AC question

[dgm1979]

Not sure if this is the thread this belongs in but I was curious how long the ac system should last before needing to be recharged? I live in Texas and I am hot natured so I would say my ac unit gets used plenty and I bought my 2 new at the end of '10. Today I get in and the air is lukewarm. I've recharged on prior used cars I've owned but I've never purchased a new car so I'm not sure what is typical of a new car system. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[clement_ghost]

Im a 12-year trained mechanic and I work on A/C systems since 2008. The best thing I can say about it is to make a gas check once a year with an A/C gas analyzer. As soon as you get more than 3% of air in your system (air=humidity) you gotta replace the A/C receiver/dryer. That way, you empty the system, replace the receiver/dryer, test your system with 350psi of Nitrogen, then you plug the machine and pull vacuum and fill back the system with new R134a and PAG oil.

 

[GrasshopperCO]

In other words, it'd be a good idea to have the A/C system checked if you've gotten this far from new without recharging it. I believe modern A/C systems shut themselves down once the refrigerant level gets low enough, to prevent damage to the compressor and other components. Depending on whether or not there are any leaks, you may be able to just top the refrigerant off rather than a complete evacuation and recharge.

 

[dgm1979]

Thank you for the responses. I wasn't sure if almost 4 years was about normal to recharge if that is the only thing that is wrong. I'll go get it checked tomorrow.

 

[Rdrcr]

I didn't feel my A/C was cold enough when I first bought my 2.

I tested the A/C temps with max blower speed and the recirc on at highway speeds with the car running for over 10 minutes. I recorded a consistent 50F. The temps would not go any lower.

I'd like to have seen 40-45F, but, it appears everything is functioning normally.

Mike

 

[dgm1979]

Turns out recharging this soon isn't normal. I hit a box spring mattress that was in the middle of the road a while back that messed up my front bumper and grill and that did some damage to the condenser. That and the dryer need to be replaced. That plus labor equals right close to $1k to fix... I'm glad winter is around the corner...