Air Conditioners, including that fitted in your cars, are designed to remove unwelcome 'heat ' from inside, dehumidify the cabin atmosphere and supply cool air for the comfort of the occupants. Each automotive air conditioning system works by taking the heat from the cabin air to heat and evaporate the refrigerant liquid like Freon.
The liquid is pressurized by the compressor and although it takes the heat from the air it vaporizes in the expansion valve and the 'hot ' gas is circulated through a sequence of tubes to diffuse the heat and in the process the Freon gets cold. By this time it is clear that the most significant part, in the rather complicated layout verbally described above, is the compressor which is the same as the heart in your body and the Freon is like blood. Initially cold Freon is passed through metal tubing to the dash area in your vehicle to the 'evaporator zone'.
This where the heat needs to be removed from and has an 'evaporator core ' looking rather like a small radiator with thin tubes and metal fins, the sole difference being there is no coolant or anti-freeze and this is cold in contrast to the radiator which is always hot. A small fan or blower, which is controlled for its speed and volume of air delivery from your cabin, fitted behind the evaporator blows the air thru the evaporator griddles and into your cabin. Freon soaks up the heat from the cabin with the aid of the 'condenser ' fitted in the front next to the radiator.
Freon circulating back from the cabin carries the heat thru rubber and metal tubes and the condenser has coils of aluminium and Freon is forced through fine slits while the electrical cooling fan mounted in front or behind the condenser removes the heat. The cycle is repeated continuously so that the atmosphere in the cabin remains cool.
After having been familiarized with how your vehicle air conditioner works and what its major components are, it will be fascinating to see what all possibly could go screwy and the way to remedy them. Some of the commonest of such Problems include:
- Low or total lack of air movement across the condenser- this is going to be due to Problems with the electric cooling fan. Check to determine if this is turning (in models with fan blades identifiable) or if undecided you have to call your mechanic
- Low Freon level - this should be doubted if the cooling potency is low i.e, even with the automobile AC fully ON there's very small cooling inside. That problem could only be attended by a certified AC technician.
- AC is working in total but cooling is poor and engine is overheating "this happens in models where there are no separate fans for condenser and radiator, which shares a typical large fan or engine is overheating due to other Problems and cuts down the condenser potency. In all cases reach for the telephone and call your garage, before you've more serious problems with your vehicle.
- If the air conditioner does not begin at all check and confirm that there's blown fuse or the switch isn't disconnected while cleaning for example. Electric connections can be often the culprit, which can sometimes be found out with a little experience.
- If your car requires a complete change or replacement of major parts like compressor, get it from the OEM and check that the refrigerant is the right one. (R12 is being Withdrawn)
It should be borne in mind that the refrigerant which in older models is R-12, substance renowned for its detrimental result on the environment due to 'ozone layer depletion'. In addition, the substance is responsible to cause injury to your skin and eyes if you try to fool with the automobile air-conditioning system and coincidentally lets it leak. In short auto air conditioners have very little 'user serviceable ' parts or elements and need the assistance of a qualified and certified mechanic.
Whenever low Freon level is suspected or low cooling is felt despite everything else allegedly fine, don't desist from seeking professional help from qualified personnel. It could be opportune to mention here that old models of automobiles using R12 as the refrigerant has only up to 2013 to continue to restore the banned substance.
No new autos are allowed to use R12, but has to switch to R134A or similar environment friendly refrigerants as specified in the Montreal Custom and directives by the EPA. Some car makers have already started selling retro-fit kits and if and when your automobile desires servicing or repairing of AC, check if you are still using R12 or any other illegal substance and change over to authorised refrigerants Asap.
About the Author:
John Wright is referred to as an internationally circulated writer, voicing his opinion on a distinct assortment of themes, covering anything from Audi Repair to politics, religion to automitive air conditioning. His insightful articles are available from websites world-wide.
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