An automotive air conditioner system is composed of four basic parts - a belt driven pump called a compressor to compress and circulate gas, the condenser to release heat and condense gas to a liquid, an evaporator to withdraw heat from the car and remove moisture from refrigerant and an expansion device which could be an orifice tube or a thermal expansion valve (TXV), (depending on the sort of air conditioner system used).

Your car air conditioner system is designed to pull the heat from the air in the interior area of the car then expell it to the exterior, leaving only cooled or 'conditioned' air to be redistributed. As hot air is passed across the fins of the evaporator the heat is easily absorbed by the refrigerant (in gas form), effectively removing the heat from the air in the car and taking it outside.

The now heated gas is pulled through the compressor where it is further heated (via compression) to a very high temperature. The refrigerant is then literally forced through the condenser, allowing the cooler outside air to quickly extract the heat from the refrigerant as it is condensed to a liquid. The refrigerant then moves through the expansion device (either a TXV or Orifice tube), which regulates the flow of refrigerant going to the evaporator. At this point the refrigerant expands back into a gas form and the entire process begins all over again.

 

A typical air conditioner service may include

• Air vent temperature check

• Condenser temperature assessment
  
  
• Suction line temperature check
  
  
• Adjustments of drive belt and pulley
  
  
• Confirm that thermostats and valves are operating correctly
  
  
• Ensure condenser fins are free of dirt or debris
  
  
• Inspection of components and hoses
  
  
• Evacuation and recharge of refrigerant (where required)
  
  
• Test system lines and components for leaks with an electronic leak detector

By checking or changing the oil level in the refrigerant you protect the compressor and prevent it seizing up. When the air filters are obstructed with dirt and bacteria it will affect the performance of the entire system and it can even cause it to quit operating completely. Along with impacting air conditioner efficiency, dirty air filters can cause all kinds of health problems too.

A vehicle air conditioner system needs to be examined annually for any signs of problems with the seals, hoses and connections and ensure refrigerant pressure is being maintained over time. Regular service of your car 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 results in a reduction of fuel expenditure.

Book Car Air Conditioner Service Here   Contact Us for a Quote 

 

Your car air conditioner system is designed to pull the heat from the air in the interior area of the car and carry it to the exterior, leaving only cooled or 'conditioned' air 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.

While it carries out its task in a similar way to a domestic refrigerator, there are still some significant differences. Due to the fact it is mounted on your car, the air conditioning system is subjected to an enormous amount of movement and vibration in addition to having to function outdoors.

Being exposed to the elements and very difficult operating conditions and being run intermittently rather than being 'Always On' can cause failure of the hoses, connections and seals. Your air conditioner ought to be examined once a year in addition to being properly serviced at least every two years 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. If the system is run infrequently, seals may dry and crack allowing them to leak and the air conditioning system can lose as much as 15% of its refrigerant in a single year. Even without leaks, the gas in a car air conditioning system will eventually degrade or evaporate over time and should be recharged regularly to keep the air con system in peak running condition

Book Car Air Conditioner Service Here   Contact Us for a Quote

 

Under Australian law, only qualified mechanics with the appropriate licences are able to service or repair car air conditioning systems, especially where regas (recharging of the refrigerant) is concerned. Strict guidelines and procedures must be adhered to when handling refrigerant, 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, which can seriously damage the system.

You can find out more about licensing on the Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC) Website.

Book Car Air Conditioner Service Here   Contact Us for a Quote

 

The moist environment can support 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. While modern evaporator units tend to be more efficient they have more fins, meaning an increased capability to trap moisture and allow for micro-organism development.

Maranoa Mechanical mechanics make use of special ultrasonic technology to exterminate any micro-organisms possibly causing any 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.