A van air-con system is essential for travel comfort. Whether you’re travelling long hours or just going down the road, air-con is a much-needed and appreciated aid for cooling off when the weather gets warmer. It’s also useful in the winter as it helps to demist the windscreen. Van air-con is more important than you might have otherwise thought. This is why it’s important you’re maintaining it.
Part of van air-con maintenance includes having it regassed. In this article, we’re going to tell you what air-con regassing is, the signs that it’s failing and how often it needs to be done to keep it functioning smoothly. We’ll also be touching briefly on the prospect of regassing your van air-con yourself. So, how can you tell if your van air-con needs regassing? Let’s take a closer look.
What does ‘regassing’ mean?
Regassing refers to the process of removing old refrigerant gas from your van air-con system. It’s then replaced with fresh refrigerant at the correct level. This is what allows the system to cool the air effectively. Contrary to popular belief, air-con systems don’t “use up” gas quickly. Instead, small leaks and natural loss are experienced over the course of time. This, therefore, reduces performance overall. This is when air-con regassing for vans is worthwhile.
Signs your van air-con needs regassing
There are multiple signs that you should be looking for that suggest your van air-con needs to be regassed. From weak or warm airflow to bad odours being emitted from the vents, and everything in between, here are a few signs that your van air-con needs to be regassed by a professional here at VanServ:
Weak or warm airflow
One of the most obvious signs is when the air blowing from your vents isn’t as cold as it used to be. If your system is blowing lukewarm or slightly cool air instead of cold, then it’s likely that low refrigerant is the direct cause. If your air-con is weak or blowing warm air, then it’s time to have your van air-con regassed.
Air takes too long to cool
If it takes much longer than usual to cool the cabin, then the system may be struggling. This is due to insufficient gas levels. This is especially noticeable on hot days when the heat is more intense. These weather conditions places more demand on the cooling system. If it’s taking a while for cold air to come from the vents, then you need to undergo a van air-con regas from us here at VanServ.
Unusual noises when the air-con is on
Noises that sound as though the air-con is hissing or bubbling can indicate that refrigerant is escaping from the system. This usually points to a leak in the system. Therefore, regassing alone will not fix the problem. Instead, a repair needs to be made, and then van air-con regassing can be performed.
Compressor fails to activate
The air-con compressor relies on proper pressure levels in order to function. If refrigerant levels are too low, then the compressor may not actually engage at all. This is what will leave you with no cool air. Much like the air-con making unusual noises, a repair will need to be made first, and then a regas can take place.
Bad odours are coming from the vents
While smells are usually caused by bacteria or mould that’s present in the system, poor cooling that’s combined with bad odours can indicate a broader air-on issue, including low refrigerant levels. If you’re unsure about what’s causing it, then have your air-con system inspected by a professional, such as the ones we have here at VanServ.
Visible leaks or residue are seen
If you notice oily residue around hoses or connections, then it could be a sign that the refrigerant is leaking out. If you notice this, then it’s a clear sign that your system needs some expert attention before a regas can be carried out. Choose VanServ today for van air-con inspections, repairs and regassing.
How often does van air-con need to be regassed?
Usually, it’s recommended by manufacturers to have your van air-con regassed once every two years, or if it’s displaying clear signs of a need for a regas. However, this can vary depending on how frequently the vehicle is used and the condition of the air-con system itself. Even without any obvious or immediate problems being present, refrigerant levels can drop significantly over time.
Can I regas van air-con myself?
While regassing kits are available for use in a domestic setting, it’s not recommended that you regas your air-com yourself at home. Instead, you should be consulting a professional to do it for you. This is because if the incorrect pressure levels are applied or if the wrong type of refrigerant is used, then it could seriously damage your van air-con system. Having your air-con regassed by a professional will:
- Safely remove old refrigerant
- Heck for leaks
- Refill with the correct amount and type of gas
- Test system performance
VanServ is pleased to provide expert van air-con regassing services, including inspections and repairs. If you’d like further information about our specialist regassing service, then get in touch with a member of our friendly, knowledgeable team today – we’re always happy to hear from you.