Air Conditioning System Information

Lucore Automotive Service Performance

Hundred of systems serviced. Can install new systems in older cars.
Testing/Standard Performance.
– Equipment – ROBINAIR COOLTECH 34700Z
– Temperature Output Standard – Minimum of 30 degrees F drop from outside temperature.

Below is a sample of an automotive heating and air conditioning control panel:

air conditioning system Automotive Air Conditioning Parts

As we drive our cars, many of us can enjoy the same temperature comfort levels that we have at home and at work. With the push of a button or the slide of a lever, we make the seamless transition from heating to cooling and back again without ever wondering how this change occurs. That is, unless something goes awry. Since the advent of the automotive air conditioning system in the 1940’s, many things have undergone extensive change. Improvements, such as automatic temperature control and improvements to overall durability, have added complexity to today’s modern air conditioning system. To add to the complications, we now have tough environmental regulations that govern the very simplest of tasks, such as recharging the system with refrigerant R12 commonly referred to as Freon. Extensive scientific studies have indicated possible damage effects of this refrigerant to our ozone layer, and its manufacture has been banned by the U.S.

Now more than ever, your auto mechanic 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. Should a major problem arise from your air conditioner, you may encounter new terminology. Words like “retrofit” and “alternative refrigerant” are now in your mechanics glossary. You may be given an option of “retrofitting”, as opposed to merely repairing and recharging with Freon.

air conditioning repair Robinair Cooltech 34700Z

Retrofitting involves making the necessary changes to your system, which will allow it to use the new industry-accepted, “environmentally friendly” refrigerant, R-134a. This new refrigerant has a higher operating pressure, therefore, your system, dependant on age, may require larger or more robust parts to counter its inherent high-pressure characteristics. This, in some cases, will add significantly to the final cost of the repair. And if not performed properly, may reduce cooling efficiency which equates to higher operating costs and reduced comfort.

blank Diagram of a Typical AC System

Compressor

The compressor is a belt-driven pump that is fastened to the engine. It includes a clutch that will engage or disengage the compressor as the system needs cold air.

Condenser

This device is the area in which heat dissipation occurs. The condenser, in many cases, will have much the same appearance as the radiator in your car as the two have very similar functions. The condenser is designed to radiate heat out of the system.

Evaporator

Located inside the vehicle, the evaporator provides several functions. Its primary duty is to remove heat from the inside of your vehicle. A secondary benefit is dehumidification. As warmer air travels through the aluminum fins of the cooler evaporator coil, the moisture contained in the air condenses on its surface. Dust and pollen passing through stick to its wet surfaces and drain off to the outside. On humid days you may have seen this as water dripping from the bottom of your vehicle. Rest assured this is perfectly normal.

Pressure Regulating Components

Orifice Tube, Thermal Expansion Valve, Receiver-Drier, Accumulator.