The majority of people who own cars are completely baffled by the air conditioning system. When you press the button, you are greeted with a refreshing rush of cold air. If you have questions about your car’s AC, book an appointment on our website or come by Car Smart Auto Service and discuss with us in person.
The transformation of liquid into gas is the primary function of an automobile’s air conditioning system. Through a process known as phase change, the refrigerant draws heat and moisture from the interior of the vehicle and expels it as cool, dry air through the vents of the system.
Compressor
- The component of the system generates power and is responsible for separating the low-pressure side from the high-pressure side.
- The process begins with gas operating at low pressure and ends with high-temperature, high-pressure gas
- Installed in the front of the engine and powered by the serpentine belt.
Condenser
- Maintains a high pressure while simultaneously lowering the temperature of the refrigerant
- As it loses heat, refrigerant transitions from its gaseous state to its liquid state.
- Installed in the front of the vehicle, just behind the grill
Dryer
- Utilizes a coolant in order to remove water from the refrigerant (drying agent)
- Has some system-filtering properties
- Installed on the high-pressure side of the system, in-between the condenser and the measuring instrument
Metering Device
- Expansion valve or fixed orifice tube, whichever comes first.
- Reduces the pressure of the refrigerant, which results in an immediate drop in the temperature of the refrigerant
- Refrigerant is still in liquid form after leaving the metering device
- Installed on the high-pressure side of the system, in the space between the dryer and the firewall
Evaporator
- The evaporator is where the refrigerant changes back to its gaseous state, which is what produces the cooling effect
- As the air inside the cabin passes through the evaporator, it is cooled and dried
- The only component that is installed inside the passenger compartment, behind the dashboard
Refrigerants, such as R-134a, are essential components of air conditioning systems. High pressure is applied to the liquid form of the refrigerant as it is compressed into a liquid state by the serpentine belt that provides power to the compressor in your vehicle. Because of this pressure, the liquid is forced out of the compressor and into the hoses that make up your air conditioning hose assembly. These hoses are responsible for transporting refrigerant throughout the system. Regardless of the type of system that your automobile employs, the compressed refrigerant must first cool off in the condenser, which is located on the high-pressure side of the system, before it can proceed to the air conditioning evaporator core, which is located on the low-pressure side.
The condenser works like a small radiator, absorbing heat from the liquid before it reaches the AC in-line filter, which removes debris that could contaminate the system. Depending on the system, the now-cooled refrigerant flows through the expansion valve or orifice tube. Gaseous refrigerant travels through the evaporator core, absorbing heat from air passing through the fins. This cools the cabin and returns the warm refrigerant to the compressor.
If you think your vehicle’s AC may not be working properly, don’t hesitate to book an appointment on our website or visit us at 15532 Main Street East in Sumner.
