Understanding the basics of Car Air Conditioning

When it comes to air conditioning repairs, Perth motorists can feel a great deal of frustration. Typically, you will only notice a problem with your air conditioning on a hot day, when it is being used heavily. This can lead to a very uncomfortable journey for you and your passengers. However, by understanding the basics of your car air conditioning system, you can be more familiar with the components and increase the likelihood of noticing a fault before it develops into a major fault.

The air conditioning system:

The air conditioning system of your car is very similar to a refrigerator, but with a different layout. The system is designed to move the heat from inside the interior of the car to outside and replace it with cool air. By understanding the basics of how the system works, you will have a greater insight into air conditioning repairs. Perth motorists can then have more confidence when explaining an issue to their repair professional.

The components:

There are a number of basic components within your air conditioning system which play a major role in its proper function. These include:

• The compressor: This component compresses the refrigerant in order for it to be transferred throughout the whole system.
• The refrigerant: This is the vehicle in which the heat is transported. It is generally labelled as R-134a refrigerant.
• The condenser: This component converts the gaseous form of refrigerant into a liquid form. This enables the heat to be more efficiently expelled from the interior of the car.
• The evaporator: This helps to cool the car by blowing air on to the liquid form of refrigerant, effectively transferring the heat.
• Expansion valve: This is a nozzle, which is used to drop the pressure of the liquid refrigerant, meter and atomise the flow of liquid.
• The dryer: This performs a filtering function, removing any contaminants and moisture from the system.

How it all works together:

The function of the air conditioning system can be explained simply. The gas refrigerant is pressurised from the compressor. This sends it into the condenser coils located near the car radiator. While the compression function creates additional heat into the air conditioning system, this heat is transferred by the refrigerant located in the evaporator which allows it to be transferred outside of the vehicle. As the refrigerant cools until it reaches a saturation point, it reverts into a liquid state and it then passed through the expansion valve into the evaporator. This allows the refrigerant to lose the additional pressure from the compressor.

Air conditioning repairs:

Before attempting any form of air conditioning repairs, Perth motorists should assess whether there is a refrigerant leak in the system. Leaks cause pressure irregularities in the system and allow the level of refrigerant to drop. If the air conditioning system is running but the air is not cool, the issue could be one of low pressure of lack of refrigerant. This can be easily resolved by detecting the leak and recharging the level of refrigerant.

If you are interested in learning more about air conditioning repairs Perth, Then motorists should contact us. We offer expert servicing and repairs including air conditioning and would be delighted to assist you.