A car air conditioning system could be seen as having four basic parts - a belt driven pump known as a compressor to compress and circulate gas, a radiator like unit called a condenser to release heat and condense gas to a liquid, the evaporator (a type of heat exchanger) to withdraw heat from the car and remove moisture from refrigerant and an expansion device known as a thermal expansion valve (TXV) or an orifice tube, (subject to the sort of a/c system used).

An automotive air conditioning is designed to absorb the heat from the air within the interior area of the car and send it to the outside, leaving only cooled or 'conditioned' air to be redistributed. 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

• Evaluate condenser temperature
  
  
• Check suction line temperature
  
  
• Corrections of pulley and drive belt
  
  
• Ensure that valves and thermostats are operating correctly
  
  
• Validate cleanliness of the condenser fins
  
  
• Ensure good condition of of components and hoses
  
  
• Evacuation and recharge of refrigerant (where required)
  
  
• System line and component evaluation with electronic tester

The oil level in the refrigerant needs to checked & replenished to prevent the compressor from seizing up. If the air filters become clogged with dirt and bacteria it will affect the performance of the entire system and it can even cause it to break down completely. In addition to reducing air conditioner efficiency, dirty air filters can cause all kinds of health problems too.

A vehicle air conditioner should be examined yearly for any signs of problems with the seals, hoses and connections and ensure refrigerant is not being lost over time. Regularly servicing your car 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 minimises fuel usage.

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An automotive air conditioning is designed to absorb the heat from the air within the interior area of the car then move it to the outside, leaving only cooled or 'conditioned' air to be redistributed. 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 carries out its task in a way similar to a domestic refrigerator, there are still a couple of crucial differences. Seeing as it is mounted on your car, the air conditioner is subject to a prodigious amount of movement and vibration as well as having to function outdoors.

Being exposed to the elements and very difficult operating conditions and being operated occasionally rather than being 'Always On' can cause problems on the connections, seals and hoses. Your air conditioner should be examined annually as well as gettin 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 promote 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. Newer type evaporator units tend to be more efficient, yet have increased capability to trap moisture and allow for micro-organism development.

Echuca Service Centre & Echuca 4x4 mechanics have access to specialised ultrasonic technology to take care of any micro-organisms possibly causing any 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.