HOW DOES THE A/C SYSTEM WORK?

We all want the ultimate chill blasting out of our vents; especially when it comes to surviving the
hot concrete jungle. When the A/C system kicks in on those hot, sweaty days, thats something
we all relish. But, believe it or not, theres no ice machine inside (but at one time ice was used to
cool peoples rides down). In fact, the cold air generated by your A/C system is actually hot air
with hot gases removed during a multi-step process.
It really is thermodynamics but were not gonna go there. The Cliffs note version is simply about
changes in pressure causing changes in temperature. Turn the A/C on and the compressor
compresses the systems refrigerant (Freon) raising its temperature. It loses heat as it flows
through the condenser (that second radiator looking thing in front of the radiator). It passes
through the receiver/dryer where contaminants and moisture are removed, and then on to the
expansion valve/accumulator where the refrigerant is slowed down further, causing it to lose
pressure and temperature before it gets to the evaporator. The evaporator is like a mini radiator
(not to be confused with the heater core they are two separate things) inside the dash of your
ride that gets cold as it further lowers the refrigerants temperature and, additionally, removes
moisture from the air. The ventilation systems blower motor blows air over the cold evaporator
and pushes cool air into the passenger compartment. Complicated, but aaaaaaaaah is it
refreshing!
Now that you know what being cool is all about, if you have problems being cool, set up an
appointmentat Firestone Complete Auto Care for an A/C Performance Check.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD MY A/C BE

INSPECTED?
You tell us. Hows the air feeling in your ride? Are you refreshed and cooled with full air flow
when your A/C is pumping? Well, if you answered Yes, I am as cool as a cucumber, you can
cross A/C inspection off your list.
For all the No respondents: do you fall into the my A/C is not cold enough or the its taking
way too long to cool down, side of the spectrum? Dont sweat, stop in for an A/C Performance
Check and well have you back rolling down those hot summer streets cooler than ever. So chill,
your A/C is only an inspection away from cooler days.

HOW OFTEN DO I NEED MY A/C SYSTEM

RECHARGED?
Only when the cool breeze no longer feels as chilly as you remember. Simple enough. Now, it is
true that a well maintained A/C system can go its entire life without needing a recharge. But,
thats if youre extremely lucky.
If you start noticing your A/C isnt reaching those refreshingly cool temperatures, have your
system inspected. In this situation, most cars will be low on Freon. And since the A/C is a sealed
system, low Freon is a big sign that something is not right. It could be a small leak that needs
attention or possibly part of the A/C is failing bring it in and well perform an A/C Performance
Check and get to the root of the problem. Well get you back out there cruising with a nice, cool
breeze again.

WHAT IS REFRIGERANT?
Typically referred to by the DuPont trade name Freon, the most common Freons are R-12, R134A, and soon, HFO-1234yf. Freon is pretty similar to motor oil and radiator coolant in that it is
a working fluid designed for a specific system; In this case, your cars A/C system.
Refrigerant is a specially formulated mixture thats sole purpose for transforming hot air into cold
air. It does this by absorbing and releasing heat, ultimately leaving cool air behind.
Different devices, such as the home refrigerator, home A/C system or your vehicle may use
different types of refrigerants. They may or may not be the same. Now that you know what cools

down cars, homes and meat lockers, crank that baby up and marvel as your A/C turns stale hot
air into your own personal ice box.

WHAT EXACTLY IS FREON?

Sounds like an automotive A/C history class is in order. Well, welcome, pull up a chair and put
on your thinking cap.
Freon, better known as R-12, was the primary chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) used in car A/C
systems up until it was banned in the mid 1990s after the EPA discovered that it was depleting
our planets ozone Layer. Talk about toxic.
The auto industry has since switched to the CFC free R-134a. Since the elimination of CFCs
from the auto industry and all industries for that matterthe ozone layer has regained its
structure, and the ozone holes caused by CFCs are expected to fully close by about 2050
according to the EPA.
Did you know? The CFC ban thankfully also marked the end of the CFC heavy hairspray craze
that swept the nation in the 70s and 80s. For many people, this change was a welcomed
advancement in American hair culture.

