Are AC car recharge kits environmentally friendly?
AC car recharge kits environmentally friendly
Over time, most A/C systems will leak refrigerant gas that makes the system work. When that happens, the system will need to be recharged. DIY recharging kits are available, but the best way to fix your car’s air conditioning is with professional service. These service technicians know what the right amount of refrigerant is for your car, and they have the equipment to check for any major leaks that will require replacement components.
Refrigerant is toxic, and it is very flammable. It is also very corrosive to the compressor and other components in your air conditioning system. There are laws that protect the environment and consumers from this dangerous and damaging chemical.
Each year, thousands of California vehicle owners purchase r134a refrigerant at parts stores to a/c car recharge kit their cars’ air conditioning systems. Many of these cans have unused refrigerant left in them after the recharge process. Unfortunately, these cans are often discarded instead of being recycled, allowing the refrigerant to be released into the atmosphere and contaminating the environment. To reduce these releases, the State of California requires the sale of refrigerant be accompanied by a reclaim and recycling program.
Are AC car recharge kits environmentally friendly?
A recharging kit typically comes with a can of refrigerant, a hose and a gauge assembly. It is important to read the instructions carefully, especially if you have a newer vehicle with a computerized system. Most recharging kits only use the pressure gauge on one side of the system, which increases your chances of overcharging the air conditioner. An overcharged system will blow hot air, possibly damaging expensive compressor and hose components.
It is very important to remove the hose from the low-side port when your air conditioning is completely charged. This will prevent the air conditioning from continuing to blow hot or causing damage to other components, such as the compressor or evaporator coils. Once the hose is removed, replace the cap on the port and turn off the vehicle. Then, remove the can of A/C Pro, leaving the charging assembly attached, and store it in a cool, dry place.
Once you’ve established that a recharge is necessary, the next step is to connect the recharge hose to the refrigerant canister and the low-pressure port. With the engine running and the A/C turned on to its maximum setting, you simply open the valve on the canister to release the refrigerant into the system. As the pressure builds, you can monitor the gauge to ensure that you’re adding the correct amount of refrigerant.
Most A/C professionals will charge a small fee to recharge your air conditioner, but they will handle the reclaim and disposal of Freon and any other required materials that are not biodegradable. They will also take care of any other charges like vacuuming the system, checking for a refrigerant leak and replacing components that need to be replaced.