How can I tell if my system needs servicing?

Over time, refrigerant levels can gradually decrease in both household and vehicle air-conditioning systems, even when there are no obvious signs of a fault. Regular servicing is recommended to keep your system running efficiently, maintain cooling performance, and prevent unexpected breakdowns.

For vehicle air-conditioning, a recharge is typically recommended every two years. The most obvious sign that servicing is required is a complete lack of cold air. Reduced or inconsistent cooling can also indicate a problem. A well-functioning system should achieve temperatures of at least 15°C below the ambient temperature, and often lower.

For household air-conditioning, signs that your system may need servicing include poor cooling performance, warm air, increased running costs, unusual noises, or visible leaks. Regular servicing helps improve efficiency, extend the lifespan of the system, and ensure reliable year-round operation.

Unpleasant odours in either household or vehicle systems can indicate bacterial growth within the ventilation system or a blocked filter. As part of our Complete Service, we clean and replace filters where required, or this can be added to an air-conditioning recharge or service.

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How do I find out which refrigerant my system uses?

For vehicle air-conditioning, most cars manufactured before 2017 use R134a refrigerant, while vehicles produced from January 2017 onwards typically use R1234yf. Some vehicles from the transition period may still use R134a. Vehicles built before 1995 often used R12, and many have since been converted to R134a.

For household air-conditioning systems, refrigerant type varies by manufacturer and model. Common refrigerants include R410A and R32. The refrigerant type and required quantity can usually be found on the manufacturer’s data plate located on the indoor or outdoor unit.

If you’re unsure, our technicians can quickly identify the correct refrigerant for your system.

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Can you carry out refrigerant conversions?

For vehicle air-conditioning, our qualified technicians can carry out R12 to R134a conversions at your home or workplace. This process involves replacing the system oil and changing the service valve ports to ensure compatibility with the newer refrigerant. We carry the necessary conversion kits to complete this safely and efficiently.

For household systems, refrigerant conversions are assessed on a case-by-case basis, depending on system type and manufacturer guidelines. Please contact us to discuss your options.