The function of the air conditioning system in your vehicle is to improve upon the efficiency of this process of moving heat. To accomplish this, the A/C system uses three methods of removing heat from your vehicle: Radiant, Conduction and Convection.

How does this work?

• The heat in your vehicle is blown across the evaporator coils using convection;
• The heat is absorbed into the cool refrigerant (Freon, R-134A, etc.) inside the coils using conduction;
• The refrigerant moves the heat to the condenser using convection;
• This heat is absorbed into the condenser fins using conduction;
• The heat then transfers back into the atmosphere using radiation;

The other important components include the regulation of humidity and understanding how air movement affects our comfort. Therefore, in order for your air conditioning system to be most effective it must do the following three things:

• Remove heat from the interior of the vehicle;
• Remove moisture from the interior of the vehicle;
• Provide movement of air in the interior of the vehicle.

What’s going on if your air conditioner is not blowing cold?

Simply stated, one of the primary components of your air conditioning system has broken down. A/C failure usually falls into one of three categories:

• Component Failure resulting in a lack of sufficient refrigerant to remove heat from the car is the most common failure and occurs in about 60% of all A/C failures. This is caused by a leak. One of our trained technicians can verify this by either using an electric leak detector or by injecting ultraviolet dye into the A/C system along with using an ultraviolet light.
• Electrical Problems represent approximately 30% of A/C failures. This can cause the compressor and fans to stop. Electrical failures could be caused by a failed sensor or the on-board automotive computer.
• Improper Refrigerant Charge causes approximately 10% of A/C problems. For a variety of reasons, when this occurs, the mixture of refrigerant to oil is out of balance.

What if you are experiencing one of these issues?

The Best Way to determine what is actually wrong with your A/C system is to have one of the experienced technicians at Alabama Auto Repair perform a professional A/C diagnostic inspection. Following the inspection, Alabama Auto Repair will provide you with a written estimate that will explain what we found and advise you regarding any needed A/C repairs or service.

Stay Cool. For your vehicle’s Air Conditioning needs and your summertime comfort, come to Alabama Auto Repair!

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