Topping up car air conditioning: why and how to do it
A car air conditioner is now part of the equipment of most modern cars. Manufacturers recommend to refill the air conditioner every year. Long absence of Freon refuelling can lead to breakdown of the air conditioner, and repair costs much more than its timely refuelling. That's why we decided to discuss the question of what is the purpose of air conditioner refuelling?
The role of Freon in the operation of the air conditioner
The air conditioning system in a car works on the principle of an ordinary refrigerator. By design, it differs significantly from the refrigeration system and is a sealed container filled with Freon and refrigerating oil dissolved in it. Freon – a gaseous or liquid substance that is not flammable under any conditions. When vaporised, it absorbs heat and then when condensed – releases it. It is this property that underlies the operation of the auto air conditioner. When the air conditioning system is switched on, Freon begins to evaporate, absorbing heat from the car interior. As a result, the air in the car is cooled. The Freon is then sent to the condenser. The heat it gives off during condensation is vented to the outside.
If you want to do the refuelling yourself, you need to know that Freon is a very tricky substance that likes to escape not only through micro cracks but also through the rubber hose material. Its exit cannot be restrained by any rubber bands with clamps, sealants, etc. This is all useless manipulation and a waste of money, especially considering the cost of Freon.
All of this is useless manipulation and a waste of money, especially considering the cost of Freon.
When «symptom» you need to contact a service station
It should be noted that any air conditioner requires regular maintenance – disinfecting and refilling. If you notice that the air in the cabin is not cool enough, you need to contact a car dealership, where they will help you sort out the problem. The reasons of such situation can be both usual freon leakage and air conditioner malfunction. In the second case you will need a major repair of the car air conditioner.
The most important conditions, observance of which provides efficiency of air conditioners refuelling
The procedure of refuelling the car air conditioner – it is not a complicated procedure. However, for its realisation it is necessary to observe some important conditions: to use in work special equipment and oils, to entrust such work to masters with special experience and knowledge.
As a rule, refuelling of air conditioners of cars is carried out with the help of special equipment for service stations – and practically does not require intrusion from the master.
Fuelling of car air conditioning is carried out in several stages:
the refrigerant is removed from the system and a vacuum is created (thus the system is checked for leaks);
- air, moisture and other impurities are removed from the system;
- the necessary additives and oil are introduced into the auto-conditioning system;
- the air-conditioning circuit is refuelled;
- the pressure of the system is tested
When refuelling with Freon, use the amount of Freon and oil recommended by the machine manufacturer.
Freon refuelling should be carried out with the amount of Freon and oil recommended by the machine manufacturer.
Besides the use of special oils and equipment, a very important factor for accurate diagnosis – technical knowledge of the master, his experience and practical skills. Lack of knowledge about elementary norms of refuelling of the auto-conditioning system can lead to rapid wear of the unit and its failure.
Filling the air conditioner is important for any motorist, as it will avoid further repair of the unit. For effective refuelling it is necessary to entrust the work only to professionals, use special equipment and special oils.
