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Northcroft



Member Since: 29 Jan 2017
Location: Durham
Posts: 784

England 2007 Freelander 2 TD4 HSE Manual Zermatt Silver
AIR CON . . . . RECHARGE

Been driving cars with air con since 2004 . When summer comes I sometimes pop it on, always amazed at how cold it is, my point is this, I have NEVER ever had the system recharged on any car, simply because I think doing so, it could not get any cooler . . .is it a waste of money ? 2017 SEAT Ateca 4drive 2.0 xcellence (May 2022 -
2007 HSE with HST bodykit in Zermatt Silver 169,700 miles (dec 2016 - May 2022 )
2007 Honda Civic Type S GT (2012-2017)
2002 Mini Cooper S (2008-2012)
1992 Honda Legend 3.2i (2003-2008)
1990 Honda Concerto (1999-2003)
1985 Honda Accord (1997-1999)
1983 Honda Accord (1993-1997)
1983 Mini Mayfair (1988-1993)
1974 Mini 1000 (1979-1986)

Post #408922 11th Jun 2021 7:30 am
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JonMs



Member Since: 25 May 2018
Location: Ilkley
Posts: 100

United Kingdom 2011 Freelander 2 SD4 HSE Auto Santorini Black

It's a waste of money if it doesn't need doing! As far as I know, people get their cars re-charged because some of the gas has leaked out over time through dry seals etc (probably from under-use of the system). A good garage will measure the temperature of the system before re-charging and will not go-ahead if it doesn't need doing (i.e. if they will get no improvement). Even Kwik-fit do this!

Post #408925 11th Jun 2021 7:41 am
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RogB



Member Since: 16 Dec 2014
Location: Mansfield
Posts: 3867

England 2013 Freelander 2 SD4 HSE Lux Auto Santorini Black

when doing an air con recharge they should also flush out the system as the bacteria that reside in the pipework and components can be pretty horrific.
the advice is to turn it on periodically if not on all the time, and to have the windows open for the first 5 minutes or so in order than any bacteria will then vent out the windows.
plus air con is not just about cooling but also dehumidifying the air, so air con helps in winter too preventing misting up etc

Post #408926 11th Jun 2021 7:44 am
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Andy131



Member Since: 09 Dec 2009
Location: Manchester
Posts: 2159

United Kingdom 

Don't turn it on periodically - don't turn it off EVER

Cooling the air lowers its dew point and so water condenses out = air is far dryer, useful in winter as it keeps the screen clear and stops the car getting moldy.
The seals benefit from the lubricant in the refrigerant and dry out causing refrigerant loss if they aren't lubricated.

The "radiator" (heat exchanger) that provides cold air is obviously cold, when you stop the engine moisture condenses on this radiator, if left bacteria grown on it. this not only gives the car a musty smell, the bacteria being blown into the cabin is not good for your health.

Yes it does marginally increase fuel consumption - nowhere near as driving at above 30mph with a window open, but you are driving a 2 tonne brick with the aerodynamics of barn door, if fuel economy (and running costs in general) is that much of a consideration you should really be driving a Fiat Panda Tangiers Orange - gone, missing her
Replaced by Ewok what a mistake - now a happy Disco Sport owner

Post #408928 11th Jun 2021 9:48 am
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Bobupndown



Member Since: 26 Dec 2014
Location: Upside down behind the TV!
Posts: 2622

United Kingdom 2014 Freelander 2 SD4 GS Auto Orkney Grey

Use it or lose is the way a/c has been described to me. Mine is on constantly unless I'm driving with windows open. Landrover - turning owners into mechanics since 1948

2014 Orkney grey Freelander SD4 GS.
2004 Zambezi silver Discovery 2 Td5 (Gone)
1963 Surf blue Morris Mini Minor Super de Luxe (my little toy)

Post #408930 11th Jun 2021 10:10 am
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3landertwo



Member Since: 27 May 2020
Location: UK
Posts: 1089

I was told AirCon costs you 10% more fuel ??? or 10% less BHP ??? whichever ??

Post #408933 11th Jun 2021 10:30 am
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shiggsy



Member Since: 13 Jan 2013
Location: Kent
Posts: 789

United Kingdom 2007 Freelander 2 TD4 HSE Auto Baltic Blue

I think that was in the early days of car air con when they were fitted to 1 litre vehicles and had a noticeable effect. I believe the systems are different today and have less effect on the engine. I did try 'no air con' tests on previous vehicles to see if it made a difference in fuel economy but never noticed any. Otherwise I leave it on all the time. 
Hung like Einstein, smart as a horse.

Post #408934 11th Jun 2021 10:37 am
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MotionInc



Member Since: 17 Jun 2019
Location: North America
Posts: 1278

Canada 2008 LR2 i6 SE Auto Tambora Flame

The schrader valves for my 2008 LR2 si6 are pricey, especially the low side...........they appear to be non standard and not carried by none. And, I agree with Bob, use it or loose it. Thumbs Up

Post #408937 11th Jun 2021 10:57 am
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Andy131



Member Since: 09 Dec 2009
Location: Manchester
Posts: 2159

United Kingdom 

3landertwo wrote:
I was told AirCon costs you 10% more fuel ??? or 10% less BHP ??? whichever ??


