Refrigerant Recovery & Vacuum
Refrigerant recovery, system vacuum, moisture removal and waste gas handling
Refrigerant Recovery & Vacuum
A recovery and vacuum service safely removes old refrigerant from the air conditioning system, then pulls the system into vacuum to remove trapped air, moisture, old vapour residue and contamination before recharge, repair or leak testing.
Skipping the vacuum stage can leave air and moisture inside the system, which may reduce cooling performance.
What this service is for
This is the clean-up and preparation stage before proper aircon work.
✓ Before refrigerant recharging
✓ After replacing AC components or pipework
✓ Following system leaks or pressure loss
✓ When air contamination is present in the system
✓ When moisture ingress is suspected
✓ Before carrying out leak detection procedures
✓ When old or incorrect refrigerant must be removed
What is refrigerant recovery and vacuum?
Refrigerant recovery means removing existing refrigerant from the vehicle’s air conditioning system into proper recovery equipment. The system is then placed under vacuum, which helps remove air and moisture from the pipework, condenser, evaporator and lines.
This is usually carried out before a recharge, leak test, repair, part replacement, pressure test or major aircon service. It helps stop old refrigerant, air, moisture and contamination from being left inside the system.
Removes old refrigerant
Old refrigerant is recovered safely before new refrigerant is added or repairs are carried out.
Removes moisture & air
Vacuum pulls moisture and trapped air out of the system to protect components.
Repairs
Creates the correct starting point for recharge, leak testing, UV dye work or repairs.
Moisture inside an aircon system is bad. It can reduce cooling, cause internal corrosion, contaminate lubricant and lead to future component failure.
Waste refrigerant & ELV services
Rather contact us to make a booking?
What we do on site -
Initial pressure check
We check whether the system still has pressure, is low, empty or showing abnormal readings.
Recover old refrigerant
Existing refrigerant is recovered safely rather than vented or mixed into the atmosphere.
Vacuum the system
The system is pulled into vacuum to remove air and moisture from the internal aircon circuit.
Vacuum hold / leak indication
A vacuum hold can help indicate whether the system may have a leak before recharge is attempted.
Prepare for the next step
Depending on the result, the system can move to recharge, nitrogen leak test, repair work or further diagnostics.
If a leak is found we explain repair options. Small seals and O-rings can often be fixed on site. Major repairs are quoted before work proceeds.
Frequently Asked Questions -
Leak Detection, Diagnostics & Repairs
If your aircon is not cooling, keeps losing gas, or has stopped working after a recharge, the system needs proper leak detection and diagnostics before more refrigerant is added. We locate the fault, explain the repair route, and carry out minor or major aircon repairs where possible.
If a leak is found we explain repair options. Small seals and O-rings can often be fixed on site. Major repairs are quoted before work proceeds.
Best for repeat aircon problems
Use this service when: your aircon has been regassed but stopped cooling again, the system is empty, the compressor will not engage, or you suspect a leak.
Important: a recharge only restores gas. It does not fix the reason the gas escaped
We diagnose first, then quote repair. No guesswork parts replacement.
What is leak detection, diagnostics and repair?
This service finds why your air conditioning system is not working properly. We check whether the issue is refrigerant loss, pressure imbalance, electrical control fault, compressor issue, cooling fan issue, blocked airflow or a damaged component.
Leak detection
Finds where refrigerant is escaping from the system.
Diagnostics
Checks compressor, pressure, fan operation, controls and temperature output.
Repairs
Minor repairs can often be completed on site. Major repairs are quoted clearly.
If your aircon is empty, it should not be repeatedly regassed without a leak check. This wastes money and does not solve the fault.
£60.00*
Leak Detection
What's Included?
✓ Full Leak Detection
✓ UV Dye Leak Tracing
✓ System Pressure Testing
✓ System Vacuum Testing
✓ Gas Sniffer Testing
✓ Joint Bubble Testing
✓ Stem Valve Inspection
✓ O-ring & Seal Inspection
✓ Condenser Inspection
✓ Leak Service Report
*If we are unable to identify a refrigerant leak during testing, no leak detection charge will apply. Standard call-out charge & materials used during testing may still be applicable.
Leak detection, diagnostics and repair options
POA*
System Repairs
✓ Full Aircon System Repair
✓ Component Testing
✓ Pressure Switch
✓ Condenser Replacement
✓ Compressor Replacement
✓ Line Replacement
✓ Stem Valve Replacement
✓ O-Rings & Seals
✓ Cooling Fan Replacement
✓ Relays & Fuses
✓ Recharge Included
✓ Post-Repair Testing
✓ System Checks
✓ Repair Service Report
What's Included?
*£60 diagnostics and repair deposit required. Deposit will be deducted from the final repair invoice if repair work is carried out by us.
FREE*
Diagnostics
✓ Full System Inspection
✓ Pressure Test
✓ Performance Testing
✓ Leak & Fault Diagnosis
✓ Refrigerant Recovery
✓ Electrical Assessment
✓ Specialist Diagnostics
✓ Service Report
What's Included?
*£60 diagnostics and repair deposit required. Deposit will be deducted from the final repair invoice if repair work is carried out by us.