A Little History

An air conditioning system was first used in automobiles as early as the 1940s. Over the years, car air conditioning systems have gone through much change, although the basic concept of air conditioning remains untouched. The same process can be found in a window air conditioning unit or an industrial unit.

The Basics

The basic components found in a car air conditioner are the compressor, condenser, evaporator, accumulator and expansion valve. Depending on your car, there might be an orifice tube or receiver-drier. All these components have a specific task.

The Compressor

The compressor works the same way in most other air conditioners you might feel throughout your day, but this one is driven by your car engine. It is responsible for compressing a refrigerant gas, often freon. Once the gas is compressed, it becomes very heated and is sent through a set of coils to the condenser.

The Condenser

The condenser is where the heat is separated from the gas. Hot air comes off the top of the condenser, while the rest of the gas is condensed into a cool liquid.

The Receiver-Drier

Car Air Condtioner LayoutCars either have a receiver-drier or an accumulator. This is needed after the condenser to make sure only liquid refrigerant goes to the expansion valve.

Expansion Valve

Your car will either have an expansion valve or orifice tube. This is what regulates the flow of liquid to the evaporator and is what you are controlling when you change the temperature settings on your dashboard.

The Evaporator

The evaporator is the last stop for the cool liquid before you feel it in your car. After the liquid passes through the expansion valve, fans blow the cool air from the evaporator throughout the car.

Call today

If your air is not as cool as it used to be call PACC Automotive today for your AC service. Having a simple AC servie performed can save you from overheating and being stuck on the side of the road. We use only premuim products and top of the line equipment to ensure your car can go the extra mile.