Most of us take our car’s air conditioner for granted. We simply turn it on and expect cool air to come out. But have you ever stopped to think about how exactly it works? Here’s a simple and easy-to-follow guide on how car air conditioners work. Keep reading to learn more!
How Does a Car’s Air Conditioner Work?
A car’s air conditioner works using the same principles as a home air conditioner. Both use a refrigerant that evaporates at a low temperature to absorb heat from the air. The refrigerant then travels to the compressor where it is pressurized and cooled. This cooled refrigerant is then routed back into the evaporator where it collects heat from the air again. This cycle repeats over and over until the desired temperature is reached.
Now that you understand the basics of how a car a/c works, let’s learn more about the main components that make up the system.
The Compressor
There are many components that work together to cool the air in your car. The compressor is one of the most important parts of the system. It is in charge of refrigerant circulation through the AC unit. The refrigerant is what actually removes heat from the air. When it is circulated through the AC unit, it absorbs heat from the cabin and then releases it outside. The compressor is powered by a drive belt that is connected to the engine. As the engine runs, the belt turns the compressor, which in turn circulates the refrigerant. Without the compressor, the AC system would not be able to function properly.
The Condenser
In a car air conditioner, the condenser works by pressurizing and cooling the refrigerant. The refrigerant is passed through the condenser coils, where it is cooled by the air flowing over the coils. This cooled refrigerant is then sent to the evaporator, where it absorbs heat from the interior of the car and cools the air. The condenser is an essential part of the air conditioning system, and it must be working properly for the system to function effectively. If the condenser is not working properly, the refrigerant will not be cooled sufficiently and the air conditioner will not be able to adequately cool the interior of the car.
The Receiver/Dryer
The receiver/dryer is a vital component of the air conditioning system, as it removes moisture from the refrigerant. This helps to prevent corrosion and keeps the system running smoothly. When the hot, pressurized refrigerant enters the receiver/dryer, it passes through a series of filters that remove impurities. The refrigerant then flows into a cooling coil, where it is cooled by ambient air.
The Evaporator
The evaporator is responsible for removing heat from the cabin and cooling the air that is blown into the passenger compartment. The evaporator is located inside the vehicle, typically behind the dash. Cold refrigerant from the compressor is circulated through the evaporator coils. As the refrigerant passes through the coils, it absorbs heat from the surrounding air. This causes the refrigerant to vaporize, and as it does so, it cools the air that is blown across the coils and into the cabin. The evaporator is an essential part of a car’s air conditioning system, and it plays a vital role in keeping passengers cool and comfortable on hot summer days.