Air Conditioner Woes
Since air conditioner repair or replacement is extremely high I would like to know is there anything an owner can do to extend the life of the a/c system? Since the compressor seems to the major problem is there any way to lubricate it and make it last longer?
Answer:
It's best to use the ac at least once a week, winter and summer, to keep the refrigerant oil circulating thru the system. In winter turn the AC on by pressing the AC button whenever you're using the defroster to clear dampness off the inside of the windshield. Newer models do this automatically as do almost all domestics. The ac evaporator, or cooling unit, is upstream of the heater core as far as airflow in the system, so the cooled dehumidified air can be reheated by the heater core before it enters the passenger compartment. Always make sure any and all electric cooling fans for the condenser work properly, and that the condenser isn't clogged with bugs or obstructed by leaves. This will help high side pressure from running excessively high and straining the compressor. Never let anyone overcharge the system when servicing it, this also makes pressures run too high. "Dammit Jim! I'm an Automotive Service Technician, not a mechanic!!" But Capt'n, the ethylene glycol solution is almost exhausted! The combustion pods 'r' abou' t' explode, an' ah d' na how much longer ah can hold 'er!