Learn about your Car’s Air Conditioning System

An important aspect of car care involves keeping the air conditioning well serviced. You want to make sure that your vehicle’s AC is always working at its optimal efficiency. Read on to get familiar with the five main components of a car’s air conditioning system:

Air conditioner compressor: This is the heart of your vehicle’s AC system. The air conditioner compressor pressurizes refrigerant so that the air is cooled, adjusts and controls temperatures inside and outside the vehicle, and transfers air into the condenser. For this whole process, AC compressor oil must be adequately be filled.

AC Condenser: The condenser is situated at the car radiator’s front and ensures that the temperature is kept low. It also functions to lower the pressure of any hot gases that the refrigerant might release. Along with the air conditioner compressor, the condenser also is an important part of the air-conditioning system. The main job of the condenser is to transport cool refrigerant liquid straight to the dryer/accumulator.

Dryer or Accumulator: Not all cars have an accumulator or dryer – it differs from each model to make of car. If your car’s AC system has a TX valve, it probably will have an accumulator too. The job of the dryer or the accumulator is to use a desiccant to separate liquid and gas so that only gas enters the air conditioner compressor. 

Thermal Expansion Valve: Cars with a thermal expansion (TX) valve will ideally have a dryer, and those with an orifice tube will have accumulators. The TX valve or the orifice tube is placed between the condenser and the evaporator to precisely monitor the pressure and temperature levels of the whole AC system and control the amount of refrigerant entering the evaporator.

Evaporator: Situated right behind the car’s dashboard, the evaporator’s function is to ensure cool refreshing air is released through the vents inside the car. The evaporator must cool the car’s insides with the refrigerant. 

While these are just the basics, it is a great place to start knowing your AC compressor oil and parts of your car’s air conditioning system. It will make it easier to understand your AC mechanic when you take your car for servicing or repairs.For best in class car ac repairs and maintenance, trust Cool Air Conditioning AC mechanics.