An automotive air conditioning system contains four basic parts - a belt driven pump known as a compressor to compress and circulate gas, the condenser to remove heat and condense gas to a liquid, the evaporator (a type of heat exchanger) to exhaust the heat from the car and dehumidify refrigerant and an expansion device known as a thermal expansion valve (TXV) or an orifice tube, (dependent on the type of A/C system used).

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

• Evaluate air vent temperature

• Evaluate condenser temperature
  
  
• Ensure suction line temperature ok
  
  
• Adjust pulley and drive belt
  
  
• Ensure correct operation of thermostats and valves
  
  
• Confirm condenser fins are free of dirt or debris
  
  
• Confirm adequate condition of of hoses and components
  
  
• Evacuation and recharge of refrigerant (where required)
  
  
• System line and component check with electronic tester

Seizing of the compressor can be avoided by checking or changing the oil level in the refrigerant. 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 functioning altogether. Along with inhibiting air conditioner efficiency, dirty air filters can cause all kinds of health problems too.

Your vehicle air conditioner needs to be examined yearly for any signs of decay of the seals, hoses and connections to ensure refrigerant pressure is being maintained over time. Regular service of your automotive air con 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 the fuel being used.

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Your air conditioner is designed to extract heat from the air within the inside of the car then expell it to the outside, 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.

While it carries out its task in a way similar to a domestic refrigerator, there are still various crucial differences. Being mounted on your car, the air conditioning unit is subject to a large amount of movement and vibration as well as performing outdoors.

Being exposed to the elements and very harsh operating conditions and being in use intermittently rather than being 'Always On' can have a detrimental effect on the seals, hoses and connections Your vehicle air conditioner system ought to be checked once a year in addition to 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 evaporator core can be subject to the development of microbes, bacteria and even fungus. This can lead to nasty smells and possibly even be bad for the health of any vehicle occupants. While modern evaporator units tend to be more efficient they have more fins, meaning an increased capability to trap moisture and allow for micro-organism development.

Maryborough Service Centre mechanics will use specialist ultrasonic technology to exterminate any micro-organisms that may be causing 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.