WHAT IS THE MONTREAL PROTOCOL? (R12)

No, this isnt a treaty you learned about in history class. The Montreal Protocol is actually the
official title of the banishment of R-12 (Freon) and other CFC (Chlorofluorocarbons) emitting
products from further use anywhere on the planet. And for good reasonCFCs were discovered
to be tearing big holes in our ozone layer.
The Montreal Protocol was first signed into law in 1987. If the entire industrial world follows the
environmental standards meant to eliminate the use of ozone depleting gases (in place in the
United States since 1996), the ozone is said to fully recover by 2050.
The Montreal Protocol is why we now use R-134a instead of the ozone depleting R-12. Starting
in 2013, certain U.S. vehicle models will begin transitioning to an even more efficient and safer
cooling agent called HFO-1234yf. Talk about a mouthful. HFO-1234yf is said to have almost no
environmental impact what-so-ever. And thats something we can all look forward to.

WHATS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN R134A AND R-12?

You can say the difference is so big that it has spared the fate of the entire planet. Not to get all
deep on your psyche and all, but after it was discovered that R-12 and a whole multitude of
products containing Chlorofluorocarbons (CFC) were destroying the ozone layer, environmental
scientists immediately started work on an alternative cooling agents free of ozone depleting
CFCs. That formula is R-134a: the standard and only refrigerant permitted in automotive A/C
systems today.
R-134a, though safer, is not perfect:
Beginning in 2013, R-134a is being replaced by a new formula, HFO-1234yf, available on select
U.S. car models. HFO-1234yf is the cleanest, safest refrigerant yet. And whats even more
important is that it has been studied and certified as leaving no impact on the environment whatso-ever. Talk about a great advancement in A/C technology that will help protect our planet for
all those driven to cruise the open roads for many years to come.

BUT WHY REPLACE R-134A?

Well, although R-134a was designed with the ozone layer in mind, its still made with chemicals
that can harm the environment if they leak out of your A/C system or are disposed of improperly.
With that known fact, international environmental scientists knew an even safer A/C refrigerant
was out there waiting to be formulated.
HFO-1234yf is set to become the refrigerant standard:

It has been tested and found to leave behind virtually no impact on the environment.

If your A/C system should leak, theres no longer an environmental freak out.

Its all about the future generations of drivers. Our goal as automotive professionals is to provide
the best care for your car while preserving the natural environment of the road your vehicle
cruises down for many years to come.

HOW MANY PARTS MAKE UP A CAR A/C

SYSTEM?

Your A/C system consists of five major parts, all working together to cool you off and all your
passengers.
Most A/C systems are built with:

Compressor

Condenser

Receiver dryer or Accumulator

Orifice tube or Expansion valve

Evaporator

Your A/C system also consists of hoses and refrigerant charging ports, but the significant work
occurs in the five parts listed above. You can learn more about each part that makes up your
A/C system starting with the next question. Cool.

WHAT IS THE A/C COMPRESSOR?

The compressor is the core, primary part of every A/C system. If you want to stay cool, a
working compressor is essential. Weve seen people try to create cold air with out one. Trust us,
it doesnt work.
The compressor:

Pressurizes the refrigerant that cools your air.

Senses temperature changes: Compressors monitor and control temperature output with
an electrically operated clutch. This clutch turns on and off whenever you change the
temperature, choose a different airflow setting or just when plain old air from outside
drops or rises in temperature.

Powered by the serpentine belt: That winding belt under your hood is responsible for
powering many crucial components, including your A/C compressor.

Signs of a worn compressor: Oil or Freon leaks, noise, and erratic or no operation are
indications that a compressor may need to be replaced. We can inspect your car for leaks using
special refrigerant detecting dyes and devices. You may not be able to see a leak, but our

equipment, sometimes referred to as a sniffer, can detector sniff-outa chemical leak even if
no liquid is visible. Yea, you can say were pretty advanced over here.

WHAT IS AN A/C CONDENSER?

Consider it the master of turning hot refrigerant gasses into liquid. The condenser is mounted at
the front of most vehicles, usually in front of the radiator. Air passes through the condenser,
turning the hot refrigerant gas into a condensed, cooler refrigerant liquid.
An A/C condenser is:

Found In front of the radiator and often referred to as a mini-radiator

The master refrigerant cooler. And still champion. The Condenser radiates the hot
refrigerant gasses that have entered from the compressor, reducing its temperature and
pressure, turning it into a liquid that moves on to the A/C Dryer.

