How Your Car's Air Conditioner Works (And Why You Should Care)

Have you ever wondered how the air conditioning system in your car works? When you turn on the AC button, cold air comes out, but where does it come from? What happens to make that cold air? The answers to these questions will help you learn how your car's air conditioning system works so you can understand more about your vehicle and take better care of it.

What is a Car Air Conditioner?

A car air conditioner is a device that cools your car's interior. It typically consists of a compressor, condenser, expansion valve, and evaporator that work together to cool air before entering your vehicle through vents or a/c ducts. The components are designed to work together optimally but can fail in some capacity leading to less than desirable results. To spot common problems early on, you need to understand how they work and what happens when they break down.

The Basics of Air Conditioning

A car's air conditioning system works to cool air by removing heat from it. This is accomplished by refrigerant that absorbs heat from the air. The compressor is responsible for circulating coolant through the AC system. Two components, the evaporator, and the condenser, manipulate the state of the refrigerant by changing it from a liquid to a gas and vice-versa. This process removes heat and moisture from the air, resulting in cooler and less humid air inside your vehicle's cabin. In addition, your car's AC is a sealed system meaning that refrigerant is not burned or consumed but is constantly recirculated.

What Causes the AC to Fail

The air conditioning unit in your car can fail for several reasons, and you don't want to be caught off guard by them. Knowing how AC systems work will give you an advantage when it comes to spotting problems early. AC failure can be caused by various electrical problems such as a blown fuse or faulty switch or by the failure of one of the system's main components. However, most AC problems can be traced back to a buildup of moisture in the system.Your car's AC system is a marvel of modern engineering and technology. Unfortunately, the AC system is highly complex, with many moving parts. While modern car AC systems are typically trouble-free for several years, like any mechanical component, they can fail.If your car's AC isn't working as it should see your car care professional immediately to get it diagnosed and fixed.