Automotive Air Conditioning is engineered to remove unwelcome ‘heat ‘ from within, dehumidify the cabin atmosphere and supply cool air for the comfort of the occupants.
Every aircon system works by taking the heat from the cabin air to heat and evaporate the refrigerant liquid like Freon. The liquid is pressurised by the compressor and while it takes the heat from the air it vaporises in the expansion valve and the ‘hot ‘ gas is circulated thru a sequence of tubes to diffuse the heat and in the procedure the Freon gets cold.
By this time it is clear that the most vital part, in the rather complicated layout verbally noted above, is the compressor which is like the heart in your body and the Freon is like blood. At first cold Freon is passed thru metal tubing to the dash area in your car to the ‘evaporator zone’.
This where the heat must be removed from and has an ‘evaporator core ‘ looking a bit like a miniature radiator with thin tubes and metal fins, the single difference being there isn't any coolant or anti-freeze and this is cold not like the radiator which is always hot.
A little 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 thru rubber and metal tubes and the condenser has coils of aluminum and Freon is forced thru fine slits while the electrical cooling fan mounted in front or behind the condenser takes away the heat. The cycle is repeated steadily so that the atmosphere in the cabin remains cool.
After having been familiarized with how your vehicle air conditioner works and what its major parts are, it will be engaging to see what all presumably could go wrong and the way to remedy them. Some of the most common of such Problems include:
- Low or total lack of air movement across the condenser- this could be due to issues with the electrical cooling fan. Check to see if this is turning (in models with fan blades perceivable) or if unsure you should call your technician
- Low Freon level – this may be doubted if the cooling efficiency is low i.e, even with the car AC totally ON there's very little cooling within. This issue could only be attended by a certified AC engineer.
- AC is working totally but cooling is poor and engine is overheating “this happens in models where there aren't any separate fans for condenser and radiator, which shares a standard huge fan or engine is overheating due to other Problems and cuts down the condenser potency. In both cases reach for the phone and call your garage, before you have got more heavy problems with your vehicle.
- If the air conditioner doesn't start at all check and confirm that there is blown fuse or the switch isn't disconnected while cleaning etc. Electric connections can be frequently the culprit, which can on occasion be found out with a little experience.
- If your vehicle requires a complete change or replacing of major components like compressor, get it from the OEM and check the refrigerant is the correct one. (R12 is being Phased Out)
It should be borne in mind that the refrigerant which in older models is R-12, substance renowned for its detrimental impact 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 meddle with the automobile air conditioning system and coincidentally lets it leak. In short automobile air conditioners have little ‘user serviceable ‘ parts or components and require the assistance of a professional and licensed engineer.
Whenever low Freon level is suspected or low cooling is felt in spite of the rest seemingly fine, don't refrain from looking for pro help from qualified staff. It could be opportune to mention here that old models of cars using R12 as the refrigerant has only up to 2013 to replace the banned substance.
No new autos are able to use R12, but has to switch to R134A or similar environmentally safe refrigerants as per the Montreal Custom and directives by the EPA. Some car makers have recently started promoting retro-fit kits and if your auto desires servicing or repair of AC, check if you're still using R12 or any other illegal substance and change over to approved refrigerants A.S.A.P.
John Wright is recognized as a globally published writer, voicing his thoughts and opinions on a distinctive selection of subjects, covering anything from Automotive Air Conditioning to politics, religion to BMW tyres. His insightful work is released on websites around the globe.