When 40bhp was a good output for a family car, 4hp for the air conditioner was 10%.
Now you have 160bhp, 4hp is 2.5%
So if it makes 2.5% difference and you only get 30mpg, then the aircon is going to make 0.75mpg difference - you are not really going to spot that unless you drive for 12 months with the aircon off and do EXACTLY the same route and have the same traffic as the previous 12 months with the aircon turned on - that's what labs are for. Tangiers Orange - gone, missing her
Replaced by Ewok what a mistake - now a happy Disco Sport owner

Post #408939 11th Jun 2021 11:57 am
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Aveling



Member Since: 24 Mar 2011
Location: Cardiff
Posts: 247

United Kingdom 2014 Freelander 2 SD4 Metropolis LE Auto Firenze Red

Andy131 wrote:
Don't turn it on periodically - don't turn it off EVER

Cooling the air lowers its dew point and so water condenses out = air is far dryer, useful in winter as it keeps the screen clear and stops the car getting moldy.
The seals benefit from the lubricant in the refrigerant and dry out causing refrigerant loss if they aren't lubricated.

The "radiator" (heat exchanger) that provides cold air is obviously cold, when you stop the engine moisture condenses on this radiator, if left bacteria grown on it. this not only gives the car a musty smell, the bacteria being blown into the cabin is not good for your health.

Yes it does marginally increase fuel consumption - nowhere near as driving at above 30mph with a window open, but you are driving a 2 tonne brick with the aerodynamics of barn door, if fuel economy (and running costs in general) is that much of a consideration you should really be driving a Fiat Panda


I agree with all the above.
I've never turned off the aircon / climate control in any of my cars - and I've had aircon in all my vehicles since 1996 - even my Caddy van has aircon.

Post #408943 11th Jun 2021 12:50 pm
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3landertwo



Member Since: 27 May 2020
Location: UK
Posts: 1089

Andy131 wrote:
....... if fuel economy (and running costs in general) is that much of a consideration you should really be driving a Fiat Panda






what like this G4 4x4 Challenge ???? Rolling with laughter Rolling with laughter Rolling with laughter Rolling with laughter looks like yours.

Post #408945 11th Jun 2021 1:07 pm
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merlinj79



Member Since: 13 Aug 2019
Location: San Diego
Posts: 313

United States 2008 LR2 i6 S Auto Tambora Flame

Andy131 wrote:
3landertwo wrote:
I was told AirCon costs you 10% more fuel ??? or 10% less BHP ??? whichever ??


When 40bhp was a good output for a family car, 4hp for the air conditioner was 10%.
Now you have 160bhp, 4hp is 2.5%
So if it makes 2.5% difference and you only get 30mpg, then the aircon is going to make 0.75mpg difference - you are not really going to spot that unless you drive for 12 months with the aircon off and do EXACTLY the same route and have the same traffic as the previous 12 months with the aircon turned on - that's what labs are for.


Yeah modern car AC units are a lot more efficient than years ago, negligible impact. You'd need to run careful tests to actually see a difference. I'll turn it off when pulling a trailer up a big hill on a hot day, but that's to keep the tranny cool.

I run the AC all the time in all my cars (they have set and forget controls so that helps). I've never had an AC failure in any car newer than 25 years.

Post #408947 11th Jun 2021 2:12 pm
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Northcroft



Member Since: 29 Jan 2017
Location: Durham
Posts: 784

England 2007 Freelander 2 TD4 HSE Manual Zermatt Silver

I dont understand the comments suggesting never turn it off, or keep it on forever . . . . .mine is either aircon or a heater, so in winter I will use the heater rather than freeze myself to death Rolling with laughter Rolling with laughter  2017 SEAT Ateca 4drive 2.0 xcellence (May 2022 -
2007 HSE with HST bodykit in Zermatt Silver 169,700 miles (dec 2016 - May 2022 )
2007 Honda Civic Type S GT (2012-2017)
2002 Mini Cooper S (2008-2012)
1992 Honda Legend 3.2i (2003-2008)
1990 Honda Concerto (1999-2003)
1985 Honda Accord (1997-1999)
1983 Honda Accord (1993-1997)
1983 Mini Mayfair (1988-1993)
1974 Mini 1000 (1979-1986)

Post #408949 11th Jun 2021 2:16 pm
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3landertwo



Member Since: 27 May 2020
Location: UK
Posts: 1089

I always use the AirCon in the winter to clear the inside 'fogged' up screen.

Post #408950 11th Jun 2021 2:59 pm
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Nodge68



Member Since: 15 Jul 2020
Location: Newquay
Posts: 1766

United Kingdom 2009 Freelander 2 TD4 SE Manual Rimini Red

3landertwo wrote:
I was told AirCon costs you 10% more fuel ??? or 10% less BHP ??? whichever ??


More like 2%.
It'll cost more to repair when faulty through non-use, than the fuel it saves by not using it. 2009 Rimini Red SE TD4. My daily driver.
Gone. 2006 Tonga Green i6 HSE.

Post #408951 11th Jun 2021 3:01 pm
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