Correct operation and maintenance of your air conditioning will ensure more comfort for you and longer life for your AC unit. Here’s some suggestions and information to help you achieve this:
Operating your air conditioning
*Use your air conditioning regularly, even in winter (see tip on demisting) - This will help maintain it in lubricated and in good working order as it oils as it runs, transporting oil around with the refrigerant to the areas where it is needed most and prevents seals and o-rings drying out and causing system leaks
*Operate your air conditioning system on the “Re-circulate” mode. This is the most efficient and helps keep driver and passengers comfortable and alert.
*Set your air conditioner to 5-6 degrees lower than the outside temperature for healthier cooling. As air conditioning reduces both temperature and humidity, inside humidity can be reduced by 20%!
*Watch where you park on a hot day and try to park in the shade. If you did park in the sun and your vehicle is very hot (it could be up to 70 degree!) Open the windows and turn the air conditioning on for a few minutes on high fan speed with the fresh air setting for quicker cool down. After a few minutes close the windows and return to “re circulate” air. If you park under trees, be careful that dropping leaves don’t block the drains and intake vents.
*To demist your window, operate your air conditioning with your heater. This way you are using dry air which will quickly clear all windows.
*When driving long distances, adjust the temperature to a comfortable setting and mid to low fan speed. Occasionally change the setting to “Fresh Air” for 5 minutes to remove stale air from the cabin. This will help keep you alert.
*If your eyes feel slightly irritated when driving long distances, they might have become slightly dry from the dehumidified air. In this case, open the window to introduce fresh air into the car every hour or so.
*In dusty or fumy driving conditions, leave windows up so that the cabin area sealed, and set air conditioning system to “Re-circulate”. This prevents dust and fumes entering the cabin.
Maintaining your air conditioning
*In winter, operate your air conditioning unit at least once a week to lubricate the compressor shaft seal. If the unit is left unattended with a leak, rust may develop on the internal parts.
*Periodically check the condenser and radiator to ensure they are not clogged with dirt, insects, leaves etc.
* Get your air conditioner regularly serviced. This can save you inconvenience and money. Attending to faults before they become major problems can. reduce costly repairs or rebuilds
*To ensure maximum performance and trouble free operation, replace the receiver drier and O-ring every 2 years. The receiver filter works in a similar way to an oil filter, and needs changed regularly.
*DO NOT use your air conditioning if your engine overheats during air conditioning operation. Get your air conditionings examined and the cause of the problem rectified before using.
*Check to see that your air conditioning is working before hot weather hits, and well before you travel long distances on holiday. If you need servicing, call us as early as possible so that you don’t spend Christmas melting in your car and sticking to your seat.
Contact Car Air BOP at (07) 572 0210 if you are experiencing insufficient cooling or feel that there may be a problem with your air conditioning system. We are open from Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
