A car air conditioning system contains four basic parts - a compressor (Pump driven by the engine,) which compresses and circulates refrigerant gas, a radiator like unit called a condenser to remove heat and condense gas to a liquid, an expansion device, called a thermal expansion valve (TXV) or an orifice tube (dependent on the sort of air-con system used). Systems using orifice tubes also have an accumulator before the compressor to remove moisture from the refrigerant while TXV systems have a receiver-dryer before the evaporator to perform the same crucial task. Both the accumulator and receiver-drier are also used to store refrigerant.

An automotive air conditioning is designed to take the heat from the air within the passenger area of the car and transfer it out of the car, leaving only cooled or 'conditioned' air behind to be redistributed. Hot air is passed across a gas filled evaporator, where the heat is easily absorbed by the refrigerant (in gas form), effectively removing the heat from the air in the car.

The now heated gas is pulled through the compressor where it is further heated (via compression). The next stage involves the refrigerant being forced through the condenser to quickly extract the heat from the refrigerant. The refrigerant, now condensed to a liquid, then moves through the expansion device (either a TXV or Orifice tube), which regulates the flow of refrigerant going to the evaporator, changing the high-pressure liquid to a low-pressure mist (gas). A fan blowing over the cold fins of the evaporator produces the cold air being blown into the car and the entire process then begins all over again.

A typical air conditioner service may include some of the following items;

• Air vent temperature assessment

• Condenser temperature test
  
  
• Make sure suction line temperature is correct
  
  
• Confirm correct drive belt & pulley operation
  
  
• Ensure that valves and thermostats are operating correctly
  
  
• Undertake cleaning of the condenser fins
  
  
• Confirm good condition of hoses and components
  
  
• Evacuation and recharge of refrigerant (where required)
  
  
• System line and component evaluation with electronic tester

By checking or changing the oil level in the refrigerant you protect the compressor and prevent it seizing up. If the air filters are choked with dirt and bacteria it will affect the performance of the entire system and it can even cause it to quit operating altogether. In addition to reducing air conditioner performance, dirty air filters can cause all kinds of health problems too.

A car air conditioner system ought to be checked for problems yearly for any signs of issues with the connections, hoses and seals and ensure the refrigerant has not leaked over time. Regular service of your car air conditioner 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 consumption.

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An automotive air conditioning is designed to take the heat from the air within the passenger area of the car out of the car, leaving only cooled or 'conditioned' air behind 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.

Being exposed to the elements and very diverse operating conditions and being switched on intermittently rather than being 'Always On' can cause problems on the seals, hoses and connections. An automotive air conditioner system should be examined on a regular basis 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 and intermittent use can cause seals to dry and crack, allowing them to leak. Even without leaks, the gas in a car air conditioning system will eventually begin to degrade or evaporate over time and should be recharged where required to keep the air con system in peak running condition.

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Only qualified mechanics with the appropriate training should attempt to service a car air conditioner. Specific licences are required to be able to service or repair some types of car air conditioning systems, especially where regas (recharging of the refrigerant) is concerned. Strict guidelines and procedures must be adhered to when handling certain refrigerants, 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, to avoid seriously damaging the system. You can find out more about licensing on the Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC) Website.

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The core of the evaporator can become a breeding ground for microbes, bacteria and even fungus due to the moist environment. This can lead to nasty smells and possibly even be bad for the health of any vehicle occupants. Newer type evaporator units may be more efficient but they are often more likely to trap moisture allowing microorganism growth.

Drouin Auto Care mechanics have access to specialist ultrasonic technology to actively target any micro-organisms possibly causing any unpleasant odours or health issues.

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.