A car air conditioner system contains four basic parts - a belt driven pump called a compressor to compress and circulate gas, a condenser, which behaves similarly to a radiator to release heat and condense gas to a liquid, the evaporator (a type of heat exchanger) to withdraw heat from the car and dehumidify refrigerant and an expansion device known as an orifice tube or a thermal expansion valve (TXV), (depending on the type of air-con system used).

Your car air conditioning system is designed to extract excess heat from the air in the inside of the vehicle then transfer it out of the vehicle, leaving only cooled or 'conditioned' air behind to be recirculated. As hot air is passed across the fins of the evaporator the heat is easily absorbed by the refrigerant (in gas form), effectively removing the heat from the air in the car and taking it outside.

The now heated gas is pulled through the compressor where it is further heated (via compression) to a very high temperature. The refrigerant is then literally forced through the condenser, allowing the cooler outside air to quickly extract the heat from the refrigerant as it is condensed to a liquid. The refrigerant then moves through the expansion device (either a TXV or Orifice tube), which regulates the flow of refrigerant going to the evaporator. At this point the refrigerant expands back into a gas form and the entire process begins all over again.

 

A typical air conditioner service may include

• Assess air vent temperature

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

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

An automotive air conditioner system should be inspected annually for any signs of problems with the seals, hoses and connections to make sure there is no loss of refrigerant over time. Regular service of your car air conditioner 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 reduces fuel consumption.

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Your car air conditioning system is designed to extract excess heat from the air in the inside of the vehicle then exhaust it out of the vehicle, leaving only cooled or 'conditioned' air behind to be recirculated. This is achieved using a special compound called refrigerant, capable of readily absorbing heat as a gas and quickly losing heat as a liquid.

Even though it functions in a way similar to a domestic refrigerator, there are various significant differences. Because it is mounted on your car, the air conditioning system is subject to a large amount of movement and vibration in addition to functioning outdoors.

Being exposed to the elements and very extreme operating conditions and being operated occasionally rather than being 'Always On' can cause problems on the hoses, connections and seals. Your automotive air conditioner must be checked yearly as well as being properly serviced at least every two years 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. If the system is run infrequently, seals may dry and crack allowing them to leak and the air conditioning system can lose as much as 15% of its refrigerant in a single year. Even without leaks, the gas in a car air conditioning system will eventually degrade or evaporate over time and should be recharged regularly to keep the air con system in peak running condition

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Under Australian law, only qualified mechanics with the appropriate licences are able to service or repair car air conditioning systems, especially where regas (recharging of the refrigerant) is concerned. Strict guidelines and procedures must be adhered to when handling refrigerant, 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, which can seriously damage the system.

You can find out more about licensing on the Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC) Website.

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The core of the evaporator can become a breeding ground for microbes, bacteria and even fungus due to the moist environment. This can lead to nasty smells and possibly even be bad for the health of any vehicle occupants. Although modern evaporator units may be more efficient, having more fins means they are often more likely to trap moisture allowing microorganism growth.

Carrington Street Auto Repairs mechanics are able to use specialised ultrasonic technology to get rid of any micro-organisms that may cause unpleasant smells or health issues.

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.