What is Air-Con Regassing and what does it involve?
Air-con regassing is undertaken separately to your vehicle’s annual MOT, so it can be difficult to know if and when you need one. Even though it might seem like a simple function, there are several mechanisms that make up air-conditioning. If the system is faulty or damaged in any way, it could potentially damage your engine – so it’s important to get it checked.
Whether you’ve owned the same car for years or just invested in a brand new vehicle, it’s always worth learning about keeping the air-conditioning in tip-top shape.
What is air-con regassing?
Air-conditioning systems run on a type of fluid known as refrigerant gas. After a while, this gas needs to be replaced to keep the air-con clean and able to run cold. That’s where an air-conditioning regas can play a crucial role in engine health and longevity.
Regassing is the process of extracting the old gas from within your vehicle’s air-conditioning and replacing it with a new supply, helping it to work as efficiently as possible. The procedure is inexpensive and should be an essential part of keeping your vehicle in good condition.
Which gas does my car need?
In the UK, you’ll find two types of air-con available commercially:
- R134A, used in vehicles manufactured before 2014
- R1234YF, a more environmentally friendly gas used in cars produced after 1st January 2014
As a rule of thumb, the age of your car will determine the type of air-con gas it needs. But if you have any doubts or concerns, don’t hesitate to ask your mechanic for more information.
How often should I get my air-con regassed?
Most vehicle manufacturers recommend that you should service your air-conditioning at least once every other year. If your air-con doesn’t work properly, your engine will need to work harder to perform simple functions like demisting your windows, thus using more fuel.
If you drive an electric vehicle, it’s worth paying extra attention. Air-conditioning and climate control affect EV range, so you should try to stay vigilant around the efficiency of your air-con.
How long does air-con regassing take?
You shouldn’t expect to wait any longer than an hour for a full air-conditioning service, including regassing. If you’ve spotted an issue with your air-con, try to see to it as soon as you can. Putting off essential repairs will only cost you more in the long run: an ineffective air-con system puts more strain on your engine and uses up more fuel too.
How do you know when your air-con needs servicing?
Lastly, you’ll need to know when to get the work done. Many drivers wait until the air-con stops blowing cold air, but if you’re serious about extending the life of the system, this approach isn’t recommended.
If you’ve noticed even the slightest change in the temperature of the air flowing from the vents, it could be time for a few checks. And if you can’t remember the last time your air-conditioning was serviced, that’s a sure sign too.
