Automotive Air Conditioning is designed to remove unwelcome 'heat ' from inside, dehumidify the cabin atmosphere and supply cool air for the comfort of the occupants.
Each aircon system works by taking the heat from the cabin air to heat and vaporize 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 growth valve and the 'hot ' gas is circulated through a series of tubes to disperse the heat and in the procedure the Freon gets cold.
By this point it is clear that the most important element, in the rather complicated layout verbally noted above, is the compressor which is similar to the heart in your body and the Freon is like blood. Initially cold Freon is passed through metal tubes to the dash area in your automobile to the 'evaporator zone'.
This where the heat needs to be removed from and has an 'evaporator core ' resembling a miniature radiator with thin tubes and metal fins, the one and only difference being there is no coolant or anti-freeze and this is cold not like 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 through the evaporator grills and into your cabin. Freon soaks up the heat from the cabin with assistance from the 'condenser ' fitted in the front next to the radiator.
Freon circulating back from the cabin carries the heat through rubber and metal tubes and the condenser has coils of aluminum and Freon is forced through fine slits while the electric cooling fan mounted in front or behind the condenser takes away the heat. The cycle is repeated continuously so the atmosphere in the cabin remains cool.
After having been familiarized with how your automotive air conditioning works and what its major parts are, it will be fascinating to see what all presumably could go bad and how to cure them. Some of the most common of such issues include:
- Low or total lack of air flow across the condenser- this could be due to issues with the electric cooling fan. Check to see if this is turning (in models with fan blades detectable) or if unsure you should call your mechanic
- Low Freon level - this may be doubted if the cooling efficiency is low i.e, even with the auto AC entirely ON there's very tiny cooling inside. That issue could only be attended by a certified AC engineer.
- AC is working completely but cooling is poor and engine is overheating this occurs in models where there aren't any separate fans for condenser and radiator, which shares a standard large fan or engine is overheating due to other Problems and cuts down the condenser efficiency. In either case reach for the telephone and call your garage, before you've got more heavy problems with your car.
- If the air conditioner doesn't begin at all check and confirm that there is blown fuse or the switch is not disconnected while cleaning for example. Electric connections can be frequently the culprit, which can sometimes be found out with a little experience.
- If your auto requires a complete change or replacement of major components like compressor, get it from the OEM and check the refrigerant is the proper one. (R12 is being Retired)
It should be borne in mind that the refrigerant which in older models is R-12, substance renowned for its unfavorable effect on the environment due to 'ozone layer depletion'. In addition, the substance is liable to cause injury to your skin and eyes if you try and tamper with the car air con system and coincidentally lets it leak. In short auto air conditioners have very little 'user serviceable ' parts or elements and require the help of a certified and certified engineer.
Whenever low Freon level is suspected or low cooling is felt in spite of everything else seemingly fine, do not refrain from looking for professional help from qualified personnel. It could be opportune to mention here that old models of vehicles using R12 as the refrigerant has only up to 2013 to continue to replenish the banned substance.
No new autos are permitted to use R12, but has to switch to R134A or similar environment safe refrigerants as per the Montreal Custom and directives by the EPA. Some car makers have already started promoting retro-fit kits and if your car needs servicing or repair of AC, check if you're still using R12 or any other illegal substance and change over to authorised refrigerants A.S.A.P.
By Sean Wright.
Each aircon system works by taking the heat from the cabin air to heat and vaporize 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 growth valve and the 'hot ' gas is circulated through a series of tubes to disperse the heat and in the procedure the Freon gets cold.
By this point it is clear that the most important element, in the rather complicated layout verbally noted above, is the compressor which is similar to the heart in your body and the Freon is like blood. Initially cold Freon is passed through metal tubes to the dash area in your automobile to the 'evaporator zone'.
This where the heat needs to be removed from and has an 'evaporator core ' resembling a miniature radiator with thin tubes and metal fins, the one and only difference being there is no coolant or anti-freeze and this is cold not like 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 through the evaporator grills and into your cabin. Freon soaks up the heat from the cabin with assistance from the 'condenser ' fitted in the front next to the radiator.
Freon circulating back from the cabin carries the heat through rubber and metal tubes and the condenser has coils of aluminum and Freon is forced through fine slits while the electric cooling fan mounted in front or behind the condenser takes away the heat. The cycle is repeated continuously so the atmosphere in the cabin remains cool.
After having been familiarized with how your automotive air conditioning works and what its major parts are, it will be fascinating to see what all presumably could go bad and how to cure them. Some of the most common of such issues include:
- Low or total lack of air flow across the condenser- this could be due to issues with the electric cooling fan. Check to see if this is turning (in models with fan blades detectable) or if unsure you should call your mechanic
- Low Freon level - this may be doubted if the cooling efficiency is low i.e, even with the auto AC entirely ON there's very tiny cooling inside. That issue could only be attended by a certified AC engineer.
- AC is working completely but cooling is poor and engine is overheating this occurs in models where there aren't any separate fans for condenser and radiator, which shares a standard large fan or engine is overheating due to other Problems and cuts down the condenser efficiency. In either case reach for the telephone and call your garage, before you've got more heavy problems with your car.
- If the air conditioner doesn't begin at all check and confirm that there is blown fuse or the switch is not disconnected while cleaning for example. Electric connections can be frequently the culprit, which can sometimes be found out with a little experience.
- If your auto requires a complete change or replacement of major components like compressor, get it from the OEM and check the refrigerant is the proper one. (R12 is being Retired)
It should be borne in mind that the refrigerant which in older models is R-12, substance renowned for its unfavorable effect on the environment due to 'ozone layer depletion'. In addition, the substance is liable to cause injury to your skin and eyes if you try and tamper with the car air con system and coincidentally lets it leak. In short auto air conditioners have very little 'user serviceable ' parts or elements and require the help of a certified and certified engineer.
Whenever low Freon level is suspected or low cooling is felt in spite of everything else seemingly fine, do not refrain from looking for professional help from qualified personnel. It could be opportune to mention here that old models of vehicles using R12 as the refrigerant has only up to 2013 to continue to replenish the banned substance.
No new autos are permitted to use R12, but has to switch to R134A or similar environment safe refrigerants as per the Montreal Custom and directives by the EPA. Some car makers have already started promoting retro-fit kits and if your car needs servicing or repair of AC, check if you're still using R12 or any other illegal substance and change over to authorised refrigerants A.S.A.P.
By Sean Wright.
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