Motoring: Do you know how your car's air conditioning works?

The AC system operates using a refrigeration cycle that circulates refrigerant gas through a closed system. [Mate Tongola, Standard]

There are several components of a vehicle that make it what it is, or provide the comfort and style it does.

One of such functionalities is the air conditioning (AC) in your car, which determines whether or not you will enjoy a car ride.

With the fluctuating weather temperatures due to global warming, a properly functioning AC system automatically becomes a necessity rather than a luxury.

The AC comes in handy both during hot and cold seasons.

Once the windows are rolled up, the air circulating inside your car will greatly determine the comfort of your drive especially when stuck in traffic.

This week on Motoring, we delve into how the car AC works, how to keep it running effectively, and most importantly, why it is an essential part of your automobile.

How it works

The AC uses a refrigeration cycle that circulates refrigerant gas through an air-tight closed system.

The whole process involves compressing, condensing, expanding, and evaporating the refrigerant to remove heat and moisture from the car’s cabin, leaving behind cool air.

Compression: The refrigerant gas is compressed by the AC’s compressor, increasing its temperature and pressure.

Condensation: The hot, high-pressure refrigerant moves into the condenser, where it releases heat and transforms into a high-pressure liquid.

Expansion: The liquid refrigerant is then passed through an expansion valve, rapidly cooling as its pressure drops and it becomes a low-pressure liquid.

Evaporation: In the evaporator, the refrigerant absorbs heat from the cabin, cooling the air. This cool air is then blown back into the cabin through vents, providing the desired temperature drop.

The AC system extends from the engine section next to the radiator through aluminum pipes and into the vents in the cabin.

But these are not the only components that make the system work.

Compressor: Without a compressor, there is no AC. The compressor is responsible for circulating the refrigerant through the system.  It resembles an alternator and has a belt tied around it. Once the AC is activated, it kicks in.

Condenser: Positioned at the front of the car, the condenser helps dissipate the heat absorbed from the refrigerant.

Accumulator: This unit removes moisture and contaminants from the refrigerant, ensuring clean circulation.

Expansion valve: Controls the flow of refrigerant into the evaporator, ensuring efficient cooling.

Evaporator: Located inside the vehicle, it absorbs heat from the cabin air, cooling it as it passes through.

Blower fan: It pushes the cooled air from the evaporator into the cabin to maintain comfort.

Refrigerant types

The refrigerant plays a crucial role in the cooling process. Modern cars mostly use R-134a which has a lower impact on the environment.

User controls

These are located on the dashboard and allow the user to adjust cold or warm air in the cabin. Through the controls, one can as well adjust the airflow strength using the fan speed.

Among the buttons, it's also possible to control the recirculation of air inside the cabin or with the outside air.

There is also a provision for choosing the modes of airflow to face the feet, windshield, face, and or both.

Maintenance tips

To keep the AC running smoothly, remember to once in a while check refrigerant levels for leakages.

It is also key to clean the AC condenser once in a while since the dirt and debris a little maintenance goes a long way:

Check refrigerant levels- If the air isn't as cold as it should be, check out for leakages.

Inspect the compressor belt- A worn belt can impact the performance of the compressor.

Replace cabin air filter- The air filter is located under the glove box and most people forget to change them once in a while. A clogged air filters can hinder airflow, making the AC system work harder than it should.