When your Air Conditioning is not blowing cold air from the vents is generally the most common indicator that the system requires attention from a qualified and licenced technician. 

At Hervey Bay Service Centre we will check the temperature of your Air Conditioning system as part of your regular log book and general servicing. If this temperature is higher than normal we will advise the customer that further diagnosis is required. At this point we can inspect the Air Conditioning System and perform a service if required or a quote for replacement of any failed components of the system.

Regular service of every 12 to 24 months will help in reducing the chance of premature part failure. Over time the components such as hoses, or any of the parts that form part of the system, can become loose, crack, or deteriorate to such a degree that leaks occur and the refrigerant escapes. Keeping these items checked regularly can help in preventing premature part failure.

The main reason that this can happen is that the Air Conditioning compressor isn’t being cooled properly. To cool the compressor, the system must not be running low on refrigerant. This can be solved with a simple air conditioning service through Hervey Bay Service Centre. If you continue to operate the air conditioner under these circumstances, you run the risk of causing damage to the system resulting in irreversible failure of its components.

Refrigerant

The liquid/gas used as the ‘active’ ingredient in the A/C system. It is used to absorb heat from surrounding air and changes in composition from gas to liquid at various points in the process.

Compressor

The compressor is at the heart of the A/C system. It is the ‘pump’ that pressurises and circulates the refrigerant through the system. The compressor is powered by a drive belt that is connected to the engine crankshaft. A clutch system is used to engage and disengage the compressor (so the A/C can be turned on and off) when the engine is running.

Condenser

The condenser converts the high-pressure gas refrigerant into a liquid. It is similar to a radiator and cool air flows around it removing heat from the refrigerant inside. Removing heat from the gas changes its state from vapour to liquid.

Receiver

The liquid refrigerant flows to the receiver, a component that removes moisture from the refrigerant.

Expansion valve

The expansion valve is the point at which the high-pressure system becomes a low-pressure system. The valve allows the pressurized refrigerant to expand, at which point it converts back to a gaseous state. At this point, the refrigerant is extremely cold.

Evaporator

The evaporator resembles a small radiator and is located behind the dash near the cabin. Cold, low-pressure refrigerant flows through the evaporator and a blower fan pushes air across it. The refrigerant in the evaporator works to absorb the heat and remove moisture from this air and the result is a cold, dry breeze flowing into the cabin. The refrigerant is then moved back to the compressor at which point the process starts again.