When the AC Stops Cooling
Car air conditioning is not a luxury, especially in the summer heat in the city. When it stops cooling or starts blowing an unpleasant smell, the problem is somewhere in the system - from low refrigerant to a faulty compressor. We service complete AC systems on all vehicle types.
Signs Your AC Needs a Service
- AC blows but does not cool - the most common symptom. Usually low refrigerant, but it can also be the compressor or expansion valve.
- Unpleasant smell from the vents - bacteria and mould on the evaporator or in the ventilation ducts
- AC cools then stops - the compressor engages and disengages, cycling too quickly
- Audible noise when the AC switches on - usually the compressor or the electromagnetic clutch
- Windows fogging up inside - the AC is not removing moisture properly
- Weak airflow - a clogged cabin filter or a blower motor problem
For more on symptoms, causes and intervals, read our article car AC service, refrigerant recharge and common faults.
What an AC Service Includes
Refrigerant Recharge
The system is evacuated of old refrigerant and recharged with fresh gas in the quantity specified by the manufacturer. During the recharge, we measure the vacuum in the system to check for leaks.
Leak Detection
If the refrigerant has escaped, it means there is a leak somewhere. We use UV dye and nitrogen to detect leaks at joints, hoses, the condenser, the evaporator and the compressor. There is no point recharging refrigerant if it is going to leak out again in a few weeks.
AC Compressor
The compressor is the heart of the AC system - it compresses the refrigerant gas and drives the entire cooling cycle. When it fails, the AC stops cooling altogether. We diagnose whether the problem is in the compressor itself, the electromagnetic clutch or the control circuitry.
Condenser
The condenser sits in front of the radiator and turns hot gaseous refrigerant into liquid. It is exposed to stones, road salt and debris. When it leaks or becomes blocked, the AC loses efficiency.
Expansion Valve
It regulates the flow of refrigerant into the evaporator. When it sticks or fails, the AC either does not cool at all or cools unevenly.
Disinfection and Antibacterial Treatment
The AC evaporator is a damp, dark place - ideal for bacteria and mould. That is where the unpleasant smell comes from when you switch on the AC. A disinfection treatment removes those deposits and restores fresh air to the cabin.
Cabin Filter
The cabin filter cleans the air entering the passenger compartment. When it clogs, the AC cools less effectively, the heater is weaker, and the cabin develops an unpleasant smell. We replace it with every AC service. More on this in our article cabin filter, when to replace.
Why You Should Run the AC in Winter Too
Many drivers only use the AC in summer. But the AC system has moving parts that need lubrication, and that lubrication comes from the refrigerant circulating through the system. If you leave the AC off for months, the seals dry out and the compressor can be damaged the first time it is switched on in spring.
The recommendation is to run the AC for at least 10-15 minutes once a week during winter. The AC also does an excellent job of drying the cabin air and preventing the windows from fogging up in rain and cold weather.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often does the AC need a recharge?
If the system is intact, refrigerant should not escape. In practice, small losses are normal and a recharge is needed every 2-3 years. If the AC loses charge faster than that, there is a leak that needs to be repaired.
How long does an AC service take?
A basic recharge with a vacuum check takes around 45 minutes. If we need to hunt for a leak or replace a component, it can take longer.
Does the AC increase fuel consumption?
Yes, the AC compressor loads the engine and increases consumption. But the difference is small - typically 0.3 to 0.5 litres per 100 km. Driving with the windows open at higher speeds uses more fuel than the AC does, because of aerodynamic drag.
Why does the AC smell when I turn it on?
Bacteria and mould on the evaporator. You need an AC disinfection and a cabin filter replacement. After that the smell is gone.
Price of an AC Service
The price depends on what is needed. A recharge alone is affordable. If we need to trace a leak or replace the condenser or compressor, the price goes up. Let us know the vehicle model and the symptoms, and we will give you a rough idea of what to expect.
AC Not Cooling?
Do not wait for the peak of summer when everyone is queuing up. Come in for an AC check now - we will inspect the system, top up the refrigerant if needed, and tell you whether everything is fine or something needs repair.