioning problems you may encounter.
Air Conditioning Won’t Turn On
In cases where the air conditioning system won’t even turn on, it can be due to broken components, insufficient pressure, or a low refrigerant level.
Low Refrigerant Level
If your HVAC system is low on refrigerant, your auto AC is leaking or damaged and requires a diagnostic inspection by a certified mechanic. Refrigerant does not evaporate or get ‘used up’ in a sealed HVAC system. A low refrigerant level almost always points to a leak, a compromised seal, or a damaged component.
Malfunctioning Sensors
If any of your vehicle’s HVAC system sensors fail, the cooling capacity could be adversely affected. The vehicle’s onboard computer utilizes multiple valves, sensors, and other components to manage your air conditioning. If any one of them malfunctions, it could take out the whole system.
Reduced Airflow
A faulty condenser fan can reduce cabin cooling efficiency and reduce airflow, especially while your car is idling. If the airflow increases while accelerating, then you may need to replace the cooling fan.
Vents Blow Warm Air
If the AC vents blow warm air, even when set on the coldest setting, the AC compressor may be clogged or leaking.
HVAC System Service Intervals
Routine maintenance can help you avoid costly air conditioning repairs in the future while maintaining the cool air flowing from the vents. Auto manufacturers recommend scheduling service for your car’s HVAC system at least once a year. Most vehicles require an auto AC recharge appointment before reaching 80,000 – 100,000 miles or whenever your vehicle’s air conditioning stops working effectively. Read your owner’s manual for more specific service interval guidelines for your car make and model.
Common Refrigerant Types
Refer to your owner’s manual to determine the type of refrigerant used in your vehicle. Once you’ve confirmed which refrigerant your vehicle uses, you can perform an auto AC recharge yourself or make an appointment with a trained professional. Refrigerants can be hazardous, so always use caution. It’s also essential to note that you cannot mix different refrigerant types or use one that’s not compatible with your car’s HVAC system. The most common automotive refrigerants are:
- R-12 (older model cars – mid-1990s and older)
- R-134 (common in cars from the mid-1990s – mid-2010s)
- R-1234yf (newer model vehicles from the mid-2010s and newer)
Auto AC Maintenance & Repairs
Your vehicle is a significant investment, and it can be stressful when it breaks down or something goes wrong. Scheduling routine auto AC maintenance with Fisher’s Auto Service, Inc. is the best way to protect your investment for miles of trouble-free driving. Our service technicians can handle everything from checking your car’s refrigerant level for a basic AC recharge to a comprehensive inspection and repair of your air conditioning system.
Schedule An Auto AC Recharge Service
Call us at (425) 823-4441 or visit our website to make an appointment for your auto AC recharge service today!