Air Conditioning FAQ
Some Common Questions on Automotive AC Methods
Air Conditioning FAQ
Some Common Questions on Automotive AC Methods
| What is an air purge
system?
An air-purge system is a technology which allows an A/C technician to purge air from pure (98%+) R12 or R134a.
I heard of propane or butane being used in
A/C systems, is this true?
|
What happens when a
hydrocarbon such as propane or butane is used in an A/C system?
The performance of the A/C system is actually not hampered by the use of these gases, however, the safety of the user of the vehicle IS. If there is a leak in any part of the A/C system or a front-end collision, which causes a leak in the system, the potential for fire and explosion is nearly 100%. Under the hood of a car there are hundreds of potential ignition sources to ignite the propane.
|
| Is air in refrigerant
a problem?
Yes. Air is a contaminant of refrigerant that can enter an A/C system or cylinder and create A/C performance problems. Non-condensable gasses (NCG or "air"), which are mainly comprised of ambient air commonly contaminate refrigerant storage cylinders and air conditioning systems. Contamination enters into the refrigerant from sources such as leaking joints on vehicle air conditioning systems, improper handling of refrigerant transfer hoses, improper use of refrigerant recovery and recycling equipment or failure of recovery and recycling equipment. Air contamination will lead to a number of vehicle air conditioning system problems including increased compressor heat and wear due to increased head pressures, added stress of components due to increased head pressure and reduction of system efficiency due to dilution of refrigerant by the air. |
Do I need be concerned
about A/C component warranties if I retrofit a system to an alternative
refrigerant?
Yes. If a contaminated or alternative refrigerant is used– knowingly or unknowingly – the original factory warranties on the A/C system (including components, i.e, compressor, evaporator, etc.) typically are voided. Additionally, the warranty on the A/C service equipment that the technician used is also voided, in most cases.
Whoever placed the refrigerant into the car or into the machine is responsible. In the event that a technician contaminated a customer's A/C system, the technician/shop pays for the repair – in the event that a technician pulled contaminated refrigerant through a recovery/recycling machine, again, the technician or shop pays for the repair! |
