A car air conditioning system can be broken down to four basic parts - a compressor (Pump driven by the engine,) which compresses and circulate gas, a radiator like unit called a condenser (removes heat and condenses gas to a liquid), an expansion device, known as a thermal expansion valve (TXV) or an orifice tube (dependent on the type of air-con system used). Systems using orifice tubes also have an accumulator before the compressor to remove moisture from the refrigerant while TXV systems have a receiver-dryer before the evaporator to perform the same crucial task. Both the accumulator and receiver-drier are also used to store refrigerant.

Your car air conditioning system is designed to absorb heat from the air in the interior area of the car and transfer it to the outside, leaving only cooled or 'conditioned' air behind to be redistributed. Hot air is passed across a gas filled evaporator, where the heat is easily absorbed by the refrigerant (in gas form), effectively removing the heat from the air in the car.

The now heated gas is pulled through the compressor where it is further heated (via compression). The next stage involves the refrigerant being forced through the condenser to quickly extract the heat from the refrigerant. The refrigerant, now condensed to a liquid, then moves through the expansion device (either a TXV or Orifice tube), which regulates the flow of refrigerant going to the evaporator, changing the high-pressure liquid to a low-pressure mist (gas). A fan blowing over the cold fins of the evaporator produces the cold air being blown into the car and the entire process then begins all over again.

A typical air conditioner service may include some of the following items;

• Make sure air vent temperature is correct
• ensure condenser temperature correct
• Suction line temperature inspection
• Check correct drive belt & pulley operation
• Check correct operation of valves and thermostats
• Ensure condenser fins are clean
• Inspection of components and hoses
• Evacuation and recharge of refrigerant (where required)
• Electronically inspect system lines and components for leaks

Checking or changing the oil level in the refrigerant passing through the compressor can help avoid it seizing up. Should the air filters become clogged with dirt and bacteria it will affect the performance of the entire system and it can even cause it to quit working altogether. Along with impacting air conditioner performance, dirty air filters can cause all kinds of health problems too.

Your automotive air conditioner should be checked for problems yearly for any signs of breakdown of the connections, hoses and seals to ensure there is no leaking of refrigerant over time. Regularly servicing your auto air conditioner keeps refrigerant at optimum levels meaning the system does not need to work as hard and this in turn protects the system from damage and minimises fuel usage.

Your car air conditioning system is designed to absorb heat from the air in the interior area of the car to the outside, leaving only cooled or 'conditioned' air behind to be redistributed. This is achieved using a special compound called refrigerant, capable of readily absorbing heat as a gas and quickly losing heat as a liquid.

Being exposed to the mercy of the elements and very difficult operating conditions and being expected to function occasionally rather than being 'Always On' can cause breakdown of the seals, hoses and connections. A vehicle air conditioner system should be examined on a regular basis to ensure there are no problems or refrigerant loss due to failure or leakage from these points.

Simply by cooling the air in your car under normal running conditions, the filters of the air con get dirty and intermittent use can cause seals to dry and crack, allowing them to leak. Even without leaks, the gas in a car air conditioning system will eventually begin to degrade or evaporate over time and should be recharged where required to keep the air con system in peak running condition.

Only qualified mechanics with the appropriate training should attempt to service a car air conditioner. Specific licences are required to be able to service or repair some types of car air conditioning systems, especially where regas (recharging of the refrigerant) is concerned. Strict guidelines and procedures must be adhered to when handling certain refrigerants, which must always be fully recovered and not allowed to escape into the atmosphere during servicing.

Refrigerant can also pose serious health risks if handled incorrectly. Specialist equipment is also required as the air conditioning system is under extreme pressure and must be pulled into a deep vacuum to remove any moisture, to avoid seriously damaging the system. You can find out more about licensing on the Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC) Website.

The damp environment can promote the development of bacteria, microbes and even fungus growth inside the evaporator core. This can lead to nasty smells and possibly even be bad for the health of any vehicle occupants. Modern evaporator units may be more efficient but they are often more likely to trap moisture allowing microorganism growth.

Pride Autos & LPG & LPG mechanics have access to special ultrasonic technology to deal with any micro-organisms that may be the source of bad odours or health issues.

Just ask about our MIST service, which will kill any bacteria that may be lurking in your car's air system. These bacteria can cause odours and even make you sick, especially if you have allergies or asthma. A MIST service doesn't just make your car smell better - it makes it healthier for you and your family.