Air Condition Common fault in Car cooling System
The car AC system comprise for few main components
- Compressor
- Condenser
- Expansion valve/Orifice
- Evaporator
- Dryer
The compressor is the most important part of a car cooling system. It is like heart of your cooling system as it constantly circulate the refrigerant t at proper rate to maintain the desired cooling effect. It compresses the refrigerant returning from evaporator.
The most common refrigerant that is used today in major automobiles is R134a which has a boiling point of -26 degree .The compressor compress the low pressure gas to high pressure high temperature refrigerant gas.
The refrigerant in gaseous state when pass through the condenser releases heat and converted into liquid refrigerant.
This liquid when pass through expansion valve is turned into low temperature ,low pressure. The warm air from the car help to convert/evaporate the refrigerant from liquid to gas ,and the refrigerant absorb the heat in turn cooling the air.
The cycle keep on repeating.
The problem may come if any of component either does not work as they are designed for or have any issues:
- Refrigerant Leakage
The most common problem which cause a faulty air conditioning is leakage of refrigerant. A proper refill and protection from leakage will restore the desire effect.
- Condenser Damage or Blockage
The condenser may properly not exchange heat due to blockage which does not decrease the temperature of refrigerant can cause improper cooling.
- Mechanical Fault of Compressor
Some time unusual noise can make you worry which can be due to belt of compressor or bearing failure of the compressor. It need to be dealt immediately.
- Unpleasant Odor
Bad odor of air can be due to bacterial growth on evaporator coil due to moisture.
- Expansion Valve Blockage/Freeze
Air suddenly goes from comfortably cool to hot, the reason may be expansion valve that dispenses the correct amount of refrigerant to the evaporator has failed. A blocked expansion valve prevents the refrigerant from reaching the evaporator and, if moisture is present, causing the valve to freeze.
Apart from these common problem there are various reasons which may cause of improper cooling of your car which can be detected by a skilled technician and can be repaired easily. The summer is round the corner and it is advised you to get checked your car AC system checked.