The importance of Air-Con regassing
With the hot Australian weather conditions, it is an uncomfortable experience when one is welcomed by their vehicle to warm and stuffy air, courtesy of an unmanaged air conditioning unit. To make it even worse, one then decides to turn the air conditioning system to its fullest to resolve the situation, when in fact, the opposite occurs.
Chris Lett, founder of Branigans Tyres, informs people on the importance of having their vehicle’s air-conditioning system regassed professionally. “Over a period, a vehicle’s air conditioning system can lose its efficiency due to clogged filters, worn out seals and refrigerant leaks” says Lett. Therefore, it is important and highly recommended that people have their vehicle’s air conditioning system regassed regularly. “Regassing involves the evacuation of refrigerant gas from the vehicle’s air conditioning, testing for any leakages, and lastly re-filling and pressurising the system,” says Lett.
During an air-conditioning regassing, the following is performed: drive belts and pulleys, operation valves, thermostats, and hoses are inspected and system lines and components are tested for any leaks with an electric leak detector. The air conditioning system is evacuated and the refrigerant is recovered, with new refrigerant oil added to the system. The condenser temperature is inspected, and a suction-line temperature reading is taken. Lastly, while the vehicle is running, the air vent temperature is checked.
It is important to undertake some research and choose qualified and certified auto electricians who specialise in air conditioning regassing. Lett provides the following advice, “Refrain from undertaking cheap air conditioning regassing, particularly from unqualified servicing workshops. The reason for this is that apart from the lack of accreditation, unqualified servicing workshops replace the vehicle’s refrigerant with M30, a hydrocarbon gas that causes both damage to the cooling system components, and is also highly flammable, posing a major fire risk.”
The cost of air conditioning regassing is based on the type of vehicle as well as the servicing workshop chosen. “While a regular car service will check for obvious tests and faults linked to the air conditioning system, a comprehensive air conditioning service is beneficial and recommended, ” says Lett.
Regular maintenance of the air conditioning system is important. A few tips to consider undertaking after the system has been regassed include: running the vehicle’s air-conditioning system at least once a week to allow the refrigerant gas pressure to be maintained; ensuring that windows are closed when the air conditioning system is active to help save fuel and to enable the air conditioning system to work effectively; and making it a priority to have the air conditioning system professionally serviced at least every two years to ensure optimum performance.
Branigans Tyres has well-established workshops in Burleigh Heads and Southport in the Gold Coast region. Check out their full range of services or current featured promotions. Branigans award-winning affordable tyre subscriptions package starts at $7.97 and helps motorists budget for their ongoing tyre needs.
Vehicle owners are encouraged to drive in at their convenience as no pre-bookings or appointments are required. The branches are Burleigh Heads: (07) 5535 2660 situated at 13 Flagstone Drive or Southport: (07) 5591 8633 located at 1/277 Southport-Nerang Rd.
Written and syndicated by YDMA News.
