How does Car air conditioning get rid of heat from a vehicle?

An automotive air conditioning system can be broken down to four basic parts - a pump driven by a belt, known as a compressor (to compress and ciculate gas), a radiator like unit called a condenser to remove heat and condense gas to a liquid, an expansion device, either an orifice tube or a thermal expansion valve (TXV) (subject to the sort of air-con system used). Systems using orifice tubes also have an accumulator before the compressor to remove moisture from the refrigerant while TXV systems have a receiver-dryer before the evaporator to perform the same crucial task. Both the accumulator and receiver-drier are also used to store refrigerant.

Your car air conditioning system is designed to remove the excess heat from the air in the interior area of the vehicle and transfer it out of the car, leaving only cooled or 'conditioned' air to be redistributed. Hot air is passed across a gas filled evaporator, where the heat is easily absorbed by the refrigerant (in gas form), effectively removing the heat from the air in the car.

The now heated gas is pulled through the compressor where it is further heated (via compression). The next stage involves the refrigerant being forced through the condenser to quickly extract the heat from the refrigerant. The refrigerant, now condensed to a liquid, then moves through the expansion device (either a TXV or Orifice tube), which regulates the flow of refrigerant going to the evaporator, changing the high-pressure liquid to a low-pressure mist (gas). A fan blowing over the cold fins of the evaporator produces the cold air being blown into the car and the entire process then begins all over again.

What comprises a car air conditioner service?

A typical air conditioner service may include some of the following items;

• Air vent temperature assessment

• ensure condenser temperature correct
  
  
• Suction line temperature evaluation
  
  
• Drive belt and pulley adjusted
  
  
• Validate correct operation of valves and thermostats
  
  
• Ensure cleanliness of the fins of the condenser
  
  
• Assess condition of hoses and components
  
  
• Evacuation and recharge of refrigerant (where required)
  
  
• System line and component check with electronic tester

Why do I need a car air conditioner system service?

Checking or changing the oil level in the refrigerant passing through the compressor can help avoid it seizing up. Air filters clogged with dirt and bacteria it will affect the performance of the entire system and it can even cause it to quit operating altogether. In addition to impacting air conditioner efficiency, dirty air filters can cause all kinds of health problems too.

An automotive air conditioner system needs to be checked for problems yearly for any signs of problems with the hoses, connections and seals and confirm there is no reduction of refrigerant over time. Regularly servicing your automotive air con system keeps refrigerant at optimum levels meaning the system does not need to work as hard and this in turn protects the system from damage and lowers your fuel consumption.

Why does the car air conditioner need to be serviced?

Your car air conditioning system is designed to remove the excess heat from the air in the interior area of the vehicle out of the car, leaving only cooled or 'conditioned' air to be redistributed. This is achieved using a special compound called refrigerant, capable of readily absorbing heat as a gas and quickly losing heat as a liquid.

Being exposed to the mercy of the elements and very stressful operating temperatures and being expected to run occasionally rather than being 'Always On' can cause failure of the hoses, connections and seals. An automotive air conditioner system should be examined on a regular basis to ensure there are no problems or refrigerant loss due to failure or leakage from these points.

Simply by cooling the air in your car under normal running conditions, the filters of the air con get dirty and intermittent use can cause seals to dry and crack, allowing them to leak. Even without leaks, the gas in a car air conditioning system will eventually begin to degrade or evaporate over time and should be recharged where required to keep the air con system in peak running condition.

Can I service my own Air Conditioner?

Only qualified mechanics with the appropriate training should attempt to service a car air conditioner. Specific licences are required to be able to service or repair some types of car air conditioning systems, especially where regas (recharging of the refrigerant) is concerned. Strict guidelines and procedures must be adhered to when handling certain refrigerants, which must always be fully recovered and not allowed to escape into the atmosphere during servicing.

Refrigerant can also pose serious health risks if handled incorrectly. Specialist equipment is also required as the air conditioning system is under extreme pressure and must be pulled into a deep vacuum to remove any moisture, to avoid seriously damaging the system.

Riverland Auto Repairs can arrange Air Conditioning Service with a Licenced Technician. You can find out more about licensing on the Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC) Website.

What causes a bad smell in car air conditioning?

The moist environment inside the evaporator core can promote the development of bacteria, microbes and even fungus growth. This can lead to nasty smells and possibly even be bad for the health of any vehicle occupants. Modern evaporator units tend to be more efficient, but more fins equals increased capability to trap moisture and allow for micro-organism development.

Riverland Auto Repairs mechanics make use of special ultrasonic technology to ensure elimination of any micro-organisms that may be the source of bad odours or health concerns.

Just ask about our MIST service, which will kill any bacteria that may be lurking in your car’s air system. These bacteria can cause odours and even make you sick, especially if you have allergies or asthma. A MIST service doesn’t just make your car smell better - it makes it healthier for you and your family.