The end of summer might mean the end of unbearable heat in your car. Getting ahead of the game is no easy feat for everyone, which is why we’re going to go over a few options for air conditioners you might be interested in!
What is a car AC system?
A car AC system does two things: it cools the air inside the car, and it removes moisture from the air. Most systems have a cooling capacity of about 10,000 BTUs per hour ( British Thermal Units).
The heart of the system is the compressor. The compressor circulates the refrigerant through the system. The refrigerant picks up heat from the air inside the car and releases it outside.
There are three main components to a car AC system:
The Compressor: The compressor is driven by the engine’s belt and pulley system. It pressurizes the refrigerant and circulates it throughout the system.
The Condenser: The condenser is located in front of the radiator. Its job is to cool and liquefy the refrigerant coming from the compressor.
The Evaporator: The evaporator is located in front of the dashboard vents. Its job is to absorb heat from the air passing over it and turn it into cold air for your comfort.
Why do car AC systems need to be maintained?
In order to keep your car AC system running smoothly and efficiently, it is important to maintain it on a regular basis. This means checking and cleanings the filters, coils, and other parts of the system on a monthly or yearly basis. Additionally, it is important to have the system serviced by a professional every few years to ensure that everything is in working order.
By keeping your car AC system well-maintained, you can avoid costly repairs down the line and keep your car cool and comfortable all summer long.
Different types of settings on a heat and AC unit
There are different types of settings on a heat and AC unit that determine how much hot or cold air is emitted. The most common setting is the temperature dial, which allows you to set the desired temperature. Other settings include the blower speed, which determines how fast the air is circulated, and the fan mode, which determines whether the air is directed to the front or rear seats.
Different methods of installation
Assuming you already have a car, there are three main ways to get air conditioning: retrofit, repair, or replacement.
Retrofitting is the process of installing an AC system into a car that didn’t come with one originally. This requires some custom work and is generally more expensive than the other two options. It also may not be as effective as a factory-installed AC system.
Repairing your existing AC system is obviously the cheaper option, and may be all that’s necessary if only a small part has malfunctioned. But if your AC system is old or low on refrigerant, it might not work as well as it used to—or at all. In this case, replacement might be your best option.
Replacing your AC system is more expensive than repairing it, but you’ll end up with a brand-new, reliable system. Installation is usually straightforward; most new systems use the same ductwork and connection points as the old one.
