Air conditioning works by reducing the heat and humidity (moisture content) within a set environment. Fundamentally, the A/C system works by altering the pressure of the refrigerant (fluid contained within system) to achieve a change in temperature. 

The following are the main components of the A/C system, as well main tell-tale signs you should ask your mechanic to give the system a good once over:

A/C Compressor 

• Pressurises the refrigerant that cools your air

What to look out for;

• Oil or refrigerant leaks

• Abnormal noises

• Inconsistent/ no operation

A/C Condenser

• Converts hot refrigerant gasses into liquid by reducing the pressure

What to look out for;

• Oil or refrigerant leaks

• Clogged tubes

• Corroded or damaged fins or tubes

• Inconsistent/ poor performance

Receiver-dryer (found in vehicles with a thermal expansion valve)

• Removes and traps all harmful debris, moisture and liquid from the system

What to look out for;

• Poor A/C performance

• Inability of defroster to remove moisture from glass

• Moisture or debris damage (upon inspection)

Thermal expansion valve

• Removes pressure from liquid refrigerant to convert it into refrigerant vapour

What to look out for;

• Poor A/C performance

• Dirty or clogged (upon inspection)

Evaporator

• Cools the air and removes moisture

What to look out for;

• Poor A/C performance (if you can feel cold, refreshing air - you should be ok!)

The above is a bird’s eye overview of how the A/C system operates and hopefully provides a basic understanding of the system. 

Important to note

As the refrigerant is harmful to the environment, proper disposal and maintenance of the A/C system and refrigerant must be carried out by a licenced technician. Along with this, a licenced technician will be able to safely service and repair A/C components - and know when to do so. 

Did you know that if there is any moisture present in your system, it can react with the refrigerant and create damaging, corrosive acids?