Air Conditioning - Car-Tech

Air Conditioning


Air conditioning has become a must for every vehicle in the modern world. With temperatures rising we need to stay cool and our air conditioning gives us that. It is useful too in the winter as a demister.

It is therefore important to check your air conditioning to guarantee perfect performance and ensure that the fluids are maintained to their correct levels.

Car Tech can carry out service and repairs to your air conditioning whether your vehicle has the R1234a or R1234yf refrigerants.

Air conditioning has become a must for every vehicle in the modern world. With temperatures rising we need to stay cool and our air conditioning gives us that. It is useful too in the winter as a demister.

It is therefore important to check your air conditioning to guarantee perfect performance and ensure that the fluids are maintained to their correct levels.

Car Tech can carry out service and repairs to your air conditioning whether your vehicle has the R1234a or R1234yf refrigerants.

Signs that your car’s air conditioning might need service include:

  • Blowing lukewarm air instead of cold air.
  • Unusual noises coming from the vents.
  • Reduced airflow from the vents.
  • Unpleasant odours coming from the vents.
  • The air conditioning system not turning on at all.

What type of air conditioning service do you need

There are several types of air conditioning services available, depending on the issue you’re experiencing:

  • Air conditioning recharge: This involves adding refrigerant to the system, which can improve cooling performance.
  • Leak repair: If your system has a leak, it needs to be repaired before it can be recharged.
  • Filter replacement: The cabin air filter should be replaced regularly to maintain good air quality.
  • System cleaning: This can help remove allergens, bacteria, and mould from the system.
  • Diagnosis and repair: If your air conditioning system is not working properly, our technicians can diagnose the problem and recommend repairs.

How your air conditioning works

A car air conditioner is a system that cools and dehumidifies the air inside a car. It works by using a refrigerant to absorb heat from the air, which is then expelled outside the car. The cooled air is then circulated back into the car.

Here are the main components of a car air conditioning system:

  • Compressor: The compressor pressurizes the refrigerant, which increases its temperature.
  • Condenser: The condenser is a heat exchanger that removes heat from the refrigerant, causing it to condense into a liquid.
  • Expansion valve: The expansion valve reduces the pressure of the refrigerant, which causes it to evaporate and absorb heat from the air.
  • Evaporator: The evaporator is another heat exchanger that absorbs heat from the air, which cools the air.
  • Blower motor: The blower motor circulates the cooled air throughout the car.

Car and Van air conditioner components

Car air conditioners can be manual or automatic. Manual air conditioners require the driver to adjust the temperature, fan speed, and air direction. Automatic air conditioners use sensors to automatically adjust these settings to maintain a comfortable temperature in the car.

Car air conditioners can also be single-zone or dual-zone. Single-zone air conditioners cool the entire car to the same temperature. Dual-zone air conditioners allow the driver and front passenger to set different temperatures for their sides of the car.

Here are some of the benefits of having a car air conditioner:

  • Comfort: Vehicle air conditioners can make your car ride more comfortable, especially in hot weather.
  • Safety: Vehicle air conditioners can help to prevent you from getting drowsy by keeping you cool and alert.
  • Health: Vehicle air conditioners can help to filter out pollen, dust, and other allergens from the air, which can be helpful for people with allergies.
AIR CON FAQ
How long does it take to get an air condition service?

Usually this will take an hour, if your vehicle has a leak or fault then this may take longer

How does car air conditioning work?

A refrigerant absorbs heat from the air inside the car, cools down in the condenser, and then releases cool air back into the car through the evaporator.

How often should I service my car's air conditioning?

While there's no set schedule, it's generally recommended to have your AC system checked every 2 years for potential leaks, refrigerant level, and overall performance.

Is it necessary to run my air conditioning in winter?

While not essential, using your AC occasionally in winter can help dehumidify the air and prevent fogging on the windows.

What are the signs that my air conditioning needs repair?

Blowing lukewarm air, strange noises, unpleasant odours, and leaks are all potential signs of an AC issue.

Why does my car smell bad when I turn on the air conditioning?

Mold or mildew growth in the evaporator core could be the culprit. Have the system sanitised and serviced by Car Tech Leighton Buzzard

Can I use window tinting to improve air conditioning performance?

Yes, tinting can reduce heat buildup inside the car, making the AC work less hard.

How much does it typically cost to recharge a car's air conditioning?

Head over to our service bookings page, enter your reg and select the Aircon service.

The price will be displayed for your vehicle. Please note that the prices exclude VAT and there may be an additional charge for refrigerant if required.

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