Air Con Regas & Repairs In Nottingham
Air conditioning keeps you cool in summer and clears misted windows quickly in winter. At our garage in Stapleford, we help drivers across Nottingham with everything from a routine regas to tracing leaks and faulty components.
Not Just For Summer
Your air conditioning cools the air entering the cabin and removes moisture from it at the same time. That makes it just as useful on a damp winter morning as on a hot summer afternoon.
Every system loses a small amount of refrigerant over time, even when nothing is wrong. As the level drops, cooling becomes weaker and the compressor has to work harder to make up for it.
The refrigerant also carries the oil that lubricates the compressor. Running a system that’s low on refrigerant for long periods can cause wear and lead to a far more expensive repair.
Is Your Air Conditioning Working Properly?
It’s worth having the system checked if you notice any of these:
- The air from the vents is warm or only slightly cool.
- Airflow is weak, even on the highest fan setting.
- There’s a musty or damp smell when you first switch the system on.
- The windows take much longer to demist than they used to.
- You hear clicking, rattling or grinding when the air conditioning is running.
- Water has collected in the footwell, which can happen when a drain is blocked.
- The air conditioning button light flashes, which some cars use to indicate a system fault.
Air Conditioning Regassing
- We measure the temperature of the air from the vents to see how well the system is cooling.
- We safely recover the existing refrigerant and measure how much was in the system.
- We put the system under vacuum to remove moisture and check that it holds pressure without leaking.
- We recharge it with the correct quantity of refrigerant and compressor oil for your car.
- We run the system and check the vent temperature again to confirm it’s cooling properly.
Inside Your Air Conditioning System
Your air conditioning is a sealed circuit that moves heat from inside the cabin to the air outside. These are its key parts.
Compressor
Driven by the engine, the compressor pressurises the refrigerant and pumps it around the system. It’s the hardest working part of the circuit and the most expensive to replace if it fails.
Condenser
The condenser sits at the front of the car, usually ahead of the radiator, and releases heat from the refrigerant into the outside air. Its position leaves it exposed to stone chips and road debris, which can cause leaks.
Evaporator
The evaporator sits behind the dashboard and absorbs heat from the air passing through it, cooling the air before it reaches you. Moisture condenses on its surface, which is why it can harbour bacteria if the system isn’t used regularly.
Cabin Filter
The cabin filter cleans the air coming into the car, trapping dust, pollen and pollution. When it’s clogged, it restricts airflow and can contribute to unpleasant smells.
Refrigerant Types
Older cars use a refrigerant called R134a, whilst most cars built since 2017 use R1234yf, which has a much lower environmental impact. The two aren’t interchangeable, so your system must always be recharged with the type it was designed for.
Regas & Repair Costs
The type of refrigerant your car uses has a big effect on price, as R1234yf costs significantly more than R134a. The amount needed also varies from one car to another.
If the system has a leak, the faulty part must be repaired or replaced before a regas will last. Replacing a compressor, condenser or evaporator adds considerably to the cost, and evaporators take longest because they sit behind the dashboard.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How often should car air conditioning be regassed?
Many manufacturers and garages recommend a regas around every two years to keep the system topped up. If cooling drops off noticeably sooner than that, there may be a leak that needs finding.
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Why does my air conditioning smell musty?
Bacteria and mould can grow on the damp surface of the evaporator, especially if the system isn’t used often. An antibacterial treatment and a new cabin filter will usually clear the smell.
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Should I use my air conditioning in winter?
Yes. It dries the air and clears misted windows far faster than the heater alone. Running it regularly also keeps the compressor seals lubricated, which helps prevent leaks.
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Does air conditioning use more fuel?
It does increase fuel consumption slightly, as the compressor takes power from the engine. At motorway speeds though, open windows create drag that can use as much fuel as the air conditioning.
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Can I regas my air conditioning with a DIY kit?
DIY kits can’t remove moisture, check for leaks or measure exactly how much refrigerant is already in the system. Overfilling can damage the compressor, and adding refrigerant to a leaking system is only ever a short term fix.
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Why is water dripping under my car?
Clear water dripping from beneath the front of the car after using the air conditioning is normal condensation from the evaporator. If the liquid is coloured or oily, or appears inside the car, have it checked.
Book An Air Conditioning Regas
If the air from your vents isn’t as cold as it used to be, or there’s a musty smell when you switch it on, now is a good time to have the system looked at.
Call us on 07546 162 088 or book online, and we’ll find out what it needs.