How an Air Conditioner Works
Air conditioning facilitates the removal of heat from inside the vehicle. The
principle applied is that heat is removed by conduction and convection. An evaporator
which is cold absorbs the heat from the air that is passed through it and then cold
air is forced out through the vents inside the car by the blower motor. This is
done by pressurizing refrigerant (134a) with a compressor and then releasing refrigerant
(134a) inside the air conditioner evaporator.
Car Air Conditioner System Some automobiles are equipped with an automatic climate control system to regulate the temperature inside the car automatically. The climate control module is a computer which monitors and adjusts to a temperature set by the user. The temperature is controlled by a combination of cold air from the air conditioner, and hot air from the heater to achieve a desired temperature. The blower motor speed is controlled by a solid state speed controller. This controller electrically controls the speed of the blower motor and replaces the conventional blower motor resistor system.
Typical Air Conditioner System Configuration
The air conditioning and heating unit provides thermal comfort to passengers inside no matter what the temperature is outside. The air inside can be heated, cooled, filtered or ventilated. The climate control feature helps to maintain the desired temperature. The system that provides cooling, heating and climate control is known as the HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning) system. Basic principles of fluid mechanics, thermodynamics and heat transfer provide cold and heat for the particular system. Your climate control settings allow all three to work together to achieve good indoor air quality, thermal comfort and optimal pressure.
Climate Control Panel The climate control system can store trouble codes when a problem is detected in the system. You can retrieve codes by pressing two or more buttons on the control panel at the same time. To find out how to retrieve trouble codes for you vehicle check your owner's manual or consult a repair manual. When the code retrieval system is enabled a trouble code will appear on the temperature control head. After repairs have been made the system will need to be re-enabled this is done by disconnecting the battery for 45 seconds and reconnecting the battery. Testing can be aborted at anytime by turning the key to the off position. Compressor The air conditioning compressor is the refrigerant pump of the air conditioning system. The compressor compresses refrigerant inside the system and circulates it to the condenser and then to the evaporator. The evaporator is where the pressurized refrigerant is released, causing a drop in pressure resulting in a cold evaporator, the low pressure refrigerant is then returned to the compressor to be re-pressurized. The air conditioning compressor is driven by a serpentine belt that is powered by the engine and can be engaged and disengaged by an electromagnetic coil on the front of the compressor.
Air Conditioner Compressor
To maintain the efficiency of the air conditioning system the compressor belt should be checked regularly. If it is worn out or degenerated it should be replaced. The system's hoses should be checked for deterioration, bubbles, cracks and hardening or oily residue, all could be signs of leakage. The correct refrigerant charge should always be maintained, low system refrigerant charge is a common cause of a weak AC system. Odors can developed in the air conditioning system when a fungus has grown on the evaporator core. Warm damp surroundings provided the perfect breeding ground for fungus, which grows with moisture. Aerosol disinfectants can be used to remedy this condition. While the air conditioner system is running on the full high setting with recirculation feature activated, spray a disinfectant (Lysol, Ozium) into the inlet of the ac system (under the dash on the passenger's side), be aware whatever you spray will come out of the upper vents, so you may not want your face in front of any vents when doing this procedure. Odors can be prevented from returning by repeating this procedure periodically throughout the summer months. Basic Maintenance
Car Air Conditioner System Some automobiles are equipped with an automatic climate control system to regulate the temperature inside the car automatically. The climate control module is a computer which monitors and adjusts to a temperature set by the user. The temperature is controlled by a combination of cold air from the air conditioner, and hot air from the heater to achieve a desired temperature. The blower motor speed is controlled by a solid state speed controller. This controller electrically controls the speed of the blower motor and replaces the conventional blower motor resistor system.
Typical Air Conditioner System Configuration
The air conditioning and heating unit provides thermal comfort to passengers inside no matter what the temperature is outside. The air inside can be heated, cooled, filtered or ventilated. The climate control feature helps to maintain the desired temperature. The system that provides cooling, heating and climate control is known as the HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning) system. Basic principles of fluid mechanics, thermodynamics and heat transfer provide cold and heat for the particular system. Your climate control settings allow all three to work together to achieve good indoor air quality, thermal comfort and optimal pressure.
Climate Control Panel The climate control system can store trouble codes when a problem is detected in the system. You can retrieve codes by pressing two or more buttons on the control panel at the same time. To find out how to retrieve trouble codes for you vehicle check your owner's manual or consult a repair manual. When the code retrieval system is enabled a trouble code will appear on the temperature control head. After repairs have been made the system will need to be re-enabled this is done by disconnecting the battery for 45 seconds and reconnecting the battery. Testing can be aborted at anytime by turning the key to the off position. Compressor The air conditioning compressor is the refrigerant pump of the air conditioning system. The compressor compresses refrigerant inside the system and circulates it to the condenser and then to the evaporator. The evaporator is where the pressurized refrigerant is released, causing a drop in pressure resulting in a cold evaporator, the low pressure refrigerant is then returned to the compressor to be re-pressurized. The air conditioning compressor is driven by a serpentine belt that is powered by the engine and can be engaged and disengaged by an electromagnetic coil on the front of the compressor.
Air Conditioner Compressor
To maintain the efficiency of the air conditioning system the compressor belt should be checked regularly. If it is worn out or degenerated it should be replaced. The system's hoses should be checked for deterioration, bubbles, cracks and hardening or oily residue, all could be signs of leakage. The correct refrigerant charge should always be maintained, low system refrigerant charge is a common cause of a weak AC system. Odors can developed in the air conditioning system when a fungus has grown on the evaporator core. Warm damp surroundings provided the perfect breeding ground for fungus, which grows with moisture. Aerosol disinfectants can be used to remedy this condition. While the air conditioner system is running on the full high setting with recirculation feature activated, spray a disinfectant (Lysol, Ozium) into the inlet of the ac system (under the dash on the passenger's side), be aware whatever you spray will come out of the upper vents, so you may not want your face in front of any vents when doing this procedure. Odors can be prevented from returning by repeating this procedure periodically throughout the summer months. Basic Maintenance
- Automotive charging kits are available at any auto parts store and it is recommended to buy can with fluorescent refrigerant dye which can help to point out the location of any refrigerant leaks. The kit will have instructions to add the refrigerant safely. Protective eyewear should be used when handling pressurized refrigerant cans.
- Sometimes bugs, leaves and dust particles can get stuck in the condenser fins. Foreign objects and dirt can be cleaned with the help of a garden hose or compressed air forced through the radiator and condenser backwards until clean.