Helpful advice
Simple tips to keep your AC running efficiently, extend its life, and know when it's time to call a professional.
Running your air conditioning for at least 10 minutes every week, even in cooler months, keeps the compressor seals lubricated and prevents refrigerant leaks. It also stops mould and bacteria building up in the system, which can cause musty smells when you first turn it on in summer.
A car parked in the sun can reach 60–70°C inside. Before turning on the AC, open the windows for 30 seconds to let the hot air escape first. This lets the system cool the cabin far more quickly and reduces strain on the compressor.
Recirculation mode (the button with a car and curved arrow) recycles the air already inside the cabin, which cools it faster and uses less energy. Use it once the cabin has cooled down. Avoid using it for long periods with multiple passengers as it can cause the air to become stale and foggy windows.
Modern climate control systems are most efficient when you set a target temperature rather than running the fan on maximum cold. A setting of around 22–24°C is comfortable for most people and lets the system regulate itself without overworking the compressor.
The cabin air filter cleans the air coming into your car. A clogged filter reduces airflow, makes the AC work harder, and can cause bad smells. Most manufacturers recommend replacing it every 15,000–20,000 km or once a year — whichever comes first. It's a cheap and easy job.
Watch out for: air that isn't as cold as it used to be, a musty or sour smell when the AC is on, unusual noises when the compressor kicks in, or the system taking much longer to cool the cabin. These are all signs the refrigerant may be low, there could be a leak, or a component needs attention.
Refrigerant naturally escapes from the system over time — even a perfectly healthy AC loses around 10–15% of its refrigerant per year. A regas (recharge) every 2–3 years keeps the system performing at its best. If your AC has stopped blowing cold, a regas is often the first and most affordable fix.
Your car's heater uses the engine coolant system, not the AC refrigerant. If your heater isn't warming up properly, it could indicate low coolant, a faulty thermostat, or a blocked heater core. Getting it checked before winter is much better than discovering the problem on a cold morning.
We diagnose and repair air conditioning and heating faults across the Albury-Wodonga region — and we come to you.
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