Accurate refrigerant charge is essential
No automotive A/C refrigeration system is completely tight, and cooling performance can be marginal when the refrigerant charge is not correct. On today’s small capacity systems, that’s just a few ounces. One study showed that just a slightly low charge was enough to cause duct temperature to rise 3 degrees F, and significantly affect lubricant flow through the compressor.
In that case, the temperature at the A/C registers went up to 49 degrees F at 88 degrees ambient. So you might conclude, “nothing wrong with this system.” NOT TRUE!
Refrigerant top-off should not be considered a professional service procedure. Removing the refrigerant and installing the correct amount is the only way to insure proper cooling performance. Although that requires the service professional to have a well-maintained refrigerant recovery and recycling machine with an accurate scale, there are no shortcuts when it comes to accurate charge.
If you’re a service professional and not a MACS member yet, you should be! Become a member and receive a technical newsletter with information like what you’ve just read in this blog post visit http://bit.ly/10zvMYg for more information.
You can E-mail us at macsworldwide@macsw.org . To locate a Mobile Air Conditioning Society member repair shop in your area. Click here to find out more about your car’s mobile A/C and engine cooling system.
Mobile A/C professionals should plan to attend 35th annual Mobile Air Conditioning Society (MACS) Worldwide Training Conference and Trade Show, Meet me at MACS Make Connections that Matter, February 5-7, 2015 at the Caribe Royale, Orlando, FL.
