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

A car air conditioner is designed to withdraw heat from the air in the interior area of the vehicle then move it outside, leaving only cooled or 'conditioned' air 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

• Make sure air vent temperature is correct

• ensure condenser temperature ok
  
  
• Check suction line temperature correct
  
  
• Ensure correct drive belt & pulley operation
  
  
• Check operation of valves and thermostats
  
  
• Confirm condenser fins are free of dirt or debris
  
  
• Inspection of hoses and components
  
  
• Evacuation and recharge of refrigerant (where required)
  
  
• Check system lines and components for leaks

The oil level in the refrigerant needs to checked & replenished to prevent the compressor from seizing up. Should the air filters be jammed with dirt and bacteria it will affect the performance of the entire system and it can even cause it to stop functioning completely. Aside from inhibiting air conditioner performance, dirty air filters can cause all kinds of health problems too.

An automotive air conditioner ought to be checked for problems once a year for any signs of failure of the connections, hoses and seals and ensure there is no leaking of refrigerant over time. Regularly servicing your auto 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 consumed.

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A car air conditioner is designed to withdraw heat from the air in the interior area of the vehicle then move it outside, leaving only cooled or 'conditioned' air 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.

Although it functions in a similar way to a domestic refrigerator, there are still various significant differences. As it is mounted on your car, the air conditioner is subject to a sizable amount of movement and vibration in addition to having to perform in an outdoor environment.

Being exposed to the mercy of the elements and very stressful operating conditions and being expected to operate occasionally rather than being 'Always On' can cause issues with the seals, hoses and connections. A car air conditioner must be checked yearly in addition to being properly serviced every 24 months 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 damp environment inside the evaporator core can support the development of microbes, bacteria and even fungus growth. This can lead to nasty smells and possibly even be bad for the health of any vehicle occupants. Although modern evaporator units tend to be more efficient, they have an increased capability to trap moisture and allow for micro-organism development.

Auto Care Ocean Grove mechanics are able to use specialised ultrasonic technology to kill any micro-organisms that may be causing unpleasant odours 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.