When it is hot out, your car’s AC can be a lifesaver. The invention of air conditioning had nothing to do with the first car ever built though. It is basically the AC compressor that car owners should be thankful for not the AC alone. How does the compressor work and what does it do to give us our air conditioning needs when we are inside our cars?
Before we delve into the world of compressors and ac systems, we should learn more about the refrigerant in the car’s system. A refrigerant is a kind of fluid that has the capability to turn hot air into cooler or colder air. It works with the compressor and the AC system. The latter has different parts which includes the condenser, evaporator, clutches, accumulator, expansion valve, dryer, and compressor.
The main principles of an air conditioning system lies on evaporation and condensation. After that compression and expansion come in.
- Evaporation can be explained by rubbing isopropyl alcohol on your hands. When the liquid evaporates, it gets rid of the heat from the skin’s surface and your hand will feel a bit cold.
- Condensation is the conversion of moisture into liquid.
- Compression of gases can be explained by looking at how a spray on deodorant works. Inside the can is a liquid but once you use it, it comes out as a gas. Compression turns gases into liquids thanks to pressure.
- Expansion. By looking at the deodorant example, one would surmise that the pressure inside the container is much higher that’s why the gas is compressed into a liquid. Once you spray your deodorant, the liquid from the container becomes cool and it expands as it comes out.
These basic principles simplify the way your car’s air conditioning system work. The question is, how do you take better care of it?
- Get it checked regularly.
- Clean the filter.
- Do not overwork the air conditioning system by opening it while your windows are open.
- Get a full air conditioning service.
If you think your luxury vehicle’s air conditioning system is not working properly, please do not hesitate to give us a call.