A/C Service at Jackson's
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Air Conditioning – AC Repair – Service – Maintenance
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Tune-Ups
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Emission System Tune-Ups
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Diagnostics
Why Does Your Automobile’s Air Conditioning Need Recharging?
If your auto’s air-conditioning system blows only warm air on hot days, it’s probably because it is low on refrigerant, and the most likely cause is a leak somewhere in the system.
Though many vehicle owners think they need to recharge or “top off” their air-conditioning system with refrigerant on a regular basis, such as annually, that’s not the case. If the AC stops working in your automobile (but the fan continues to blow warm air), a leak in a hose, connector, or another part of the system is probably the culprit. During the winter, you may notice that the defroster isn’t clearing fogged up windows, and that also is a sign you have a leak. Most defrosters engage the AC to dehumidify the air.
If there is a leak, the AC system on most modern vehicles is designed to shut down once the refrigerant level drops low enough in order to prevent damage to the air-conditioning compressor. Note that we are talking about “refrigerant,” not Freon, the brand name for a type of refrigerant that is no longer manufactured in the U.S. because it can damage the ozone layer. Contemporary vehicles use a refrigerant known as R-134.
When is it time to add or replace the refrigerant? You could be proactive and have it done before you experience problems, but you shouldn’t need that more often than every few years at the most. If your automobile’s air conditioning is losing its potency, even after topping it off, then you probably have a leak. But if you stay as cool as a cucumber on the hottest days, you could just leave well enough alone. The air conditioner obviously has enough refrigerant.
