With long, sometimes uncomfortable Northern Virginia commutes, we need our vehicle’s A/C system to be running at optimal levels. In these warmer months, there is always an uptick in appointments for A/C auto maintenance and repairs. Your car or truck’s air conditioning system can be very costly when it comes to repairs, so it is crucial to your air conditioning system’s health that you are maintaining it on a regularly scheduled basis. With that air conditioning maintenance eventually will come to a recharge service, and Casey’s Chantilly, VA team, will explain that service below.
What is an A/C recharge?
The air conditioning system in a car, truck, van, or SUV has refrigerant in it. The refrigerant is heated and cooled during a process that runs in a continuous loop. When you turn on your vehicle’s A/C system, you activate its compressor. The compressor takes the refrigerant and compresses it at high temperatures. The refrigerant then moves into the condenser. While it flows through the condenser’s twisting tubes, airflow begins to cool it down so that the liquid is now prepared to enter the receiver-dryer.
When a vehicle comes into the shop for a recharge, the system’s old refrigerant is evacuated from the system. It is replaced with fresh refrigerant. Doing this helps the air conditioning system operate properly while keeping the vehicle’s occupants cool.
When is the A/C due to be recharged?
Around every two years. Assuming your vehicle’s system is leak-free, the best thing you can do is pay attention to the air quality your system puts out. If it takes longer than usual to cool down, it’s probably due for a recharge. If it isn’t blowing cold air, it is time to bring it in for service.
Other ways to MAINTAIN YOUR A/C
Look for debris on your vehicle – Finding leaves, dust, etc., on the gills of the grill under your windshield? Remove that stuff so it cannot get sucked into the A/C system and clog it up. The same thing goes for under your hood. Make sure you don’t have that debris under there, especially near the condenser.
Regularly run your system, even in the winter – By turning the A/C on once a week for at least 10 minutes, you will help it maintain the refrigerant’s gas pressure and keep the compressor working properly.
Replace your air filter – This is an often-overlooked component. Many are told they have dirty filters after their vehicle has been serviced, but this often goes undone by choice. That is a surefire way of clogging up the system. When you bring your vehicle into Casey’s, our team will provide you with a free 42-point inspection, including photos of your air filters. If they are dirty, have them replaced!
Schedule professional service – The professionals at Casey’s Automotive in Chantilly, VA, will do this by refreshing the refrigerant and lubricating the moving parts.
AUTO A/C RECHARGE SERVICES IN CHANTILLY, VIRGINIA
We understand how bringing your Chantilly, VA vehicle in for regular auto maintenance can sometimes be a hassle. Still, we aim to keep you as informed as possible to avoid costly future events. Maintaining your car or truck’s A/C is essential, and we are happy to help our customers by sharing our knowledge. If your A/C is blowing hot air, contact Casey’s location today for an A/C inspection or A/C recharge!
