In Australia and New Zealand, there are many thousands of vehicle workshops which claim to be capable of either installation or repair and maintenance of vehicle airconditioning systems.
The reality is that while some may claim enough knowledge of "regassing", or recharging the system with refrigerant gas, the majority do not have the specialised skills necessary to properly diagnose system problems. Therefore, VASA represents only the professionals in the industry. For a listing of where you can find a VASA repair workshop or technician, go to Find VASA Members
VASA technicians and workshop owners attend regular seminars and training workshops to top up their skills and knowledge
Installation and repair of vehicle airconditioning systems has become a specialised task, forced by today's sophisticated vehicles and computerised engine management systems.
In addition, the old "regass" or "top-up" solution to an airconditioning system which is not performing well, is no longer valid. Vehicles just don't need "regassing" any more. If they do, it's surely a sign of a problem in one of the other components such as the compressor, receiver drier, evaporator or any one of a number of connections or valves which are required to run the system efficiently.
These days, there are also environmental considerations to take into account. Backyard "regassers" are more likely than not breaking the law when they simply let old refrigerant gas escape into the atmosphere. It is no longer allowed.
VASA members are not only committed to best practice airconditioning diagnosis and maintenance, but are participants in the cooperative industry effort to capture and recycle all refrigerant gas in a way which will not impact on the environment.
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VASA members keep up to date by inspecting major component plants as part of their annual convention. |
At Trade Shows, the biggest of their kind for the automotive service industry, the latest technology is on display.
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Training sessions are an integral part of conventions and trade shows. |
The engine room of a modern vehicle is a minefield for the non-professional. The airconditioning componentry, such as the compressor at the right of this picture, is high tech and requires trained technicians to diagnose faults.
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As part of modern environmental practice, workshops are obliged to use sophisticated equipment for detecting leaks and identifying refrigerant gas. |
Graduates from a VASA conducted training session. Grant Hand (centre) is VASA training coordinator who travels extensively throughout Australia and New Zealand to conduct workshops for VASA technicians.
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At trade shows, the latest technology is displayed. |
A typical scene at a Wire & Gas trade show. |
