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Q: How does my car air conditioner work? – Shelly

A: Hi Shelly,

Air conditioners take advantage of condensation and evaporation. As the refrigerant in your air conditioner changes state, it removes heat from the air in your car. When you turn on the A/C, you engage a belt that drives the compressor. The compressor pressurizes the refrigerant – a gas at this point – and circulates it to the condenser. Under pressure, the gas becomes hot. When the refrigerant reaches the condenser the air-cooled honeycomb structure removes heat and liquefies the refrigerant. The refrigerant then circulates through a small tube to the receiver-drier which removes water so that ice does not form and clog the system. The refrigerant then passes through a thermostatic expansion valve. The valve removes pressure and allows the refrigerant to expand. In the evaporator – another tube and fin structure – the refrigerant vaporizes. The change in state removes heart from the air in the passenger compartment. A blower circulates that cold air throughout the car. Visit Tire Pros of Frederick for more auto repair tips!