Automotive Air Conditioners
You're finally on your way to the cottage in August, your car brimming with kids and luggage. Suddenly you realize that your car's air conditioning system is on the fritz, and your family vacation really starts to heat up.
Customer demands for relief from unbearable heat led to the first introduction of automotive air conditioning systems in 1940. These systems use refrigerant to cool the air and remove the heat from the car's passenger compartment. Air conditioning also cleans the air that enters the car and removes excess moisture as it dehumidifies it.
There are three basic components to any automotive air conditioner system:
1. Compressor: Considered the heart of the air conditioning system, the compressor transfers and compresses refrigerant gas to let the heat out of the car.
2. The condenser removes heat from the refrigerant and cools down the high-pressure gases.
3. The evaporator serves as the heating core of the air conditioning system. The evaporator removes the heat from inside the car. The refrigerant then condenses the air and transforms it into water.
R-134A air conditioning systems are standard on cars manufactured in 1995 or later. These ozone-friendly units do not contain CFCs and are nontoxic and nonflammable.
Prior to 1995, automotive air conditioners came with R-12 refrigerant, most commonly Freon. During that time, a car owner experiencing air conditioner problems needed only to visit a local retailer to purchase a recharge kit. With a can of Freon and basic knowledge, the average driver could easily repair his or her own air conditioning system. When studies confirmed that R-12 systems were contributing to the damaged ozone layer, many countries, including the United States, banned their manufacture.
Common Problems
The most common complaint about automotive air conditioners, particularly R-134 systems, is the odor that permeates the A/C vents. Mechanics and car manufacturers have concluded that accumulated bacteria and fungus in the evaporator core likely cause the odor. The air conditioning system's high moisture content attracts microbes. Automakers propose a solution where the blower motor effectively dries out the evaporator upon turning off the A/C system. General Motors introduced this breakthrough, called the Electronic Evaporator Dryer.
This solution might offer relief to some car owners, but not to all. Installing this system can cost hundreds of dollars. As a result, many car owners have turned to alternative methods to combat the odor. Using antibacterial chemicals such as Lysol can be an effective short-term solution. Keeping a can of Lysol handy can go a long way for your odorous air problem. Just spray the Lysol inside the car and in the air intake once a week for temporary relief from the problem. Another way to help eliminate the odor is to shut off the A/C unit at least one mile before reaching your destination. This will allow enough time for the evaporator to dry out, essentially doing away with the moisture and microbes that cause odor. This can be the easiest and least expensive method of combating the issue.
Caring for Your A/C System
Depending on how often you use it, you must periodically recharge your automotive air conditioner to maintain its efficiency. Consult your mechanic or your owner's manual for information about system recharges.
* Call your mechanic if you see water leaking from the A/C system's condenser, as this can affect the refrigerant. Have the system repaired before refilling it.
* Replacing the filter once every three months will also help maintain the performance of your automotive air conditioning system. This is the area where dust accumulates during the operation of the A/C system.
* Setting the gauge at one specific temperature will also help it perform well. If you constantly switch from one temperature to another, your system will have trouble adjusting accordingly.
Whether you're traveling across town or from coast to coast, automotive air conditioners can be an invaluable companion for drivers. Keep your A/C unit well maintained, and stay cool on the road.
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