Air Conditioning

While it can be another beautiful day in The Villages® community, it can also be a hot one here in Central Florida. When your vehicle's air conditioning system starts to blow hot or is barely cooling you down at all, you need to consider bringing in your car for inspection of its environmental system. This doesn't your air conditioning system is broken, but that your system may need to be recharged. This might not always be the case, so it's best to have a professional take a look at it.

Your air conditioning system consists of five main parts that all work together to bring cold air to your fingertips. These parts include:

• Compressor: Compressors are considered to be the heart of your air conditioning system. It pressurizes the refrigerant that cools your air and senses temperature changes. It pumps refrigerants in then pressurize it then sends it to the evaporator. There are a few warning signs to look out for, and catching them early will save you money in the long run. Wear signs include oil or Freon leaks, noises, and erratic or no operation. Compressors have many different components that could wear down or break. Many times it is cheaper to replace the compressor than to replace a worn-down part.
• Condenser: An AC condenser cools hot refrigerant gasses and turns them into liquid. Over time it may start leaking from everyday wear and tear on your vehicle. It's hard to replace the leaky tube or seals, so you will most likely need a new condenser. If something else is wrong with the AC system, it could lead to debris from faulty parts clogging the condenser, in which case you may need a replacement. There are some telltale warning signs, and if caught early enough can save you money on repairs. Wear signs include leaks, poor air conditioning performance and clogged, corroded, or damaged fins or tubes. If your air conditioner isn't as cold as it used to, the compressor could be the blame.
• Receiver Dryer: A receiver dryer separates gas from liquid, removes moisture and filters contaminants before it enters the compressor. It contains a desiccant that absorbs moisture and helps dry out the refrigerant. There are clear warning signs to look for when your receiver dryer needs replaced. Wear signs include poor air conditioner performance, moisture on glass and/or inability of effective defroster.
• Accumulator: An accumulator is pretty much the same thing as a receiver dryer with small variations in function. They are usually used when a system contains orifice tubes and requires larger amounts of refrigerant. This monitors and controls your refrigerant, stores excess refrigerant, and filters debris and monitors moisture. This should be replaced anytime the system is opened for repair or if a technician has determined it to be damaged caused by moisture. When open to the elements, even for a short time, it can cause excess moisture to build up, requiring replacement.
• Orifice Tube (also known as Expansion Valve): Monitors the pressure and temperature of your air conditioning system. This only allows a small amount of refrigerant to pass through to the evaporator, causing a pressure drop. When the orifice tube doesn't function properly, it can seem like your air conditioner has seized up. Wear signs include reduced system performance or when a technician has determined it to have become dirty or clogged.
• Evaporator: An evaporator looks and performs like a radiator, except it pulls warm air in from inside the vehicle to cool it. It cools the air with refrigerant and commences the cold airflow to the rest of the system. Humidity condenses on the surface then drains out of the vehicle, this is why you sometimes see a water puddle under your car after using the air conditioner. The biggest problem with evaporators is, over time, they can start to leak. Organic debris is collecting on its surface and can corrosion. Wear signs include reduced system performance. Replacing this low-cost item early enough can save you money and damage to your entire AC system.

If you aren't getting cold air or find a warning sign that your AC needs to be repaired, contact Accurso Automobile Repair today and get the cold air flowing again!