Your car’s AC utilizes various hoses and refrigerant charging parts but is ultimately comprised of five vital components.
What Are The Components Of A Car’s AC System?
Below is a list of the five components making up a car’s AC system and an outline of their importance.
Compressor
This is the most essential component of the car’s AC system. Here are the main functions of a compressor:
- Moving all air to the condenser.
- Monitoring and controlling the temperature output.
- Keep track of interior and exterior car temperature changes.
- Pressurizing the refrigerant in order to cool the air.
Condenser
Often located in front of the radiator, the car’s AC condenser is nicknamed the “mini-radiator.” When pressurizing the refrigerant, this component works to reduce the temperature and pressure of the hot gasses coming from the refrigerant.
In addition, the condenser is needed to move the cooled liquid refrigerant over to the receiver/dryer or accumulator.
Evaporator
Another crucial component of the overall AC system is the evaporator. Located behind the dashboard, the evaporator’s primary purpose is to cool the air with refrigerant prior to being blown into the car’s cabin.
Thermal Expansion Valve Or Orifice Tube
Cars featuring a thermal expansion valve utilize a receiver/dryer. Meanwhile, cars featuring an orifice tube, utilize the accumulator. Nevertheless, these components are typically located between the evaporator and condenser.
Together, these AC components monitor both the amount of pressure and temperature of the system. The exact amount of refrigerant is then calculated to enter the evaporator safely.
Accumulator Or Receiver/Dryer
How will you know if your car uses an accumulator or receiver/dryer? It all depends on the model of car. A receiver/dryer is used in cars that have a thermal expansion valve. An accumulator is ultimately used in cars that have an orifice tube.
The receiver/dryer separates gas from liquid because the compressor can be completely ruined when any liquid enters. This component also removes moisture with the use of a desiccant. Desiccants are comparable to small, bead-filled packets often found in new electronics packaging.
There are also filters responsible for protecting the AC from potential contaminants. The accumulator monitors and controls how much refrigerant enters the evaporator. It also removes moisture while storing excess refrigerant and filtering debris.
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