A/C Evaporator
Vehicle air conditioners have been installed in vehicles since the 1940s. Today’s modern auto air conditioners have computerized automatic temperature controls and a whole lot of other complex technologies being used in them. In the past, any backyard mechanic could recharge the coolant without really needing to take the car into the shop to keep the air conditioning system running smoothing. The new technology that is used in auto air conditioning systems requires that you take it into the repair shop now if it quits working. One of the components that may need repair or replacement is the A/C evaporator. There are several reasons why an A/C evaporator may malfunction. The main reason is that a refrigerant leak may develop in the unit or anyone of the other components that work in conjunction with the evaporator. A new A/C evaporator is not easy to replace and an experienced mechanic is usually needed for the job. Certain environmental regulations must be followed now to recharge the evaporator with refrigerant. The repair man needs to be certified to even be able to buy refrigerant. These new regulations are in place to protect the ozone.
The A/C evaporator is a small radiator like unit that contains the Freon gas that is used to cool the air. It works with a small blower fan which when turned on blows air across the A/C evaporator. The air is cooled and then directed through the air condition ducts inside the where the car’s dash is located. Actually, the primary function of the A/C evaporator is to remove hot air from inside your car, because it also acts as a dehumidifier. When warm air from inside the car passes over the aluminum fins on the A/C evaporator it condenses the moisture from it and this is why you see water from underneath the vehicle after you have used the air conditioner.
Properly maintaining your car’s air conditioning unit is essential if you expect to have it remain reliable and for it to last for many years. When the A/C evaporator is not working correctly the air that is being blown out into your car from the air conditioner will become warmer than normal. Your car’s A/C evaporator is a key component in the air conditioning system. When the A/C evaporator is working correctly the ideal temperature is 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Several other components work with the A/C evaporator to cool the air such as temperature and pressure regulating devices. These devices work to keep the pressure in the evaporator low and to keep it from freezing. Trouble with an A/C evaporator can cause it to decrease the air flow from the vents. The air may blow out warm instead of cold and it may begin making noises when it is not working correctly.
The A/C evaporator can become a problem when fungus or other microbes begin growing on the case. When this happens it will produce a terrible smell that is blown into the vehicle, along with the cold air. This fungus and bacteria can grow on the case because it produces a moist environment for them to grow on. Today’s modern A/C evaporators are smaller than those that were made in the past so it makes it harder for the fins to dry out between uses. There are several solutions to this problem which include applying a chemical coating to the fins and coils that kill the bacteria and fungus and keep it from growing back. You can also have a device installed that uses a fan motor to blow air on the evaporator to dry it out. A simpler solution to keeping the A/C evaporator from smelling bad is to turn off the air conditioning system and just using your fan for a minute or two before you arrive at your destination.
