There are five essential components of every car’s AC system outlined below.
Parts Of A Car AC System
The components listed below are responsible for doing all the heavy lifting within a car’s AC system. The system, of course will also make use of various hoses and refrigerant charging parts. Let’s take a look at the five vital AC components below.
1. Compressor
The most essential component of a car’s AC system is the compressor. Here are the main functions of the compressor:
- Moving air into the condenser.
- Monitoring and controlling the temperature output.
- Pressurizing refrigerant in order to cool the air.
- Sensing any temperature changes inside and outside the car.
2. Evaporator
The evaporator is located behind your dashboard.
The primary role of the evaporator is to cool the air with refrigerant prior to it being blown throughout the cabin.
3. Condenser
Typically located in front of the radiator, the car’s AC condenser is often nicknamed the mini-radiator. When the compressor pressurizes the refrigerant, the condenser works to reduce both the temperature and pressure of the hot gasses coming from the refrigerant.
This AC component is also responsible for moving the cooled liquid refrigerant to the accumulator or the receiver/dryer.
4. Thermal Expansion Valve Or Orifice Tube
Cars featuring a thermal expansion valve will use a receiver/dryer. Cars that have an orifice tube, meanwhile, use the accumulator. Nonetheless, drivers should be able to find the thermal expansion valve or orifice tube between the condenser and evaporator.
Together, they are needed to monitor the amount of pressure and temperature of the car’s AC system. The proper amount of refrigerant is calculated prior to entering the evaporator.
5. Accumulator Or Receiver/Dryer
The model of vehicle will determine whether you have a receiver/dryer or accumulator. The receiver/dryer separates gas from liquid, as the compressor could fail if any liquid enters. A compressor is only designed for gasses, no liquids.
This component also takes out moisture using a desiccant. Desiccants are comparable to small, bead-filled packets that could be found in a new electronics package.
There are filters constantly working to ensure the AC system keeps contaminants out. The accumulator is in place to monitor and control how much refrigerant enters the evaporator. It will also store any excess refrigerant or debris while removing moisture simultaneously.
