We carry out retro fitting to older cars still using the old R-12 refrigerant as well as all repairs to car airconditioning systems using our diagnostic system.
HOW YOUR CAR AIR CONDITIONER WORKS
The principles of evaporation and condensation are utilised in your vehicles air conditioning system by a series of components that are connected by tubing and hoses. There are six basic components: the compressor, condenser, receiver-drier, thermostatic expansion valve, the evaporator and the lifeblood of the air conditioning system being the refrigerant.
Refrigerant is a liquid capable of vaporising at a low temperature. In the past, R-12 refrigerant was used in cars. But this chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) is harmful to the earth's ozone layer. All vehicles built after 1996 use R-134A, a more environmentally friendly refrigerant.
AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM COMPONENTS
The compressor is the power unit of the air conditioning system.
It is powered by a drive belt connected to the engine's crankshaft. When the air conditioning system is turned on, the compressor pumps out refrigerant vapor under high pressure and high heat to the condenser.
The condenser is a device used to change the high-pressure refrigerant vapor to a liquid. It is mounted ahead of the engine's radiator, and it looks very similar to a radiator with its parallel tubing and tiny cooling fins.
If you look through the grille of a car and see what you think is a radiator, it is most likely the condenser.
As the car moves, air flowing through the condenser removes heat from the refrigerant, changing it to a liquid state.
Refrigerant moves to the receiver drier. This is the storage tank for the liquid refrigerant. It also removes moisture from the refrigerant. Moisture in the system can freeze, causing blockage.
As the compressor continues to pressurise the system, liquid refrigerant under high pressure is circulated from the receiver drier to the thermostatic expansion valve.
The valve removes pressure from the liquid refrigerant so that it can expand and become refrigerant vapor in the evaporator.
The evaporator is very similar to the condenser. It consists of tubes and fins and is usually mounted inside the passenger compartment.
As the cold low-pressure refrigerant is released into the evaporator, it vaporises and absorbs heat from the air in the passenger compartment. As the heat is absorbed, cool air will be available for the occupants of the vehicle. A blower fan inside the passenger compartment helps to distribute the cooler air.
The heat-laden, low-pressure refrigerant vapor is then drawn into the compressor to start another refrigeration cycle. As you can see, the process is simple. Just about every vehicle's air conditioning system works this way, though certain vehicles might vary by the exact type of components they have.
Refrigerant Trading Authorisation: RTA No AU11601
Ryan’s Radiator Specialists are a member of VASA & MTA Queensland
Refrigerant Trading Authorisation: RTA No AU11601
Ryan’s Radiator Specialists are a member of VASA & MTA Queensland
Discounts apply for RACQ Members and Seniors Card holders (Conditions apply)
Ryans Automotive & Cooling Specialists are Cairns car air conditioning repair experts with all of the latest diagnostic tools and equipment to identify and repair AC systems in cars. When it comes to Cairns car air conditioning, locals to the area know this has become an essential part of transport due to the high humidity and heat. Whether for old or new cars, our Cairns auto air conditioning mechanics can work on anything from vintage to new technologies. One of the more popular services we perform is Cairns car aircon regas work where we can repair AC system leaks and safely regas the system for continued operation. With our experience, professionalism and workshop assets we are the preferred choice for many needing a Cairns car air conditioning service or repair.
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