Kashy Advice: How A/C Works And Why It Needs Re-Gassing
- Andrew T
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
Let’s talk about car air conditioning—one of those modern luxuries we rarely think about until it stops working on a scorching Aussie summer day. 🥵 But how does it actually work? And why does your A/C sometimes need re-gassing? Let’s break it down.
How Your Car’s A/C Works: The Basics
Your car’s A/C system isn’t magic (although it can feel that way on a hot day). It’s actually a clever process of cooling air by removing heat. Here's a simplified explanation:
Compression - The system starts with a refrigerant—a chemical compound that can easily switch between liquid and gas. The compressor squeezes this refrigerant into a high-pressure gas, which also heats it up (because physics).
Condensation - The hot, high-pressure gas then flows into a condenser, which looks like a mini radiator. Here, it cools down and turns into a high-pressure liquid.
Expansion - This high-pressure liquid then passes through an expansion valve, where it decompresses and cools rapidly.
Evaporation - Finally, the cold, low-pressure liquid moves into the evaporator. As air blows over the evaporator, it absorbs heat from the air, cooling it down before sending it into your car’s cabin. The refrigerant, now warm again, cycles back to the compressor to start the process over.
Pretty cool, right? (Pun intended.)
Why Your A/C Needs Re-Gassing
Over time, your A/C system may not cool as effectively as it used to. This is where re-gassing comes in. But why does this happen?
Refrigerant Leaks - The refrigerant in your A/C system isn’t meant to run out, but small leaks can happen over time. These leaks might occur in seals, hoses, or the compressor itself.
Natural Loss - Even without visible leaks, refrigerant can slowly escape. On it's own, your car can lose about 10% of its refrigerant per year.
System Wear and Tear - Your A/C system is made up of moving parts, like the compressor, which can wear out. If the compressor isn’t working efficiently, it might not circulate the refrigerant properly.
Signs Your A/C Needs Re-Gassing
How do you know if it’s time to re-gas your A/C? Here are a few telltale signs:
The air isn’t as cold as it used to be (obviously).
You notice a strange smell coming from the vents.
The A/C system takes longer to cool the car.
Why Regular A/C Maintenance Matters
Ignoring A/C issues can lead to bigger (and more expensive) problems. Running your A/C with low refrigerant can damage the compressor, which is costly to repair. Re-gassing isn't normally required on the regular, but maintenance can keep your system running efficiently and ensure you’re not sweating it out during your next road trip.
How does A/C re-gassing work?
We don't normally look after a lot of A/C related problems here at Kashy because it's not our area of specialty. However, we can tell you that re-gassing includes removing the old A/C refrigerant, vacuum testing the system and then refilling the system with fresh lubricant and refrigerant.
The vacuum test is a way to check if the system has any leaks without using refrigerant and it's super important to note that if the system has a leak, it's legally not meant to be re-gassed at all. Once the system is tested, a measured amount of gas is put back into the system to start the cycle all over again.
Why A/C Gas Can’t Be Released into the Environment
It’s crucial to handle A/C refrigerants responsibly because releasing them into the atmosphere can have serious environmental consequences. Most refrigerants, like hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), are potent greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming. In fact, some refrigerants have a global warming potential (GWP) thousands of times greater than carbon dioxide.
When refrigerants are released, they don’t just vanish. They linger in the atmosphere, trapping heat and accelerating climate change. That’s why Australian regulations strictly prohibit releasing A/C refrigerants into the environment and require certified professionals to handle the re-gassing process.
Proper disposal and handling of refrigerants help minimise their impact on the environment, ensuring that our A/C systems remain both functional and eco-friendly. Next time you get your A/C re-gassed, know that those extra precautions aren’t just for your car—they’re for the planet. 🌏
If you have any questions about this blog post, would like a second opinion from a mechanic or would like to find an honest mechanic in Brisbane, check out Kashy here.
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