Air Conditionong
 A system that cools and dehumidifies air entering the passenger compartment. The system uses a refrigerant to cool the air and carry heat away from the passenger compartment. Major system components include a compressor, condenser, evaporator, accumulator or receiver/dryer, and orifice tube or expansion valve. Do not intermix different types of refrigerants in an A/C system. Use the type specified by the vehicle manufacturer (R-12 for most 1994 & older vehicles, or R-134a for most 1995 and newer vehicles). Now more than ever, your auto technician is at the mercy of this new environmental legislation. Not only is he required to be certified to purchase refrigerant and repair your air conditioner, his shop must also incur the cost of purchasing expensive dedicated equipment that insures the capture of these ozone depleting chemicals, should the system be opened up for repair. Simply put, if your mechanic has to spend more to repair your vehicle - he will have to charge you more. Basic knowledge of your air conditioning system is important, as this will allow you to make a more informed decision on your repair options.
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There are four fundamental processes in physics that we have all read of in our schools which are involved in the working of an air conditioner. The four processes are – evaporation, condensation, compression and expansion. Here are the main components.
Compressor: This is like the heart of the air conditioning unit. When you turn on the air conditioner in your car the compressor kicks in and pumps the refrigerant vapor to the condenser. The vapor at this stage is under extremely high pressure.
Condenser: This is the device which converts the high pressure refrigerant vapor into a liquid. Since the vapor is condensed into a liquid a lot of heat is generated. This extra heat is removed from the condenser by the air that flows out.
Receiver: The liquefied refrigerant next moves to the receiver also referred to as the drier at times. It is like a small reservoir and here any excess moisture that has escaped into the refrigerant is removed. This is because if moisture is allowed to escape it can severely damage the unit with ice crystals being formed causing blockages.
Expansion Valve or orifice tube: The refrigerant, now free of any moisture, next flows into the expansion valve where the high pressure on the refrigerant is removed and it again changes from the liquid state to vapor.
Evaporator: Here the refrigerant vapor absorbs the heat from the air inside the car. On the other hand the blower fan inside the passenger compartment pushes the air across the outside of the evaporator and hence cold air is circulated inside the car.
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