Keep Your Air Conditioner in Good Shape

We are now into the hottest part of the summer. This means that your car’s air conditioner is getting quite a bit of work. If your air conditioner is blowing warm are, or it takes a while for the air to cool down, you need to bring the car into us to have the air conditioner looked it. If the temperature of the air is inconsistent, it means that there is a problem somewhere in the complex air conditioning system and it should be fixed. There are things you can do to help make sure your air conditioner is working to its greatest potential. Like anything else, if it does not get used regularly, then problems can occur when you do try to use it. Finding out your air conditioner is not working when it is 90 degrees out, is not fun.

Run your air conditioner for 10 minutes once a week. Even in the winter.

For most people, they let their air conditioner site idle for seven or eight months out of the year, then expect it to work perfectly the first time they turn it one. An air conditioner has a lot of parts and they need to be turned on regularly. Turning your air conditioner on regularly even in the winter helps to maintain the gas pressure in the system and ensures that the compressor is working properly. If you realize you have an issue when you turn it on, you have plenty of time to get it fixed. When you let your air conditioner run, you should turn it to the highest speed and the coldest setting.

Run Defrost Mode for 5 to 10 Minutes

Running the defroster regularly clears out any mildew or moisture which accounts for the bad smells that often emanate from an air conditioner.

Use Your Air Conditioner in the Winter

Air conditioners do not only cool their, it removes moisture and humidity as well. While we often only consider humidity in the summer, in the winter when you are having a hard time removing fog from your windshield, it is due to the high level of humidity.

Re-charge Your Air Conditioning System

Freon does evaporate and its levels do decrease over time. You should never let the levels get too low. You should have your air conditioning unit serviced every two years even if you are not having a problem. This way the gas can be filled, and the system can be properly lubricated.

Check for Leaks and Damage

Leaks in your air conditioning system not only means you will not be able to properly cool and dehumidify your car, but a Freon leak is harmful to the environment. As a general rule, we will have to check your system for leaks before we recharge a system to ensure its safety, but it is worth noting that it is vital to check the overall system on a regular basis. While a recharge may only need to happen ever other year, a leak check should be done annually.

Contact Sonny's Auto Repair

If you have questions about your Air Conditioner, call us for an appointment at 516.822.3671 or stop by the shop.