Car A/C not cold? Recharge or repair.

The summer heat has arrived, and it brings hot cars with it. A fully working air conditioning system keeps you cool on the drive.

Whether you need an A/C recharge or a more involved repair, we service automotive air conditioning on domestic and import vehicles, on both R134a and R1234yf systems.

Signs your A/C needs attention

• The air comes out warm, or only cools some of the time.
• Airflow from the vents is weak. That can be a clogged cabin air filter or a blower problem.
• There is a musty smell when the A/C first comes on.
• You hear a new noise when you switch the A/C on.
• There is water on the passenger floor, which can mean a blocked drain line.
• It blows cold on the highway but warm at a stop, which can point to a cooling fan or an airflow problem at the front of the car.

Why a recharge alone may not fix it

A/C is a closed system, so it should not need a recharge unless there is a leak. Finding the cause first can save you from paying for the same recharge again.

Common leak points include the seals at the fittings, the hoses, the compressor and the condenser. The condenser sits at the very front of the car, where rocks and gravel from the road can damage it.

Topping up a leaking system only buys time, and running it low on refrigerant can be hard on the compressor. Do-it-yourself recharge cans can overfill the system, and some contain sealants that can clog parts of it.

R134a or R1234yf?

Most vehicles built in the last several years use a refrigerant called R1234yf. Older vehicles use R134a. The two are not interchangeable, and each needs its own service equipment.

A label under the hood shows which one your vehicle uses and how much the system holds. We service both.

Keep your A/C working

• Run the A/C for a few minutes every couple of weeks, even in winter. That keeps oil moving through the system and helps keep the seals from drying out. In many vehicles the defrost setting runs the A/C compressor too.
• Replace the cabin air filter on the schedule in your owner’s manual.
• Keep the grille and the front of the car clear of bugs and debris so air can flow through the condenser.

Book an A/C check

Call (403) 283-5015 or book online. You get a quote before any work starts.