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Auto air conditioning systems are essential to keeping your car cool and comfortable as you drive. Part of being a responsible car owner is understanding how your air conditioning unit operates. Knowing the basics should help you choose the best possible repair option should a need for it arise.

5 Things You Need to Know About Your Auto Air Conditioning System

1. Compressor

The compressor is the heart of your car’s air conditioning system. It is powered by the drive belt that’s connected to your engine’s crankshaft. Its job is to pump refrigerant vapor and decompress it so it gains heat. The compressor then allows the gas to decompress to lose this heat at a rapid rate.

auto air conditioning2. Condenser

The condenser is located near your car’s radiator and looks like it as well. It cools down the refrigerant vapor and turns it into liquid by generating high levels of heat. From there, heat is removed by air found outside of the condenser. The refrigerant vapor is then transposed to the receiver to eliminate moisture.

3. Receiver

The receiver is a reservoir vessel designed to hold the liquid refrigerant. This is found in between the expansion valve and the condenser and is usually located on the high-pressure side of the system. It contains a desiccant, which is a moisture absorbing element that dries out the environment. The receiver makes sure that only liquid refrigerant reaches the expansion valve to avoid causing serious auto air conditioning issues.

4. Expansion Valve

Once moisture is completely removed from the liquid refrigerant, it’s delivered to the expansion valve, which removes the pressure. Due to the lack of pressure, the liquid refrigerant reaches its coldest stage before it reaches the evaporator.

5. Evaporator

The evaporator is found outside the engine bay and also looks similar to your radiator. When liquid refrigerant enters the evaporator, it’s exposed to the warmth from the passenger’s compartment and is forced to reach its boiling state. The high temperature forces the liquid refrigerant to return to its gaseous state. When liquid refrigerant turns into gas, it absorbs the heat from its surroundings and cools down the evaporator coils. This ensures that only cold air blows from the evaporator coils to the vents of your air conditioner.

 

Your auto air conditioning system is a lot simpler than you might think. It follows basic principles of condensation and evaporation to cool you down as you drive. If you would like to learn more from a reliable auto mechanic, get in touch with A-1 Auto A/C Specialist & General Auto Repair in Honolulu, HI. This auto repair company has an A+ credit rating from the BBB®. Call (808) 836-2939 or visit their website to learn more about their services.

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