Aircon (AC) still ICE cold 6 years later - is this Normal?!

[markben]

I had the AC re-gassed my 2004 W220 S Class when I bought it 6 years ago, as the car had been standing / unused for some months prior to purchase and at best it was luke-warm even on ‘LO’ temperature setting.

Through various cool Winters in south-west UK I’ve always kept the re-gassed AC switched ‘on’ (recommended by the manufacturer) even with HVAC temperature control set to 21 degrees C or higher. Any slight misting in humid conditions is always quickly cleared using the front screen ‘Demist / Boost button. But since the weather here has warmed-up considerably, today I set the HVAC temp to ‘LO’ temperature fully expecting it not to behave. Hey Presto - STILL ice cold after 6+ years since re-gassing!

Obviously, I’m pleased as my AC system still seems to be working efficiently, having read that AC on many cars needs to be re-gassed ‘every year or two’. Best advice seems to be to leave a / any car’s AC switched ‘on’ as it keeps the refrigerant circulating / compressor bearings etc lubricated - and it also dries / de-humidifies cabin air to prevent misting even when the heating is turned up. (The clue is in the name: ‘Air CONDITIONING’ - not just cooling?). On my travels, I've met many owners of cars with AC who simply don't 'get' (understand) how modern cars' Air Conditioning systems are designed to work - or can't be bothered (?) to learn about them from the Owner's Manual. They then complain that 'the Aircon ISN'T WORKING!' and resort to driving around with the side windows open and / or wiping the misted inside & windscreen with anything ranging from bits of tissue paper to woolly gloves, chamois leather pads or even Wet Wipes. (Yes, I've witnessed all of these 'failed AC Fixes'!).

Some ‘Hyper-milers’ (Popular Media fuel-saving 'Experts'?) also suggest that switching-OFF a car’s AC can ‘save on fuel costs’ . But as I understand it, any benefits in reduced fuel consumption can be negligible (a couple of per cent?) - and most likely outweighed by the potential costs of servicing and / or repairing a non-used / under-used or neglected AC system.

Food for thought about keeping your AC 'Healthy' in the Summer - AND the Winter..?

MB

'The Best or Nothing'

 

[rf065]

My own thoughts? I leave air con on all year round, I just set the temp according to whats suits me at the time.
A few times I've driven like a hypermiler and got up to 60+mpg, then turned the air con off to see if I can get anymore, but it never goes any higher!
I had to use my daughters car once and found the air con did not work at all, I told her she needed it regassed. She was trading it in so never bothered and when in her new car I noticed the air con was always switched off, she said it used too much petrol when switched on.
I explained how it would destroy her air con system if not used so she started using it, and was amazed that she was not using any more petrol than she was did before!

 

[ajlsl600]

Running ur compressor, (ac) will take at least 5 hp out of ur motor locally u won't notice but on a long run u will

 

[rf065]

Running ur compressor, (ac) will take at least 5 hp out of ur motor locally u won't notice but on a long run u will

Yes, but not running it will dry out all the seals and leave you with a large repair bill if you ever want it to work again.

 

[Srdl]

Always run mine all year round and it had lasted 8 years in my C207 when I sold it.

Have now persuaded Katie to leave hers on in her Jazz and we haven’t noticed any reduction in mpg.

 

[markben]

My own thoughts? I leave air con on all year round, I just set the temp according to whats suits me at the time.
A few times I've driven like a hypermiler and got up to 60+mpg, then turned the air con off to see if I can get anymore, but it never goes any higher!
I had to use my daughters car once and found the air con did not work at all, I told her she needed it regassed. She was trading it in so never bothered and when in her new car I noticed the air con was always switched off, she said it used too much petrol when switched on.
I explained how it would destroy her air con system if not used so she started using it, and was amazed that she was not using any more petrol than she was did before!

Yes, agree on all counts. The slightly worrying thing is how many modern car owners with AC (i.e. nearly all nowadays?) don't really understand what AC is, and how it functions / the benefits etc. I have a dear (but elderly) lady relative for one: she just randomly jabs at whatever button on the HVAC she can best guess might... improve either the heating or misting - often with the opposite results to those intended. Ohhhh... give me Strength!

 

[Srdl]

Running ur compressor, (ac) will take at least 5 hp out of ur motor locally u won't notice but on a long run u will

5hp is about 1.4% for me so I don’t notice

 

[markben]

Always run mine all year round and it had lasted 8 years in my C207 when I sold it.

Have now persuaded Katie to leave hers on in her Jazz and we haven’t noticed any reduction in mpg.

Not forgetting the convenience factor (less misting / safer vision etc?)

 

[ajlsl600]

Most won't. My Vdoz didn't notice either but if I drive to Italy in ml I prob wud. Simple if I hot it goes on if not it goes off, worked pretty well for 4 decades so I stick to wot seems to work

 

[markben]

Yes, but not running it will dry out all the seals and leave you with a large repair bill if you ever want it to work again.

Spot on

 

[Srdl]

Not forgetting the convenience factor (less misting / safer vision etc?)

Absolutely

 

[Blobcat]

AC is simple, use it or lose it.

 

[markben]

And not forgetting.. the relative health of a car's AC system will depend on its age / time since last re-gassed / serviced etc and also the type & frequency of Usage (if that makes sense?)

 

[s5tuart]

Mine needs regassing ( or worse )

Getting the coolant system pressure tested Wednesday. Might get them to check the ac too

 

[markben]

Mine needs regassing ( or worse )

Getting the coolant system pressure tested Wednesday. Might get them to check the ac too

Good idea while they're at it? Not sure if the quality of engine coolant & AC efficiency are related, but it's worth mentioning just in case

 

[daibevan]

Had mine nearly 8 years. AC always on, always works. Every year I look out for the half price regas on groupon (ATS I Think), but never bother. Probably jinxed myself now & will need it this year.

 

[daibevan]

Had mine nearly 8 years. AC always on, always works. Every year I look out for the half price regas on groupon (ATS I Think), but never bother. Probably jinxed myself now & will need it this year.

Did jinx it. First hot day, no air con.
Off to ATS clutching my groupon voucher.
No apparent leaks, hopefully its just lost some gas over the years. There was still pressure in the system. Now regassed and as cold as.

 

[markben]

Did jinx it. First hot day, no air con.
Off to ATS clutching my groupon voucher.
No apparent leaks, hopefully its just lost some gas over the years. There was still pressure in the system. Now regassed and as cold as.

Well.. not a bad result after all? 8 years between re-gassing is pretty good going.

 

[Flyinspanner]

ATS vouchers on Groupon etc are always worth keeping an eye out for.

first they pressure test, if it fails they send you off to get whatever component changed, and regas it at a later date - very good service - they only use the voucher when it’s successfully regassed.

 

[Mark Q]

Had my car over 9 years always have the ac on, never had it gassed and it is still icy cold when needed, guess I don't do many miles though, probably average 2k per year, bear in mind in the last 3 its only done about 1200 owing to lockdowns and ABC issues.