Air conditioning units need regular attention in order to perform at their best, yet you might not realize that over time the refrigerant gas levels change in them.
Your car’s air conditioning system relies on refrigerants to absorb heat from its interior and release it back into the atmosphere, and different gases are often chosen as refrigerants based on factors like their thermodynamic properties or environmental impact.
At one time, R-12 (Freon), a chlorofluorocarbon, was the go-to refrigerant. Due to its greenhouse effect and potential for ozone depletion, its use was soon banned due to environmental impacts. Instead, an R-22 hydrochlorofluorocarbon was introduced; though with less greenhouse effect but still contributing to depleting the ozone layer. Unfortunately both have their drawbacks that should be taken into consideration before choosing which option.
On 1 January 2017 manufacturers started switching over to using R1234yf/HFO-1234yf as the refrigerant gas in all car models, which has an immensely reduced Global Warming Potential rating of just 4. This allows manufacturers to significantly lessen the environmental damage from refrigerant systems on cars while still being easily regassed at Lindleys Autocentres Arnold, Carlton or West Bridgford.
An easy way to determine which air con gas type your car uses is to look under its bonnet for a stick marked R134a or 1234yf. Since not all garages have R1234yf compatible equipment to manage this gas type, it may be beneficial to contact your local Vasstech garage before booking car air con regas services.