Signs of a worn condenser:

Leaks

Clogged, corroded or damaged fins or tubes

Poor air conditioning performance

WHATS A RECEIVER/DRYER?
The receiver or dryer is found on vehicles with a thermal expansion valve. Its the safety net
responsible for trapping all harmful debris, moisture and liquids from reaching the compressor
and other vital A/C parts.
The roles of the receiver/dryer:
1. Separates gas from liquid. If liquid isnt contained in the dryer, it can enter and destroy
your compressor (Compressors arent designed to handle liquids. Only gas).
2. Removes moisture. To trap moisture, a desiccant is used. Desiccant is similar to those
moisture killing packets you find in the packaging of new electronic devices.
3. Filters out contaminants. No one wants a contaminated A/C system. Contaminants can
lead to accelerated parts wear and damaging corrosion.

Quick fact: If theres any moisture present in your compressor, it can mix with the Refrigerant
and create very damaging corrosive acids.
Symptoms of a worn receiver/dryer:

Poor air conditioner performance

Moisture on glass and/or inability of defroster to remove moisture from glass and
windows

The receiver/dryer must be replaced in the following situations:

Anytime the A/C system is opened for repair, the reciever/dryer will need to be replaced.

Whenever a technician has determined moisture or debris has permanently damaged

your receiver/dryer performance.

WHAT IS AN ACCUMULATOR?
An accumulator is similar to a receiver-dryer but only found on vehicles with an orifice tube. If
you have an accumulator, that means you dont have a thermal expansion valve.
The accumulator:

Monitors and controls the amount of refrigerant that enters the evaporator.

Stores excess Refrigerant so that it cannot enter and damage the compressor.

Filters debris and removes moisture from the A/C System.

When to replace the accumulator:

Anytime the A/C system is opened for repair, the accumulator will need to be replaced.

Whenever a technician has determined moisture or debris has permanently damaged

your accumulators performance.

WHAT IS A THERMAL EXPANSION

VALVE/ORIFICE TUBE?

The orifice tube or thermal expansion valve is located between the condenser and the
evaporator. Its job is to constantly monitor the pressure and temperature of youre A/C system in
order to determine the exact amount of refrigerant that can safely enter your evaporator. An
orifice tube may also contain a fine mesh screen to block contaminants from the rest of the
system.
Quick fact: If too much or too little refrigerant enters the evaporator, you could have a big
problem on your hands. The proper function of the thermal expansion valve or orifice tube is
crucial for successful A/C system operation.
Signs of a worn orifice tube or thermal expansion valve:

Poor A/C system performance

When a technician has determined it has become dirty or clogged

WHAT IS AN EVAPORATOR?
The evaporator is responsible for cooling air and removing moisture. If cold, refreshing air is
hitting your face, your evaporator is working like a champ.
The evaporator:

Located right behind your dash. The evaporator is the last and most important stop
before cold air can hit your face.

Cools air with refrigerant. Low pressure Refrigerant traveling through the evaporator
absorbs heat from the passenger compartment dropping the temperature of the
evaporator. Air blown over the cool surface of the evaporator then comes out the vents
providing the chill you expect.

Commences cold air flow. The best and final stage. Cold air should now be blowing out
your vents thanks to the hard work of the evaporator.

Symptoms of a worn evaporator:

Poor A/C system performance

WHAT IS A COMPRESSOR CLUTCH?

Before the compressor turns on, a special electro-magnetic clutch, conveniently called the
compressor clutch, is necessary to engage and disengage the compressor cycle. The
compressor clutch tells the compressor when to turn on or off so that the Freon (refrigerant) is
correctly pressurized for use by the condenser which is then delivered to the evaporator where
the chill begins.
Experiencing A/C problems? Schedule an A/C Performance Check today.

WHAT IS THE CLUTCH CYCLING

SWITCH?
The clutch cycling switch senses and controls the temperature in the evaporator core to prevent
it from freezing. Although most cars can blow air at temperatures as low as 60 degrees, the
temperatures inside the evaporator core can get cold enough to completely freeze the entire
core. Not good! The clutch cycles job is to make sure the evaporator temperature doesnt reach
the point of glacier temperatures.
Symptoms of a failing clutch cycling switch:

Evaporator freezing up

Evaporator does not get cold enough

WHAT IS A REFRIGERANT CHARGE

PORT?
This is where the magic happens. The refrigerant charge port is the connection point where new
refrigerant can enter the system during an A/C system recharge. Your port is usually located on
the bigger A/C hose near or on the accumulator.
Caution: Only properly equipped and qualified persons should perform A/C recharging services.