Air Conditioning

Did you know that the refrigerants contained in car air-conditioners can be extremely harmful to the environment? Refrigerants, such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) damage the ozone layer, while others are extremely potent greenhouse gases.

In fact, one kilogram of the refrigerant R410a has the same greenhouse impact as two tonnes of carbon dioxide, which is the equivalent of running your car for six months.

That’s why Australia has specific laws that prohibit the importation of gases like CFCs and regulates the importation of synthetic greenhouse gases.

Refrigerants leak into the atmosphere from faulty or poorly maintained equipment, or when equipment is improperly disposed of.

The Australian automotive code of practice 2008 provides mandatory and best practice guidelines for air conditioning repair.. The code of practice has been developed under the Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Regulations 1995.

Under the Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Regulations 1995, persons who handle these substances in bulk or in equipment, and people who work on equipment containing these gases, are required to hold a Refrigerant Handling Licence.

Companies or persons who acquire, possess or dispose of these substances are required to hold a Refrigerant Trading Authorisation.

What does that mean for you? You just want you AC to work!

Well in a nut shell the code of practice dictates that when getting your AC fixed the technician must:

* inspect and test the system to determine where the leak is, (top up of an AC system must not be carried out),

* a dye must be added to the system with the refrigerant or an inert gas if all other testing and inspection is inconclusive, and

* follow up inspection should be carried out after a short period to ensure all leaks are detected.

For more information or to get your AC Diagnostic for $135 call Sandro on 0400 401 171.