Here is a list of A/C-related frequently asked questions: 1. WHAT IS THE GAS USED IN THE SYSTEM? 2. DO I HAVE TO WORRY IF THERE IS A GAS LEAKAGE? 3. WHAT IS THE FUNCTION OF THE TEMPERATURE SETTING CONTROL? 4. WHAT IS THE ENERGY SOURCE OF THE SYSTEM? DOES IT RUN MECHANICALLY OR ELECTRONICALLY? 5. HOW CAN I KEEP THE SYSTEM IN ITS OPTIMUM LEVEL? 6. WHAT'S WRONG WITH MY SYSTEM IF IT DOESN'T RUN PROPERLY? 7. HOW OFTEN DO I HAVE THE SYSTEM SERVICED? 8. WHO SHOULD REPAIR MY SYSTEM IF SOMETHING GOES WRONG WITH IT? If you can't find your answer here, our customer support team is at your service at cooleriran@cooleriran.com 1. WHAT IS THE GAS USED IN THE SYSTEM? Until 1993, mostly R12 was used in the older automobile A/C systems. In the mid-1993, based on research and studies, CFC gases were found to be harmful to the Ozone Layer. Therefore the use of R134a was recommended. As the two gases are chemically different, they should not be combined or used at the same time in a system. If so, it will cause a failure to the performance of the A/C. Car-manufacturing companies usually indicate the specification of the gases used in the A/C system on a label to avoid any sort of mistake. Refrigerant-134a is extremely dangerous. Many special precautions must be taken when it is present. It can freeze whatever it contacts (including your eyes), it is heavier than air and can suffocate you, and produces poisonous gas when it comes in contact with an open flame. [Go to top] 2. DO I HAVE TO WORRY IF THERE IS A GAS LEAKAGE? Considering the fact that the refrigerant gas of the system is always under the higher pressure than the atmosphere pressure, any minor damage or defect may lead to gas leakage and emission within a short period of time. Note that with every joint and coupling there is a chance of a slight leak, and it will be so small and insignificant that you will not notice it. Usually in a service center they have to fill the system with another gas and use a `sniffer` probe to find them! The most common areas for leaking on the A/C system are the service valves. The valves do also have secondary (usually blue) caps to cover them, the same as car tires. If you carefully undo one of these valve caps, you may hear a slight hiss. If this is the case, then you do have a very slight leak, and although there is nothing to worry about, it should be mentioned on your next service. For A/C systems, which are regularly checked and are kept in their satisfactory condition, 5% of gas leakage within a year is predicted.[Go to top] 3. WHAT IS THE FUNCTION OF THE TEMPERATURE SETTING CONTROL? The temperature setting control, which is usually mechanical or electronical in automobiles equipped with A/C, will allow setting the temperature of the evaporator and ideal target temperature. This control has a direct influence on the operation of the compressor clutch.[Go to top] 4. WHAT IS THE ENERGY SOURCE OF THE SYSTEM? DOES IT RUN MECHANICALLY OR ELECTRONICALLY? The engine power and the electricity made by the altinator are used to run the whole system. The A/C system consists of different components, which have a certain functions. So the A/C system uses mechanical as well as the electrical kinds of energy, which are produced by the car engine. [Go to top] 5. HOW CAN I KEEP THE SYSTEM IN ITS OPTIMUM LEVEL? From time to time, check your condenser for debris (leaves, insects etc.) and remove them either with a fine brush or by using bursts of compressed air. The more efficient your condenser is, the better your system will work. 6. WHAT'S WRONG WITH MY SYSTEM IF IT DOESN'T RUN PROPERLY? There are different factors, which can lead to the malfunctioning of the system and must be investigated by specialists. But one of the main factors resulting in the system-decreased capacity is gas leakage. You can check the followings: If your air-con system doesn't run at all, the first thing to check is the compressor clutch. When you turn your ac system on, after a couple of seconds, you should hear a click from the compressor area of the engine bay. You will hear the same click intermittently while the system is running. If you don't hear this, the most likely problem is the system pressure inhibitor switch, mounted on the receiver. Either the switch is faulty, or you are low on gas in the system. You will not see any bubbles to check this if the compressor is not running. If you have very poor cooling, this could either be due to debris clogging the condenser or poor airflow, moisture ingress into the system, or low refrigerant content. If it is either of the latter two, ensure that your system is FULLY vacuumed out to remove any trace of moisture, before it is refilled. As the system uses electrical signals and relays, it is always wise to check all fuses before taking your A/C to a service dealer, it could be something as simple as the pressure switch supply fuse has blown, and is causing complete system failure! [Go to top] 7. HOW OFTEN DO I HAVE THE SYSTEM SERVICED? In order to avoid any possible damage and increase the durability of the parts and the whole system, full check-up prior to the constant use of the A/C, at the beginning of the summer time is recommended. This will guarantee the full- functioning of the parts and the precise amount of gas in the system.[Go to top] 8. WHO SHOULD REPAIR MY SYSTEM IF SOMETHING GOES WRONG WITH IT? Services and repairs require special tools and instruments as well as technical know-how and training on the use of the equipment. So, it is recommended that to avoid any possible damages to the system and its components refer to the authorized service centers, which have been introduced by car-manufacturing companies or A/C suppliers.[Go to top] |