Want cold air in the summer or clear windows in the winter? Then you’ll want a functioning air-conditioning compressor. 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.
Article penned by: Rick Popely.
Air-Conditioning Compressor: What You Need to Know
How do I know it’s time to replace my air-conditioning compressor? An air-conditioning compressor, usually driven by a serpentine accessory belt, sometimes squeals or squeaks before it breaks, but it also can stop working without any audible warning signs. In addition, a compressor can leak refrigerant, which will mean less cool air or none at all. A qualified mechanic is the best source for diagnosing if a compressor isn’t working as air-conditioning problems also can be caused by refrigerant leaks elsewhere in the system, by a slipping accessory belt or by corrosion in the air-conditioning evaporator. If there is a leak, adding refrigerant won’t solve the problem.
A special mention to this articles original source here.
So, what can cause an AC compressor to fail? There is a bit of a paradox here. Overuse can cause the AC compressor to fail, but by the same token, so can too little use. To keep your AC compressor running properly, you should use the AC for about ten minutes per month, even in winter.
Article written by Valerie Johnson.
How Long Does an AC Compressor Last?
As long as your car is running the way it should, you probably don’t even think about all the parts that are working under the hood. Your air conditioning (AC) compressor is one such part that is used every day, and you probably don’t even consider it until your air conditioning stops working. As you might guess from its name, the AC compressor compresses refrigerated air, and delivers it to the condenser, where it is converted into a cooling gas that chills the air in your vehicle’s passenger compartment. Then, it converts the cooled gas back to liquid, and returns it to the compressor unit.
As with many accessories in your car, it is difficult to say with any accuracy how long the AC compressor will last. It depends on the age of your car, and how often you use your AC. As your car ages, and as the AC compressor sustains a lot of use, parts will inevitably begin to malfunction. Then, you end up with little cool air (or even no cool air) in your passenger compartment. Usually, though, you can expect that you will get 8-10 years of use from your AC compressor, and for many drivers, that essentially means the life of the car.
Read the rest of the original article here.
If you feel that your AC compressor has been used for a long time, you must have it examined, and if needed, changed. A qualified mechanic can change your AC compressor so that you can appreciate nominal climate control in your vehicle, irrespective of its age. And for your body repair needs we at Guanella will take care of it for you.