An automotive air conditioning system can be classified into four basic parts - a compressor (Pump driven by the engine,) which compresses and circulate gas, the condenser to dissipate heat and condense gas to a liquid, an evaporator to remove heat from the car and dehumidify refrigerant and an expansion device called an orifice tube or a thermal expansion valve (TXV), (dependent on the type of air conditioner system used).

Your car air conditioner system is designed to pull the heat from the air within the inside of the vehicle then send it to the outside, leaving only cooled or 'conditioned' air behind 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

• Make sure air vent temperature is correct

• Condenser temperature inspection
  
  
• Suction line temperature inspection
  
  
• Adjust drive belt and pulley
  
  
• Check operation of thermostats and valves
  
  
• Condenser fins cleaned
  
  
• Evaluate condition of of hoses and components
  
  
• Evacuation and recharge of refrigerant (where required)
  
  
• Use electronic leak detector to ensure no system lines and components leak

Seizing of the compressor can be prevented by checking or changing the oil in the refrigerant. When the air filters are jammed with dirt and bacteria it will affect the performance of the entire system and it can even cause it to break down altogether. In addition to impacting air conditioner performance, dirty air filters can cause all kinds of health problems too.

An automotive air conditioner system must be examined annually for any signs of failure of the seals, hoses and connections and ensure refrigerant levels are being maintained over time. Regular service of your air conditioning System 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 usage.

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Your car air conditioner system is designed to pull the heat from the air within the inside of the vehicle and move it to the outside, leaving only cooled or 'conditioned' air behind 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.

Although it functions in a way like a domestic refrigerator, there are still significant differences. Seeing as it is mounted on your car, the air conditioning system is subject to a vast amount of movement and vibration in addition to operating in an outdoor environment.

Being exposed to the mercy of the elements and very intense operating conditions and being switched on occasionally rather than being 'Always On' can have a detrimental effect on the connections, seals and hoses. Your air conditioning System should be examined annually as well as being serviced 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 damp environment can support the development of microbes, bacteria 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. Modern evaporator units tend to be more efficient, yet have increased capability to trap moisture and allow for micro-organism development.

Harry`s Auto Care mechanics make use of special ultrasonic technology to kill any micro-organisms possibly causing any bad smells 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.