The air conditioning system in your car is designed to cool the passenger cabin and remove humidity. It also recirculates filtered and clean air throughout the cabin. This is particularly beneficial to those suffering from allergies or respiratory issues. The cooling and filtration systems help to eliminate musty or foul odors by removing moisture, pollen and dust from the interior of your vehicle.
Air conditioning Auto air conditioning is a highly sophisticated system with many interconnected parts, and like any mechanical system it is subject to wear and tear. Regular inspections and maintenance are vital to keeping your Auto air conditioning system working properly. Our experienced technicians have the knowledge and precision tools required to diagnose even the most complex of problems.
There are several key components of your air conditioning system which are critical to its function and operation, the compressor, condenser and evaporator. The compressor is responsible for pressurizing and circulating the refrigerant throughout the system. It heats and compresses the low pressure liquid refrigerant into high-pressure gas which is sent to the condenser. The condenser acts much like a mini radiator, dissipating heat from the refrigerant to the surrounding air, which cools it down to a liquid state.
Lastly, the refrigerant is pumped through the evaporator coils which are located in the passenger compartment. The evaporator looks similar to a radiator with its coils of tubes and fins, however it has one crucial difference; it is designed to absorb heat from the cabin rather than dissipate it. The evaporator is a low-temperature coil which takes the warm air in the passenger cabin, and along with any water vapour that may be present, it is cooled down to a very cold temperature by the refrigerant, and into the evaporator’s hoses.
At the evaporator there is an expansion valve which operates on the same principle as the needle and seat in a carburetor. Based on the return air temperature and the temperature of the evaporator coils, the expansion valve either restricts or opens the flow of refrigerant into the evaporator.
Once the desired temperature has been reached, the air con system switches off and the heater takes over, warming the cabin a little by re-heating the refrigerant. This is important as it saves on the cost of reheating hot refrigerant and also helps to reduce fuel consumption, as re-heating is not free.
A well-functioning air conditioner reduces strain on the engine and helps improve fuel efficiency by up to 8%. It can also prevent driver fatigue and dehydration, especially when driving long distances in the heat. A functional air conditioning system can also increase the resale value of your car as potential buyers view it as an essential feature. In addition, a poorly functioning or non-functioning air conditioning system can cause discomfort for passengers and can result in health and safety hazards. Therefore it is always worth checking the condition of your air conditioning system regularly and seeking expert advice as needed.