Automotive Air Conditioning & Heating

Your automotive’s main source of air conditioning and heating is the engine. Here is the how it works and the components they share that allow them to function.

Air Conditioning

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The air conditioning system uses a super-cool liquid called Freon. Because Freon is a gas, it tends to be difficult at times to locate leaks. A completely safe dye may used in order to identify the leak. Here are the components of an air conditioning system:

  • Compressor: The heart of your air conditioning system it takes the refrigerant (the gas) and pressurizes it so it will cool the air. As engine belt runs it the compressor also has an electrically operated clutch that turns the compressor on and off, as you demand more cool air.
  • Condenser: Outside at the compressor and condenser plant, the heat removal or cooling process begins with refrigerant flowing into the compressor as cool gas.
  • Evaporator: Is smaller radiator that does just the opposite duty as the condenser. As the super-cool liquid is passed through its tubes, air is forced through and gets really cold, right before it exits the vents. As it warms up again, the refrigerant starts turning back into a gas.
  • Thermal Expansion Valve: The a/c system has a valve that controls the flow of super-cool refrigerant to the evaporator. This way you can regulate how cold the air blowing on you gets.

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Heating

The coolant in your car’s radiator absorbs the heat, and then it is circulated through the heater core before returning to the radiator. The heating system also includes a series of air ducts, a blower motor and fan, and temperature and duct controls, which regulate the desired temperature and direct the flow of warm air.

“Recommended service interval: Annually”
DID YOU KNOW?

The Federal Environmental Protection Agency regulates the type of refrigerant you can use in your air conditioner. Your Salinas service technicians are current on EPA rules for properly removing and disposing of used refrigerant, protecting the environment while keeping you cool. At Dick Adams Automotive in Salinas we install quality NAPA replacement parts. Give us a call at 831.758.8277 and let us help keep you safely and economically on the road.