During the hot days of summer, you are grateful that your car’s air conditioning helps to keep the interior cool.
Do you have an understanding of how the air conditioning system operates and how to properly maintain it?
With the aid of this guide, you will be able to identify any issues with your vehicle’s air conditioning system ahead of time and ensure that it remains in pristine condition.
HOW DOES THE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM IN A CAR WORK?
Believe it or not, the air conditioning system in your vehicle does not contain an ice machine. This burst of frigid air is actually hot air that has had its heat removed through a procedure that occurred in many steps.
The compressor in the air conditioning system causes the refrigerant to be compressed, which in turn causes the pressure and temperature of the system to increase.
As the refrigerant travels through the condenser, you will see that it loses heat. After that, it often goes through the receiver/dryer, which is where the moisture and impurities are removed.
The expansion valve is the next step in the process. When the refrigerant reaches the evaporator, it experiences a loss of pressure and temperature, which causes it to become colder.
In the dashboard, the evaporator functions similarly to a little radiator. The chilled evaporator is used to remove moisture from the air while also creating a cooler environment for the air to pass through.
The ventilation system is responsible for delivering the dry and cold air to the passenger compartment. To ensure that you are able to breathe in that energising, chilly air, your air conditioning system works very hard.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I HAVE MY AIR CONDITIONER INSERTED?
When it comes to evaluating your air conditioning system, there is no predetermined plan; rather, it is all about how the system feels.
When the air conditioning in your car is pumping, do you feel refreshed and chilled and do you have complete airflow?
You are able to tick the examination of the air conditioning system off your list if you responded, “Yes, I am as cool as a cucumber.”
On the spectrum, do you belong into the category of those who say, “My air conditioner is not cold enough” or “My air conditioner does not work in the heat”?
If you come in for an air conditioning performance check, we will make sure that you are able to enjoy the hot summer streets in a cooler state than you were before.
HOW OFTEN I WILL NEED TO RECHARGE MY AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM?
It is not necessary to make a predetermined plan for the recharging of modern air conditioning systems. The vast majority of drivers may spend years without requiring one.
On the other hand, you will most likely come to realise when it is time to recharge. Some of the indications that your air conditioner could require a recharge include the presence of hot or heated air coming from the vents, a leak of refrigerant, strange odours emanating from the vents, and an air conditioner clutch that is unable to engage. (Below, we will discuss each and every one of these possible symptoms!)
A performance check for your air conditioner should be performed at your neighbourhood Firestone Complete Auto Care if you encounter any of these problem areas.
You can count on our highly trained professionals to get to the bottom of the issue.
CAR A/C: WHAT ARE THE PARTS THAT MAKE IT UP?
The air conditioning system in your cabin relies on a number of different components to stay cool.
Let’s take a more in-depth look at these components of the air conditioning system and the responsibilities they play in providing you with that invigorating blast of cold air.
DO YOU KNOW WHAT THE A/C COMPRESSOR IS?
A crucial and essential component of every air conditioning system is the compressor. Using a clutch that is powered by electricity, they make adjustments to the temperature output.
Whenever you make an adjustment to the temperature or if the HVAC module detects that it has attained the desired temperature, this clutch will turn on and off.
It is possible that the compressor clutch will not engage if the temperature of the surrounding air falls below the value that was programmed.
INDICATORS THAT THE A/C COMPRESSOR IS WORN
Leaks of oil or refrigerant (a trained specialist can use specialised colours to easily identify a refrigerant leak).
Erratic or failed performance of the air conditioner with strange noises coming from beneath the hood when the air conditioner is running
A COMPRESSOR CLUTCH
An electromagnetic clutch that is unique to the compressor, known as the compressor clutch, is responsible for engaging and disengaging the compressor cycle before the compressor is engaged.
When directed, the compressor clutch applies pressure to the compressor, causing it to either turn on or switch off.
COMPRESSOR CLUTCH FAILURE Symptoms include the following:
Poor functioning of the air conditioner
Incapability to switch the air conditioner on or off
There is no engagement of the clutch.
DESCRIBE WHAT AN A/C CONDENSER IS.
When it comes to converting hot refrigerant gases into liquid, the air conditioning condenser is the consummate expert.
In the majority of automobiles, the condenser is installed in the front of the car, often in front of the radiator.
By allowing the ambient air from the outside to pass through the condenser, the heated refrigerant gas is transformed into a cold liquid refrigerant through the process of condensation.
THREE INDICATORS THAT YOUR A/C CONDENSER IS WORN
Fins or tubes that are clogged, rusted, or otherwise damaged
Poor functioning of the air conditioning system
EXPLAIN WHAT A RECEIVER/DRIER IS.
In automobiles that are equipped with a thermal expansion valve, the receiver/drier can be found.
The safety net is the component that is accountable for capturing and preventing dangerous debris and moisture from accessing the compressor and other essential components of the air conditioning system.
Whenever the air conditioning system is opened for repair, or if a technician decides that moisture or debris has harmed the operation of your receiver/dryer, the receiver/dryer should be replaced.
