how to check A/c charge?

londonTiger

I'm relying more and more on the AC during the winter to dehumidify the windscreen. Get a lot of condensation in the car when it rains - I think the door seals on the 12 year old car are starting to lose their effectiveness. Cabin filter has been fitted new last year and sat correctly (I know because when it's not sat correctly I can smell the air population coming in).

It would be massively inconvenient if the AC was to die, I can't see any receipts for AC recharge in the paperwork so I have to assume it's never been done therefore likely at some point to go emprty.

Is there a way to check refrigerant levels? How much does a recharge typically cost?

Also, is there any way to rejuvinate the door seals with silicone or something?

londonTiger

Should have asked this.

If the refrigerant was to run out completely will it still dehumidify the air without cooling - that's more important to me.

Iceweasel

londonTiger wrote: »

Should have asked this.

If the refrigerant was to run out completely will it still dehumidify the air without cooling - that's more important to me.

If there is no refrigerant then the AC ceases to have any effect on the moisture content of the air coming through the system.

The matrix need to be cooler than the ambient temperature in order for the moisture to condense on it and then drip out the drain tube.

Get a cheapy AC temp probe from ebay and check the temperature coming out the vents when set on max cold. Should be around 5degreesC or less.

Halfrauds do a checking service which they say is free if they don't improve the system's capabilities.

londonTiger

thjanks for replying IW.

The AC currently is definately cold. Icey cold in fact. Does the coldest temp gradually get less cold as the AC is running out of refirgerant then?

If the AC was blowing 5 degrees, what will that tell me? I have plenty more life left in the AC?

forgotmyname

Its blowing 5 degrees but what was the external temperature?

If it was 30 degrees then your aircon is working well. If it was 6 degrees then it may not be working at all.

If the pressure is low it wont even switch on. Your dash may say its on but it wont be. Just blowing air around the car.

nickcc

Cost of recharge varies between £40 upto £70 ish depending if you use Kwik fit or similar or your local AC specialist. I tried the DIY can off eBay but found it a waste of time especially as it cost almost half the price of a proper flush, pressure test and recharge.

londonTiger

forgotmyname wrote: »

Its blowing 5 degrees but what was the external temperature?

If it was 30 degrees then your aircon is working well. If it was 6 degrees then it may not be working at all.

If the pressure is low it wont even switch on. Your dash may say its on but it wont be. Just blowing air around the car.

good point, it's close to 5 degrees this time of the year, maybe 10-12 during midday.

I know the ac is working because it is removing condensation from the windscreen very quick.

I guess it's best to do the ac recharge anyway as places like kwikfit offer ac recharge on discount during winter (can;'t trust them to put a full load in though).

egyptiancotton

nickcc wrote: »

Cost of recharge varies between £40 upto £70 ish depending if you use Kwik fit or similar or your local AC specialist. I tried the DIY can off eBay but found it a waste of time especially as it cost almost half the price of a proper flush, pressure test and recharge.

I agree, DIY is a waste of time but it can also be risky business.

My advice to the OP is to source an A/C specialist. The difference between local garages and a local A/C specialist, near my area, was massive. The local garages suspected that my A/C's compressor was faulty and wanted to charge £400 to replace it. The A/C specialist checked the compressor and found nothing wrong with it. The system was just low on gas and needed a re-charge. He gave the A/C system a once-over and gave it a clean bill of health. Total cost = £35.

chrisw

If the aircon appears to be working ok, then don't worry about it. Leave it until it doesn't blow cold air or clear the windows.

Regarding the door seals, I've found Autoglym vinyl and rubber care helps waterproof the rubber seals on my wife's convertible 206.

facade

If you use the air con all the time, it will last for years without a recharge.
If it isn't used, the compressor seals dry out and the refrigerant escapes.

Just keep using it until it won't blow cold air on a hot day.

It won't work in very cold weather by design, so if it is around freezing you might think it has failed.

I wouldn't waste money on a "recharge" at kwikfit or similar.

egyptiancotton

facade wrote: »

If you use the air con all the time, it will last for years without a recharge.
If it isn't used, the compressor seals dry out and the refrigerant escapes.

Just keep using it until it won't blow cold air on a hot day.

It won't work in very cold weather by design, so if it is around freezing you might think it has failed.

I wouldn't waste money on a "recharge" at kwikfit or similar.

Agreed.

My A/C system won't work below 4 degrees Celsius. OP, check your car's manual for the working temperature.