The system was incepted by Packard Motor Company in 1939; it was initially a bonus for customers who purchased their cars. Instead, the Packard company devised the air conditioning on a “closed system.”
How does the AC work?
AC possesses three essential parts, namely the condenser, compressor and evaporator. The compressor houses the low-pressure refrigerant used in cooling air. At the compressor, the air is compressed into a high pressured gas.
The gas moves to the condenser during cooling, where heat and water are removed from the refrigerant and the refrigerant gas is turned into a liquid.
The high pressured gas is transported into a thermal valve where it expands and then becomes low pressured.
It then enters the evaporator and becomes a gas again. This gas is pushed out into the car and sucks out heat from the vehicle. The car fans then blow the now cooled air around the vehicle.
Once this is done, the gas returns to the exterior compressor behind the fan and the process begin again.
This is a reason why the AC system does not require regular servicing since its self-renewing
Why does the A/C system need repairs then?
So we know a car A/C can run for a long time, but when does it require checking up?
Visible leaks
If your car’s A/C has a leak where the refrigerant is escaping, you’ll know. Likewise, if you check your vehicle’s undercarriage and notice puddles or oily coating around the AC components, you leak.
The AC blows warm air.
If the car is blowing hot air, it means the compressor has a low refrigerant level. So the air it’ll distribute will remain cold, which means you need to get an AC recharge.
AC clutch doesn’t click.
If the car AC system is running fine, you should be able to hear a click when the clutch is active. If the sound doesn’t come, it means the system has a problem.
Clogged Cabin Air Filter
The air filter helps to trap dirt. It ensures that the car doesn’t blow dirt around the car. However, if the dirt accumulates, it can obstruct the flow of cool air around the vehicle.
If you’re experiencing any of this with your car, then you know it’s time to get your Air conditioning checked and repaired.
When your car is taken to the repair shop, it will be tested for refrigerant leaks and patched up. If there are low levels of refrigerant, it’ll be checked for with an ultraviolet dye, and the car will get recharged.
Any problem with components malfunctioning will either result in a repair or change of parts.
Should I get my Air Conditioning checked regularly?
Under normal conditions no, if working properly, the AC unit can work for years without an issue; you should only get it checked if you notice one of the signs above. Frequent recharges of your refrigerant are really unnecessary, as the cooling system is designed for long-term use to to is renewing nature. But if you’re meticulous and don’t want to get stuck in traffic one day with hot air blowing out of your AC, then you can schedule an appointment to have it checked just before the hot days come around.
The AC is an integral part that ensures traveling in a car is as comfortable as possible; it may be sometimes looked over, but it can be a real hassle not being able to identify the signs that your AC is faulty till it stops working. With this, you should know if your AC needs a recharge.
How expensive is it to recharge or repair my AC?
Depending on the limit of refrigerant your car can hold, a recharge can range from one hundred to five hundred dollars, and repairs also vary from one hundred to nine hundred dollars.
Is there a way I can recharge it myself?
No, never attempt repairs by yourself. Also, seek professional services to avoid the risk of injury.
How long does a car AC recharge take?
The process is fast. It takes about forty-five minutes to altogether remove the old refrigerant and refill it with the new one. The repairs on the hand way have varying depending on what part of the AC is faulty.
