Air Conditioning
Automotive air conditioning provides cooling to a vehicle’s interior and is a standard feature of all new cars sold in Australia. Car air conditioning is adjustable, allowing passengers to travel in a comfortable temperature at all times. Modern cars all come with air conditioning systems that will cool and heat their cars when required. Depending on the size of the vehicle and the speed and distance travelled, automotive air conditioning increases fuel consumption as it uses significant power to convert warm air to cool. Auto air conditioning systems may require re-gassing, servicing, repairs or replacement over time.
Auto air conditioning works by passing compressed refrigerant gas through a condenser which changes it to liquid, which is then passed through an evaporator. The sudden drop in pressure causes the temperature to fall below that of the vehicle cabin, thus providing cool air. This cycle is repeated which allows a steady temperature to be maintained. Refrigerant gas requires expert handling to ensure that environmental regulations are adhered to and must be managed only by a licensed technician. At TGM our team specialises in auto air conditioning they have the expertise to re gas, service, diagnose and repair car air conditioning systems.
At TGM, we recommend getting your air conditioner serviced every 12 months or 24 months. This is due to the fact that most systems will slowly lose gas through hoses, O-rings or seals. Moisture can also be absorbed through hoses resulting in gas loss or filters can become blocked with debris. The best time to do this before the hotter month’s start
When you book your vehicle in for an air conditioning service at TGM we will undertake the following checks to keep you comfortable all year around when driving your vehicle.
- Diagnose and repair all air conditioning problems
- Identify the type of gas in the system
- Remove and replace the filter unit if necessary
- Carry out checks for leaks and receiver-dryer contamination
- Leak test system lines and components with an electronic leak detector
- Check system pressures
- Check condition of the compressor and condenser unit
- Check operation of valves and thermostat
- Check the hoses and all wiring harnesses
- Evacuate system and recover refrigerant (weigh amount and record)
- Add required amount of refrigerant oil
- Charge system with recommended refrigerant type and capacity if required
- Suction line temperature reading
- Run vehicle to check air vent temperature and report
- Re check performance
Maintaining a healthy car air conditioner
Hidden crevices, combined with moisture build up and constant temperature variation in a car air conditioning system can be a breeding ground for harmful bacteria and fungus. This is particularly important for anyone who is prone to allergies or sufferers from asthma.
At TGM we use special sanitising treatments that can help to remove these contaminants. These treatments are designed to protect you and your passengers and also help to remove the musty odour that can be evident from the air conditioner vents. The removal of any bacteria and build up on your filters or replacing the pollen filter can ensure the optimal protection from dust, pollen and harmful exhaust emissions.
Tips for maintaining a car air conditioner
- Prolong the life of your air conditioner by running it at least once a week to assist in keeping the compressor seals lubricated, which will prevent refrigerant from leaking.
- Your air conditioning system not only cools your vehicle, one of its primary functions is to remove humidity from the cabin. In other words, use your air conditioner in winter to keep your windscreen free from fog.
- When driving on the open road it is always a good idea to have your car air conditioner set to “flow through” ventilation and not “recirculate”.
Signs Your Air Conditioning System Needs a Service
- Blows hot air from the vents, though you have the dial on cold
- The air doesn’t feel as cold as it used to
- Randomly blows colder than you indicated
- It makes loud noises