Why Does AC Recharge Only Lasts a Day? [Revealed]

You just got the AC recharged and suddenly find out that it is not blowing cold air. In the middle of summer? Not again? But why does the AC recharge only last a day?

AC Recharge Only Lasts a Day if there is any refrigerant leak or the compressor can not connect properly. Other than that, if the evaporator is dirty then the AC recharge will only last a day. So, the internal components must be checked properly if you are not getting cold air from the AC.

Apart from this, there is also a diagnostic test that will help you to find the source of this problem. To get an idea of this, let’s get started. 

Why Does the AC Recharge Only Last a Day?

Just like heat coming out from the driver’s side floor, AC lasting for only a day is an annoying problem.

If the AC recharge only lasts a day then there is a refrigerant leak or damaged compressor. A dirty evaporator means that there will be a disruption in the airflow and an overall impact on the AC recharging frequency. Let’s dive into each of the reasons and find out how to solve them! 

Reason 1: Refrigerant Leak

The most common reason for the AC recharge to last a day is a refrigerant leak. Refrigerant is a chemical compound that acts as the working fluid to keep the AC system running. It gets heated by the compressor and released heat by the evaporator. 

If the working fluid is leaked, then the AC system will not have a working fluid to cool down the system. So, the result is you have warm blowing from the vent. 

So, how to Diagnose the Refrigerant Leak Problem? 

UV Dye Test is the easiest way to diagnose the source of the refrigerant leak problem. Following are the steps of the UV Dye Test diagnosis method 

Step 1: Start the diagnosis by checking the AC compressor to ensure that the clutch is engaged and spinning. If it is not spinning, it indicates low pressure in the system.

Step 2: Connect a manifold gauge set to the system to check the pressure. If it reads 0 psi, it means that all the refrigerant is gone. After that, use UV dye to accurately locate the leak in the AC system. Inject the dye through the low-side port while the system is in a vacuum.

Step 3: After injecting the dye, charge the system with refrigerant through the low-side port to push the dye throughout the system. Next, monitor the system’s operation, including the compressor engagement, pressures, and discharge temperature, to ensure it is functioning properly.

Step 4: Perform a test drive to allow the dye to seep out at the leak point.

Use a UV light to inspect the AC system components and identify the exact location of the leak.

Step 5: Check the entire AC system for other potential leaks. Finally, replace the faulty component that is leaking, ensuring to use the exact refrigerant the system requires. Then, recharge the system with the correct amount of refrigerant.

So, this is how you should conduct the UV Dye Test. Make sure to monitor the system’s performance and conduct any additional inspections to verify the AC system’s functionality. 

Solution: Check the Source of the Leak and Replace It

Once you identify the source of this leak then the step will be to replace it. If it is the copper tubing or gasket or any other component, just get it replaced and the refrigerant leak should stop. 

Reason 2: Compressor Can Not Connect

If the compressor has trouble connecting with the vehicle AC then you will get warm air coming out of the vent. This can happen if there is a problem with the electrical circuit or the vehicle is overheated.

Sometimes, the compressor is damaged and that means it can not connect to the AC system.

Solution: Reconnect the Compressor

Reconnect back the compressor. You can replace the electrical circuit or check the source of the vehicle overheating and fix that. 

If the compressor is damaged, you need to get it replaced. Remove the bolt securing the refrigerant line and check it. Then, disconnect all the connectors and mounting bolts. Finally, pull out and replace the compressor. 

Reason 3: Dirty Evaporator

An evaporator helps to absorb heat from the refrigerant, remove the humidity and release the cool air by the blower fan. No matter how many times you recharge the AC, you will get warm air if the evaporator is dirty or clogged.

So, make sure to keep the evaporator clean. 

Solution: Clean the Evaporator

You need to clean the evaporator to fix the AC problem. Remove the glove box to get access to the AC evaporator coil. Use a foam-based cleaner, spray it properly, and let it be there for about an hour. Then rinse it and get a fan to dry it out. After that, reconnect everything back. 

Check this video on cleaning the car’s AC evaporator

How Often Should I Recharge the AC?

You should recharge the AC every three years if the system is functioning normally. By normally, we mean that there is no refrigerant leak or damage in the AC system. 

Although, not as dire as transmission fault, AC issues are to be taken seriously. If you experience signs of low refrigerant such as insufficient cool air or warm air blowing, it’s time to have your AC system checked. Recharging frequency depends on individual circumstances, but typically, it’s not necessary to recharge your AC every year or two.

A professional mechanic can perform an “evac and recharge” service to restore the cooling efficiency of your AC system.

Is AC Recharge Even Worth It?

Yes, AC recharge is worth it if your car is running low on refrigerant and you need to beat out the heat. Recharging means you are adding more refrigerant and the AC will run properly. 

But, if you do not fix the underlying issues like the refrigerant leak or damaged compressor, then AC recharge is not going to fix any problem related to heat. Keep in mind that 

• AC recharge canisters can only refill an undercharged system to a certain extent and may provide temporary relief if there is a slow leak or low-pressure issue.
• If there is a problem with the compressor, clutch, or any major AC component, a recharge will not fix the issue.
• Recharging can potentially overcharge the system, leading to compressor damage or other problems.
• Stop leak additives included in some recharge kits are generally not recommended, as they can cause more harm than good.
• In cases where there is a slow leak, some individuals have reported success in recharging their AC and having it last for an extended period (e.g., over a year).
• Recharging is not a substitute for fixing the actual source of the leak, and it may lead to further damage over time if the leak is not addressed properly.
• Older cars may experience small refrigerant leaks due to cold weather causing seals and gaskets to contract, but recharging may still cause internal damage to the AC system.
• The presence of air and humidity in the system can lead to the formation of acids and sludge, which can damage the compressor and other components.
• Using recharge kits with sealer can contaminate the refrigerant and complicate the repair process.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Can Using Low-Quality Refrigerant Affect the Duration of an AC Recharge?

Yes, a low-quality refrigerant can affect the duration of an AC recharge. This is because the low-quality refrigerant may contain impurities in it that will cause the AC system to be damaged. So, make sure to check the manufacturer’s recommendations and use the correct grade of refrigerant during AC recharge. 

Can an AC Recharge Issue Cause Decreased Fuel Efficiency?

Yes, the AC recharge issue will cause decreased fuel efficiency. The AC system is powered by the engine. So, when the AC is having any recharge issue it tends to put an additional load on the engine. This load affects the car engine’s performance by requiring more fuel to run. That is why fuel efficiency gradually declines as the AC recharge issue keeps persisting. 

What are the Consequences of Ignoring an AC Recharge Issue?

Ignoring an AC Recharge issue means you are ignoring problems like a refrigerant leak or damaged compressor. So, you are not paying attention to fixing issues in the AC system, and in the long term, it will disrupt the car’s performance. In specific, you are risking total breakdown of the unit and electrical failure by ignoring an AC recharge issue. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding why your AC recharge only lasts a day is crucial for long-term cooling solutions. By identifying common causes and implementing expert tips, you can maximize the performance of your AC system. Whether it’s maintenance, refrigerant leaks, or system inefficiencies, taking proactive measures ensures a more extended and efficient cooling experience.