Car air-conditioning - find out more

What is car air-conditioning?  
The main elements of the air-conditioning system are:

• the compressor,
• condenser (air-conditioning radiator),
• air drier (freon filter, dehydrator),
• expansion valve (orifice tube),
• evaporator,
• low and high pressure tubes.

How does car air-conditioning work?
The compressor compresses the coolant to high pressure (in the gas state) and pushes it to the condenser where it is cooled by the fan (the coolant as gas condenses and forms a liquid) and then the liquid coolant flows through the drier and (still under high pressure) reaches the expansion valve. It is subsequently sprayed, in the evaporator it becomes a gas and its pressure, and temperature decrease. The air flowing through the evaporator gets cooled down and is directed into the cabin of the car effectively cooling it. The gas coolant from the evaporator returns to the compressor. At this time the process starts again.

How often should I have the A/C checked?
To keep your A/C at 100% efficiency, the system must contain the right volume of coolant, which, even with a tight installation, tends to leak out, therefore, the A/C check should be performed regularly once a year.

Does the coolant escape even with a tight system?
Yes, even a hermetic system may lose about 10-15% of the coolant’s volume, which results in a decrease of performance and poorer cooling effectiveness.

Why it is important to perform a regular disinfection of air conditioning?
Moist and closed environment of the A/C system is conducive to the development of mites and bacteria which may be harmful to health. Particularly in children, these may lead to allergic reactions and irritate the respiratory system. To avoid this, the A/C system should undergo a thorough disinfection once a year.

How often should the cabin filter be replaced?
Disinfecting the air conditioning system will not produce any results if it is not accompanied by the replacement of cabin air filter which is also called dust protection filter. It keeps the dust and dirt from getting inside the cabin of the car. It can often become moist, which encourages the development of fungi and bacteria. It is recommended to replace the cabin air filter every 30 thousand kilometers (ca.19 thousand miles)

Why should I remember to run my A/C all year round?
One element of the A/C system is oil which lubricates the compressor extending its lifespan. Long periods of the A/C inactivity are also not favorable to the compressor, therefore, it is advisable to activate the A/C at least once a week over the entire year. In winter, the A/C will quickly dry the air inside the car, removing the excess moisture which has built up on the windows and other paces, which improves the comfort of the journey.

What is optimum temperature in the car?
The temperature in the car should be several degrees lower than that on the outside. The optimum is 20 – 22 °C, but on very hot days it can be slightly higher.