Heating and Air Conditioning Systems

Visual Inspection

Interior controls and blower
Cabin air filter conditions
Radiator coolant level, hoses, belt condition pressure cap and thermostat operation system
Leaks or other damage

Heating and Air Conditioning Tests

Pressure test engine cooling system
A/C system pressures are measured and compared to manufacturer’s specifications
A/C system is leak tested
Both the heater and A/C are performance tested by checking the outlet air temperature at the discharge vents

Our staff is trained and certified to diagnose and repair automotive air conditioning systems. Did you know that without regular maintenance an air conditioner loses about 5% of its original efficiency per year? This means that without proper maintenance, your air conditioning unit may be performing as poorly as other models that are years older! But there is good news: you can still recover most of that lost efficiency. By scheduling an appointment with one of our trained professionals we can service your system and have it operating like new in no time at all.—we understand all aspects of AC repair, from modern computerized components to environmental disposal concerns, using today’s most up to date recovery and recharging equipment. Today’s AC systems are complex, and new improvements are always being initiated. That’s why you need to turn to us, the professionals. The following is a brief summary of some of the basic components that comprise this system:

Compressor:

The compressor is a belt-driven device that derives its name from compressing refrigerant gas and transferring it into the condenser. While basically acting as a simple pump, the compressor is the core of your vehicle’s air conditioning system.

Condenser:

The condenser’s primary function is to cool the refrigerant. It is a heat dissipating apparatus that radiates heat released by compressed gases and condenses them into high pressure liquids. The location of your condenser depends on how new your car is, but typically it’s found at the front of the vehicle, directly in front of the engine cooling radiator.

Receiver (drier):

The receiver is a metal container that serves as a storage receptacle for the refrigerant. It’s also referred to as a drier because it absorbs moisture from the refrigerant and filters out particles of debris and harmful acids that would otherwise harm your AC system. Commonly located on the liquid line of the AC system, you should change your drier every 3-4 years to ensure quality filtration and prevent any damage caused by these detrimental chemicals.

Orifice tube/expansion valve:

The orifice tube (also known as the expansion valve) is a controlling mechanism that regulates the flow of refrigerant throughout the system. In addition to this, it also converts high pressure liquid refrigerant (from the condenser) into a low-pressure liquid, so that it can enter the evaporator. Generally located at the evaporator inlet, the orifice tube could also be found between the condenser and the evaporator, or in the outlet of the condenser.

Evaporator

The evaporator is designed to remove heat from the inside of your vehicle; therefore, it’s a heat exchanger that’s vital to your vehicle’s AC system (not to mention your comfort). The evaporator allows the refrigerant to absorb heat, causing it to boil and change into a vapor. When this occurs, the vapor is removed from the evaporator by the compressor, cooling your car and reducing humidity. Because the evaporator houses the most refrigerant in this heat transfer process, it is the most susceptible to corrosion by harmful acids. Usually this damages the evaporator beyond repair, which is why it’s imperative you see us to prevent this from happening.

Computerized Engine Analysis

Your modern vehicle’s engine is a highly sophisticated piece of technology with millions of lines of computer code controlling everything your vehicle does from safety to performance. The days of your father’s carburates gas-guzzler are long gone—instead, Federal Exhaust Emission and Fuel Economy regulations demand that today’s vehicles be equipped with electronic engine control systems, to lessen carbon emissions and increase fuel economy. With technically advanced control systems taking the place of simple engine components, common maintenance services such as tune-ups are also a thing of the past. Regular services (such as spark plug and filter replacements) are still required, as well as a computerized analysis of your vehicle’s multiple computerize control system. Our trained technicians are trained and equipped to diagnose and repair these complex services.