Omega Owners Forum

Chat Area => General Discussion Area => Topic started by: megaomega123 on 16 August 2007, 10:33:21

Title: Air con
Post by: megaomega123 on 16 August 2007, 10:33:21
How long on average does an air con recharge last?
Title: Re: Air con
Post by: RolandL on 16 August 2007, 11:08:52
Depends on whether you have a leak or not ;)   My manual says re-gass every six years  :o  saw a poster in garage recently which suggested get it checked every two.  If you have had it re-gassed recently and it's stopped working then you may have a leak or other problem, the system will prob lose around 15% of refrigerant each year.   :y
Title: Re: Air con
Post by: Elite Pete on 16 August 2007, 11:28:26
For £45 Kwik Fit will re-gas your system and if it doesnt improve by 10% theres no charge :y
Title: Re: Air con
Post by: megaomega123 on 16 August 2007, 12:00:35
I haggled with Kwik Fit and got them to £20 for recharge :y Not bad to find out if it leaks or not. I think it is ok.
Title: Re: Air con
Post by: TheBoy on 16 August 2007, 12:59:52
Any decent a/c place will tell you if the system is air tight as part of vac process.

Usually stated by manufacturers to have a/c serviced every 3 yrs.
Title: Re: Air con
Post by: x25xe on 16 August 2007, 14:08:05
I tend to go for every two years - this includes changing the receiver / dryer.  Some think that this is a bit over the top, but it keeps my A/C running.
Title: Re: Air con
Post by: megaomega123 on 16 August 2007, 14:13:33
Mine doesn't have receiver/dryer, earlier model. They said they would check the system then recharge, so finger crossed. Can't complain for £20
Title: Re: Air con
Post by: x25xe on 16 August 2007, 14:18:13
I think that I am correct in saying that all car A/C systems have a receiver / dryer - it is a black cylinder object in front of the condenser.
Title: Re: Air con
Post by: megaomega123 on 16 August 2007, 21:05:19
Oh well, got the car back and was told that it only took half a charge. He said that there were no leaks etc. but only took half.
Any reason for this?

He didn't charge me and I have to take it back next week so he can give it a good clean out and try to fully charge it.
Title: Re: Air con
Post by: TheBoy on 16 August 2007, 21:12:02
was it vac'd properly?
Title: Re: Air con
Post by: megaomega123 on 16 August 2007, 21:15:14
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was it vac'd properly?

Not sure. I will check when I go back. It is Kwikfit after all and their picnics don't have their full quota of sandwiches ;)
Title: Re: Air con
Post by: Kevin Wood on 16 August 2007, 22:09:27
Did their can of refigerant run out during filling?  ::)

Kevin
Title: Re: Air con
Post by: RossPhim on 16 August 2007, 22:46:28
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was it vac'd properly?

Not sure. I will check when I go back. It is Kwikfit after all and their picnics don't have their full quota of sandwiches ;)
As far as I am aware Kwikfit don't do a vac on it, they just check for lubricant and if there's some there they just top up the system with refridgerant!
Hence it only takes ten minutes, and only cost £45.
It's not a proper re-gas!
Title: Re: Air con
Post by: Kevin Wood on 16 August 2007, 22:57:39
They told me that the reason it took an hour was that they vacuum it down first. Then again, what they say, what they do and whether they know there's a difference....

The machines they use are automated - so they just connect it up and start the program.. any idiot could..

Kevin
Title: Re: Air con
Post by: RolandL on 16 August 2007, 23:01:04
Halfords offer a similar service.  £50 to have your air con re-gassed, they use aerosol canisters (measure and charge) which contain 500gms & £39.99.  So, given that you may need to put upto  max in (950gms) they will charge you for two cans  :o and the £40 is for some spotty oik to connect it to the feed line and press a button, all for over  £100    :o :o  

 I would rather go for a vac, pressure test and re-gass at £60 ish
Title: Re: Air con
Post by: Tony H on 16 August 2007, 23:07:58
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Quote
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was it vac'd properly?

Not sure. I will check when I go back. It is Kwikfit after all and their picnics don't have their full quota of sandwiches ;)
As far as I am aware Kwikfit don't do a vac on it, they just check for lubricant and if there's some there they just top up the system with refridgerant!
Hence it only takes ten minutes, and only cost £45.
It's not a proper re-gas!
I'm thinking of taking mine to Kwikfit I spoke to them last week and they told me that they do vac the system and add oil and refridgerent
Title: Re: Air con
Post by: Kevin Wood on 16 August 2007, 23:27:53
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Halfords offer a similar service.  £50 to have your air con re-gassed

I wouldn't touch that when you can have a proper vac out and re-gas for less. They have no way of knowing if the system has leaks, no way of knowing if they're putting the correct amount of refrigerant in and no way of knowing if the correct amount of compressor lubricant is in the system. If the system has been left empty they won't vac out any moisture either. The cans of stuff often contain cleaning and leak sealing additives which can contaminate the system.

Kevin
Title: Re: Air con
Post by: Jay w on 17 August 2007, 00:09:10
friend of mine does all the cars round here, charges £50 and does a vac, regas, oil and then puts a smoke bomb in the car to test effectivness.......

Mine is now ice cold  :y