Air conditioning is an important feature to have in your car, especially during the hot summer months. Working air conditioning can be a life saver, whether you are stuck in your daily commute across town to and from work, or driving the family across the country on your annual summer vacation. It is important that you know where the nearest auto air conditioning repair services are to you if you need to have your system charged, repaired, or replaced.
How your air conditioning system operates and the signs you should look for when it is not functioning properly is important information to have in order to avoid any discomfort when the outside temperature rises. Here is some information on how auto air conditioning repair services play a vital role in ikeeping your system ready for you when you need it the most.
How air conditioning works
Your automobile’s air conditioning system works in much the same way your central air or window units work at home. The system works based on two principles: evaporation and condensation. These principles hold true regardless of whether the air conditioning is in the car or in your home, and are the same principles that explain the operation of your home’s refrigeration unit.
Evaporation involves the removal of heat from a surface while condensation removes moisture present in the air and turns it into water. The process of turning heat into water is also referred to as compression, as all gas (vapors, such as heat) have a tendency to return to a liquid state. This compression into a liquid causes heat to expand. Evaporation and condensation, together with compression and expansion are the unique components of your air conditioning unit. Connected through a series of hose connections and enabled through the use of a pump, heat is removed from the air entering the auto, cooled, compressed and expanded into the cool air you feel when operating your air conditioner.
When should I seek auto air conditioning repair services?
When you notice that the air blowing out of your vents is warm or not as cold as it should be, this is a sign that your air conditioning system needs to be inspected. A certified mechanic who is familiar with your car’s air conditioning can troubleshoot your system to determine if the system has any leaks or other malfunctions. You should also have the system looked at if you hear any suspicious noises or feel that the system is not working properly.
You more than likely will never need to have your air conditioning system “recharged” as the amount of refrigerant loss that takes place as you operate it is minimal. A machine is used to detect levels and if where to become necessary for a recharge to take place, this can also be performed by the service technician.