Why It’s Important to Get a Professional to Fix your Automobile Air Conditioning System

When you start using your car’s air conditioning more and more as summer approaches and the temperature gets hotter, you may start to realize that the A/C system isn’t working as efficiently to keep you cool. I would choose having a comfortable ride somewhere over a sweaty trip any day. During the summer, it can reach degrees as high as 100 degrees. Being cooped up in car in those temperatures can be unbearable. That is why it is important to ensure that your automobile’s air conditioning parts are in good working order. Hot air coming from the vents can signal either a need for a recharge, a part that needs replacing or a simple fix of something. 

A mechanic will check your hoses, lines and seals for leaks. Low refrigerant is the most common problem. Another area that may be of concern is the compressor. Sometimes the problem is as simple as the other major parts such as the evaporator requiring servicing. 

While it is not impossible for you to attempt a repair on your air conditioning, professionals may not recommend this since the refrigerant, if not handled properly can be dangerous. The toxic gas they use to power the air conditioning system can harm those who come into contact with it. The refrigerant is an invisible and odorless vapor which, when breathed in can cause irritation of the eyes, nose, throat and can leave you unconscious. Proper handling such as having adequate ventilation is important in keeping safe. In addition, it is harmful to the environment. 

Another potential danger in handling this gas is death. Exposing the refrigerant to an open flame results in a dangerous gas known as phosgene gas. This gas can lead to irreversible respiratory damage as well as death.

It is a general rule that whenever the A/C system has been opened for servicing, for instance, when a leaky hose, evaporator or another component has been replaced, it should be completely vacuumed and recharged. The toxic refrigerant has to be recovered and recycled by a special machine. In addition, when a part is replaced, the drier should also be replaced. This is because it has desiccant which purpose is to absorb moisture within the system. After exposure to the atmosphere, its effectiveness is reduced.

The proper cooling of an A/C system is also dependent on the non-exposure to air. Air caught in the system will be pumped to the compressor. The refrigerant will then be transferring the air that is mixed in and cause the system to be less efficient. This is another area that is checked by technicians. They will often times vaccum and recharge the system to ensure unwanted air is removed. Air also carries moisture which can cause corrosion that can destroy the components of the system. Technicians will vacuum the system with an A/C pump to ensure this does not happen.

Because of the risks associated with handling certain aspects of your automobile’s air conditioning system, it is advised that you get a professional to handle it. They not only have the proper tools but they understand the intricacies involved as well as the dangers.