BEHAVIOURAL INDICATORS OF A WORN RECEIVER/DRIER:
Ineffective operation of the air conditioner
the presence of moisture on the glass and/or the incapacity of the defroster to remove moisture from the windows and glass
DESCRIBE WHAT AN ACCUMULATOR IS.
The only cars that have an accumulator are those that have an orifice tube. An accumulator is comparable to a receiver/dryer.
The absence of a thermal expansion valve is a consequence of the presence of an accumulator.
That which accumulates:
Ensures that the amount of refrigerant that is introduced into the evaporator is monitored and controlled.
It is designed to store surplus refrigerant so that it does not enter the compressor and cause harm to it.
Cleans the air conditioning system by removing moisture and dirt from it.
You will be required to replace the accumulator in the event that the air conditioning system is opened for maintenance or if a specialist deems that moisture or debris has caused harm to the operation of your accumulator.
A THERMAL EXPANSION VALVE/ORIFICE TUBE
The thermal expansion valve, also known as the orifice tube, can be found right in the middle of the condenser and the evaporator.
It performs continuous monitoring of the pressure and temperature of your air conditioning system in order to ascertain the precise quantity of refrigerant that may enter your evaporator without causing any harm.
You can run into a significant issue if the evaporator receives either an excessive amount or an insufficient amount of refrigerant.
In order to prevent impurities from infiltrating the remainder of the system, an orifice tube could additionally include a fine mesh screen inside of it.
FACTORS THAT MAY INDICATE THAT YOU REQUIRE A NEW ORIFICE TUBE OR THERMAL EXPANSION VALVE:
A/C system performance that is subpar
It was discovered by a professional that it is either unclean or clogged.
WHAT EXACTLY IS AN VENTILATOR?
You can find the evaporator behind your dashboard, and it is the component that is in charge of eliminating moisture and cooling the air within the vehicle.
A low-pressure refrigerant that is moving through the evaporator is what causes it to cool down. This makes it possible for the evaporator to take in heat from the air within the cabin, therefore lowering the temperature of the air that is expelled via the vents.
You can tell if the evaporator is doing its job well if you feel a blast of cool, pleasant air on your face.
INDICATORS OF A WORN EVAPORATOR Symptoms:
A/C system performance that is subpar
CONCERNING THE CLUTCH CYCLING SWITCH, WHAT IS IT?
In accordance with the pressure that is present in the accumulator, the clutch cycling switch continuously cycles the compressor.
Taking this procedure helps to ensure that the evaporator does not remain frozen. Despite the fact that the majority of automobiles are capable of blowing air at temperatures as low as sixty degrees, the temperatures inside the evaporator core can reach levels that are so low that they totally freeze the core.
It is the responsibility of the clutch cycle to make certain that the evaporator does not reach temperatures that are comparable to glaciers.
CLUTCH CYCLING SWITCH FAILURE Symptoms include the following:
The evaporator has frozen over.
The evaportor does not reach a sufficient temperature.
WHAT EXACTLY IS a REFRIGERANT?
A cooling agent that is properly prepared and has the ability to change from a liquid to a gas and back again is called refrigerant.
Freon is the commercial name that is commonly used to refer to this cooling agent. The heat is absorbed and then released, resulting in the air being left behind that is chilly.
There are a variety of refrigerants that may be utilised by various equipment, including your automobile, your house refrigerator, and your air conditioning system. On the other hand, they might not be the same.
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF REFRIGERANTS THAT ARE USED IN CARS?
Refrigerants R-12, R-134a, and R-1234yf are the three most prevalent types used in automobiles. Because different types of refrigerants require different charging hoses, it is important to determine which type of charging hose your car uses in previous versions.
Up until the middle of the 1990s, the chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) Freon that was utilised in automobile air conditioning systems was known as R-12.
Because of the EPA’s discovery that it causes the ozone layer to be depleted, it was prohibited. It is common for vehicles constructed prior to 1995 to use R-12, although it is possible to upgrade these vehicles with an R-134a system.
There is a good chance that your car makes use of R-134a, which is often referred to as HFC-134a. Following the discovery of the environmental risks associated with R-12, this refrigerant emerged as a potential replacement.
However, despite the fact that R-134a is safer than R-12 and is used in the majority of automobiles, it is not the safest solution for the ozone layer. In recent times, manufacturers have begun to eliminate it.
A hydrofluoric-olefin refrigerant known as R-1234yf (sometimes referred to as HFO-1234yf) was developed by manufacturers as a replacement for the R-134a refrigerant, which is having its production phased down.
The R-1234yf refrigerant is even more favourable to the environment than its predecessor. Although you could find it in previous models, it should be included in automobiles that are made after the year 2021.
What exactly is meant by the term “refrigerant charge port”?
During an air conditioning system recharge, the refrigerant service port is the connection point where additional refrigerant may be introduced into the system.
Additionally, it is the point at which refrigerant can be removed from the air conditioning system. This service port can be found on both the low side and the high side of the air conditioning lines.
Services for recharging air conditioners should only be performed by those who are adequately qualified, certified, and equipped.
Everyone who works on automotive air conditioning systems is required to have EPA Section 609 Certification, since this certification is mandated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).