An automotive air conditioner system is composed of four basic parts - a pump, driven by a belt and called a compressor (to compress and ciculate gas), a radiator like unit known as a condenser to release heat and condense gas to a liquid, the evaporator (a type of heat exchanger) to take the heat from the car and dehumidify refrigerant and an expansion device usually a thermal expansion valve (TXV) or an orifice tube, (depending on the type of air conditioner system used).

A car air conditioner system is designed to extract excess heat from the air inside the vehicle then relocate it out of the vehicle, 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

• Air vent temperature check

• Assess condenser temperature
  
  
• Check suction line temperature is correct
  
  
• Drive belt and pulley adjusted
  
  
• Operational check of thermostats and valves
  
  
• Ensure condenser fins are free of dirt or debris
  
  
• Inspection of components and hoses
  
  
• Evacuation and recharge of refrigerant (where required)
  
  
• Use electronic leak detector to test system lines and components for leaks

Checking or changing the oil level in the refrigerant can prevent the compressor seizing up. If the air filters are plugged with dirt and bacteria it will affect the performance of the entire system and it can even cause it to quit functioning completely. In addition to impacting air conditioner efficiency, dirty air filters can cause all kinds of health problems too.

Your vehicle air conditioner system must be checked for problems once a year for any signs of decay of the connections, hoses and seals to ensure refrigerant is not leaking over time. Regular service of your automotive 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 results in a reduction of fuel expenditure.

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A car air conditioner system is designed to extract excess heat from the air inside the vehicle and relocate it out of the vehicle, 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.

Even though it operates much like a domestic refrigerator, there are a number of significant differences. Being mounted on your car, the air conditioner is subjected to a vast amount of movement and vibration in addition to having to perform outdoors.

Being exposed to the mercy of the elements and very stressful operating conditions and being expected to function occasionally rather than being 'Always On' can cause issues with the connections, seals and hoses. Your air conditioner should be checked annually and 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 moist environment can support the development of bacteria, microbes and even fungus growth inside the evaporator core. This can lead to nasty smells and possibly even be bad for the health of any vehicle occupants. While modern evaporator units tend to be more efficient, they have an increased capability to trap moisture and allow for micro-organism development.

Brighton Tyre & Auto Centre mechanics have the capability to use specialist ultrasonic technology to get rid of any micro-organisms that may cause unpleasant odours or health concerns.

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.