Cooling & Heating Systems

Your car’s engine is the power source for both heating and air conditioning systems. The systems also share other components, as the following diagram shows. Here’s what happens when you flip on the heat or the air conditioner:

1. Heating System

   Heat is a byproduct of the engine’s combustion process. The heat is absorbed by the coolant in your car’s radiator. The coolant is then circulated through the heater core before returning to the radiator. The heating system also includes a series of air ducts, a blower motor and fan, and temperature and duct controls, which selct the desired temperature and direct the flow of warm air.

   Air Conditioning System

   This system shares air ducts, controls and a blower with the heater, but has its own refrigerant system. The air conditioning system is comprised of the following components:

2. Compressor

   This is a pump that pressurizes and circulates the refrigerant through the system.

3. Condenser

   As the refrigerant flows through the condensor, it gives up heat and converts from gas to liquid.

4. Receiver/Dryer or Accumulator

   This is where clean, dry refrigerant is stored as it circulates through the system.

5. Orifice Tube or Expansion Valve

   This is a metering device that controls the flow of refrigerant through the system

6. Evaporator Core

   Refrigerant enters the evaporator core as a liquid. Heat from the air converts the liquid refrigerant back into a gas, which cools the air before it enters you car.

   What Our ASE Certified Technicians Do

   The following components are inspected. Their condition is recorded and compared to manufacturer’s specs. Recommendations are made per the Motorist Assurance Program Uniform Inspection Guidelines:

   Heating and Air Conditioning Systems

   • Interior controls and blower
   • Radiator coolant level, hoses, pressure cap and thermostat
   • The A/C compressor belt for condition and tension
   • Leaks or other damage
   • Component condition, leaks or 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