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Why do I need my air conditioning system
serviced and/or cleaned?
The Air Con system in your car is a serviceable item, just
as you have to change your oil and air filters from time to
time. It is very important to maintain your Air Conditioning
system for the following reasons:
Fungi and bacteria can grow in car A/C systems and can cause
allergic reactions such as hay-fever, skin irritations,
runny noses and itchy eyes.
Due to natural leakage through naturally slightly porous
pipes, most A/C systems will lose around 15-20% refrigerant
every 12 months resulting in a less powerful and less
efficient system.
If not serviced regularly, your A/C system will put a strain
on the compressor which can result in the compressor wearing
out quickly, as well as causing costly, increased fuel
consumption as it draws on more engine power to run the
system.
What is the difference between
servicing and cleaning?
Servicing
Manufacturers recommend that a vehicle's air con system is
serviced every 2 years to ensure it operates at maximum
efficiency. However, there are some indicators that will
help you determine if you have a problem with your Air
Conditioning system:
- The windscreen doesn't clear quickly
- The interior takes longer to cool down
- There's a noticeable increase in fuel
consumption
The air-con system service
includes:
- testing for leaks
- emptying and recharging the gas in the
system
Cleaning
If you notice an odd, particularly musty smell in
your car, it is more than likely that the air con system
needs proper cleaning. The cost of cleaning the system is
additional to the service cost and entails cleaning the
entire system with a de-fungicide
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