How does air conditioning work in a car?

Air conditioning in a car is a system that is designed to regulate the temperature and humidity of the air in the cabin of the vehicle, ensuring comfortable travel conditions.

It works on the principle of the refrigeration cycle, which includes four basic components: compressor, condenser, evaporator and expansion valve. The process of how an air conditioning system works:

Compressor: Air conditioning begins its operation in the compressor, which is driven by the car’s engine. Its role is to compress the refrigerant – car air conditioning gas (usually R134a or R1234yf) and raise the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant.
Condenser: Under high pressure and temperature, the compressed A/C refrigerant leaves the compressor and passes to the condenser, which is usually located at the front of the car, behind the radiator. In the condenser, the A/C gas gives off heat to the environment while condensing, going from a gaseous to a liquid phase.
Expansion valve: After leaving the condenser, the liquid refrigerant passes through an expansion valve, which regulates its flow to the evaporator. The expansion valve reduces the pressure of the refrigerant, which leads to evaporation and cooling.
Evaporator: Liquid refrigerant that has left the expansion valve passes into the evaporator, located inside the cabin of the car. In the evaporator, the refrigerant evaporates, taking heat from the air, which lowers the cabin air temperature.
Fan and vents: The fan blows air into the car cabin through the vents. This air passes through the evaporator, where it is cooled and then directed into the vehicle’s interior, providing a reduction in temperature.
Recuperation and control: In some modern cars, air conditioning can be equipped with additional features such as recuperation, or heat recovery ventilation, from the air blown into the cabin to reduce energy consumption. In addition, the air conditioning system can be equipped with temperature sensors and automatic controls to maintain a set temperature inside the car.
Moisture extraction: A car’s air conditioning system can also act as a means of draining moisture from the air inside the cabin. As the air cools, the moisture in the air condenses on the condenser and is then discharged outside the car. This process helps maintain adequate humidity in the cabin and prevents moisture from settling on the windows, which can cause fogging.
Electronic control: In modern cars, air conditioning often uses advanced electronic control systems. Temperature sensors, solar sensors, humidity sensors and other environmental parameters can be monitored to adjust air conditioning operation according to external conditions and driver preferences.
Temperature maintenance: Car air conditioning systems are also equipped to maintain a set temperature inside the cabin. Once the desired temperature is reached, the air conditioner automatically adjusts operation by adjusting the fan speed, cooling and heating cycles.

Depending on the model of the car and its equipment, the air conditioning in the car can be single, dual, triple or even quad-zone.

It is worth remembering that the key element that is responsible for its proper operation is air conditioning gas. For a variety of reasons, after a certain period of time, the amount of air conditioning filling gas may decrease. The reason may be a leak in the system, natural leaks or even minor damage. In such a situation, it becomes necessary to refill the A/C refrigerant to restore full performance. Refilling the air conditioner yourself is the easiest and most economical way to refill the refrigerant.

If we decide to fill the air conditioning ourselves, it is worth getting a car air conditioning filling kit. It will allow us to carry out the filling procedure easily and quickly. An air conditioning fill kit with sealant can be especially useful if you detect a leak in the system. The sealer in the A/C gas helps eliminate small leaks, thus ensuring long-lasting and effective operation of the A/C.