Air Conditioners, including that fitted in your automobiles, are built to remove unwanted 'heat ' from within, dehumidify the cabin atmosphere and supply cool air for the comfort of the occupants. Every automotive air conditioning system works by taking the heat from the cabin air to heat and disperse 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 expansion valve and the 'hot ' gas is circulated through a sequence of tubes to diffuse the heat and in the process the Freon gets cold. By this time it is clear that the most significant part, in the rather complicated layout verbally described above, is the compressor which is the same as the heart in your body and the Freon is like blood. Initially cold Freon is passed through metal tubing to the dash area in your vehicle to the 'evaporator zone'.
This where the heat should be removed from and has an 'evaporator core ' looking a little like a tiny radiator with thin tubes and metal fins, the only difference being there isn't any coolant or anti-freeze and this is cold not like the radiator which is always hot. A tiny 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 absorbs 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 thru fine slits while the electric cooling fan mounted in front or behind the condenser takes away the heat. The cycle is repeated steadily so the atmosphere in the cabin remains cool.
After having been familiarized with how your car air conditioner works and what its major parts are, it'll be interesting to see what all most likely could go bad and the way to remedy them. Some of the most common of such Problems include:
- Low or total shortage of air flow across the condenser- this may be due to Problems with the electric cooling fan. Check to see if this is turning (in models with fan blades visible) or if unsure you must call your technician
- Low Freon level - this is going to be doubted if the cooling potency is low i.e, even with the vehicle AC entirely ON there's very little cooling inside. This problem could only be attended by an authorized AC mechanic.
- AC is working in full , but cooling is poor and engine is overheating "this happens in models where there are no separate fans for condenser and radiator, which shares a common big fan or engine is overheating due to other Problems and cuts down the condenser potency. In both cases reach for the telephone and call your garage, before you have got more heavy problems with your car.
- If the air conditioner does not begin at all check and confirm that there's blown fuse or the switch isn't disconnected while cleaning and so on. Electric connections can be regularly the guilty party, which can sometimes be found out with a little experience.
- If your automobile requires a complete change or replacement of major components like compressor, get it from the OEM and check that the refrigerant is the correct one. (R12 is being Phased Out)
It should be borne under consideration the refrigerant which in older models is R-12, substance known for its adverse effect on the environment due to 'ozone layer depletion'. Additionally, the substance is liable to cause injury to your skin and eyes if you try and mess with the car air conditioning system and inadvertently lets it leak. In short car air conditioners have little 'user serviceable ' parts or parts and require the help of a professional and authorized technician.
Whenever low Freon level is suspected or low cooling is felt in spite of the rest reputedly fine, do not refrain from looking for pro help from qualified staff. It may be opportune to say here that old models of vehicles using R12 as the refrigerant has only up to 2013 to replace the banned substance.
No new vehicles are permitted to use R12, but has to change to R134A or similar environmentally-friendly refrigerants as laid out in the Montreal Protocol and directives by the EPA. Some vehicle makers have just started promoting retro-fit kits and if or when your vehicle wants servicing or repair of AC, check if you're still using R12 or any other illegal substance and change over to authorized refrigerants A.S.A.P.
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referred to as an
internationally circulated
writer, voicing his opinion on a distinct
assortment
of themes, covering
anything from BMW accessories to politics, religion to BMW Service. His insightful articles
are available
from websites world-wide.
