What is the AC compressor?
The AC compressor is the most critical part of the air-conditioning system. It is the power unit of the air-conditioning system that puts the refrigerant under high pressure before it pumps it into the condenser, where it changes from a gas to a liquid.
An engine accessory belt powers the A/C compressors on the majority of automobiles. The compressor won’t run as effectively if the belt is old and slips. Refrigerant leaks from compressors can also reduce the amount of cold air that enters the interior.
There may not be any chilly air if internal components malfunction. Not all a/c issues are caused by low refrigerant levels in the system. Some are brought on by problems with components of the system, like the compressor.
How the AC compressor functions
- The compressor for your car’s air conditioning is actually one of the system’s main components, which means that without the AC compressor, the air conditioning system cannot function.
- Essentially, it’s a mini compressor that is often driven by the auxiliary drive belt. The pulley on your A/C compressor receives power from your crankshaft as your engine turns over through the auxiliary drive belt.
- However, your air conditioner’s compressor has a clutch installed in the pulley because not everyone uses their air conditioner completely when driving.
Your entire A/C system won’t be able to produce cool air for the car’s interior without an AC compressor. Its main function is to provide the proper amount of pressure to the refrigerant in the car in order to activate its heat-transfer characteristics and change temperatures. By doing this, you can keep cool during the summer and have a clear window in the winter.
Well, today we will be looking at the definition, function, symptoms, location, and replacement cost of the AC compressor. We will also be looking at the frequently asked questions about the air conditioning compressor.
Refrigerant is the magical substance that makes air conditioning possible. It’s a fluid that can repeatedly change from low-pressure liquid to high-pressure gas. When in its low-pressure state, refrigerant is cool and causes evaporation when it meets warm air, which cools the air down and lowers the temperature. When refrigerant is in its high-pressure state, it’s hot and condenses when it meets cool air. This heats the air up and increases the temperature.
This change from high-pressure to low-pressure is possible because of the compressor, which is part of the AC system that sits outside. Its main job is to raise the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant vapor so that it causes evaporation when it cools down and produces cool air for your home.
The air conditioner’s compressor works by compressing refrigerant vapor, which increases its pressure and turns it into a hot gas. The cooling/condensing of the hot gas is achieved by drawing ambient air through the condensing coil using a fan, which leaves as hot air. As the refrigerant gas cools, it turns into a liquid, and the compressor pumps it indoors towards the evaporator. At this point, it passes through a restrictor or expansion device, which lowers the pressure of the refrigerant and causes evaporation, which cools the air down. It’s then pumped back outside to the compressor again to restart the cycle.
