Air Conditioning5 min read
Automotive air conditioning is a sealed system, so if it is low on refrigerant it is leaking somewhere. Topping the system from a store-bought can pushes in sealant and unmeasured refrigerant, which contaminates the compressor and makes a professional repair more expensive later.
A proper service begins with a performance test on the vent temperature and system pressures, followed by dye or electronic leak detection at the condenser, evaporator, hoses, and shaft seals. Once the leak is repaired, the system is pulled into a deep vacuum to boil off moisture, held to prove it is sealed, and charged by weight to the manufacturer specification printed under the hood.
In Chandler heat a system that is even slightly undercharged loses a surprising amount of cooling capacity, and an overcharged system raises head pressure and shortens compressor life. Precision matters far more here than in milder climates.
If your air conditioning blows cool in the morning and warm by afternoon, that pattern usually points to a low charge or a failing expansion valve, and it is worth diagnosing before the compressor takes the damage.
