Car Air Conditioners
Air conditioning (A/C) systems were first introduced into the motor industry in 1940
in response to consumers demand for comfort while driving in hot weather.
It uses a refrigerant to cool the air
and remove the heat from the car passenger compartment.
It also dehumidifies (removal of excess moisture) and cleans the air that enters the car.
Cars manufactured after 1995 are equipped with R-134a air conditioning systems
which do not contain CFCs and are therefore ozone friendly.
It is also nonflammable and nontoxic.
Previous car models came with R-12 refrigerant, the most common brand name was Freon.
Any problems with the car’s air conditioning system were solved by
a visit to a local retailer offering a recharge kit;
Anyone with a couple of cans of Freon and some basic knowledge could repair the air conditioning system.
Howether studies confirmed that R-12 was damaging to the ozone layer,
and many countries banned its manufacture.
Three basic components make up the A/C system. These are as follows:
1. Compressor – considered the heart of A/C system.
Functions include transferring and compressing the refrigerant gas.
2. Condenser – cools the refrigerant.
3. Evaporator – Acts as the heater core of the A/C system to remove the heat from inside the car.
The refrigerant then condenses the air to transform it into water.
Common problem
Odor coming from the A/C vents.
This is common complaint against R-134 system.
Mechanics and car manufacturers concluded that it is caused by accumulated bacteria and fungus in the evaporator core.
Because A/C is loaded with moisture, it attracts the microbes.
The solution is to make the blower motor continue working after the A/C system is turned off.
so that the evaporator is dryed out after use.
This breakthrough is called Electronic Evaporator Dryer, introduced by General Motors.
Unfortunately istalling this system can cost hundred of dollars.
Many car owners have tried other solutions to fight the odor.
Using antibacterial chemicals such as Lysol is good for short-term solution.
Keep a can of Lysol handy and just spay it inside the car and in the air intake once a week
and the odor will disappear for a short period.
Another technique to eliminate the odor is to turn off the A/C system at least one mile before reaching your destination.
This will allow enough time for the evaporator to dry out.
This is the easiest and least expensive way to combat this problem.
Caring for the Air Conditioning system
Depending on how often the air conditioning system is used, it must be recharged to work efficiently.
Sometimes, a water leak from the A/C system’s condenser can affect the refrigerant.
This should signal the car owner to see the mechanic at once.
The A/C system will be fixed before being refilled.
Replacing the filter once every three months will also help the A/C system’s performance.
This is where the dust builds up when the A/C system is running.
Setting the A/C to one specific temperature also helps it perform well,
switching it from one temperature to another every now and then makes it difficult for the system to adjust accordingly.
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