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Has this happened to you? You turn on your vehicle’s air conditioning system and you get nothing but hot air. Out of frustration, you roll down your car’s windows, hoping to catch a cool breeze, swearing that you’ll take your car in for air conditioning service soon.
If your auto air conditioning is not blowing cool air on you, it is time to service your auto’s air conditioning system. Central Avenue Automotive of Kent, Washington wishes to help you with your vehicle’s next auto air conditioning service.
A Simple Recharge or A New A/C System?
Most of the time, an auto A/C system just needs a recharge. When you bring your vehicle into Central Avenue Automotive, our technicians will test the AC system. Sometimes, we may need to repair a leak, replace one of the A/C system components, or install an entirely new air conditioning system.
The health of an auto air conditioning unit is dependent upon the health of the 5 main parts that make it work. These 5 components are:
- Compressor — The driver usually can hear the A/C compressor turn on when it is operating properly. If you don’t hear it start when you turn the A/C on, your compressor may need repair or replacement. The compressor’s job is to compress the refrigerant gas and transfer it to the condenser.
- Condenser — The condenser’s job is to cool the refrigerant gas.
- Receiver (Drier) — The receiver is the storage unit of the cooled 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 A/C system.
- Orifice Tube / Expansion Valve — This tube/valve regulates the flow of the refrigerant as it moves through the auto A/C system. It also converts the high pressure refrigerant into a low pressure liquid as it heads to the evaporator.
Dehumidifier — Every car with air conditioning has a dehumidifier. This is why most modern cars will turn on the A/C compressor whenever the “Defrost” mode is selected for climate control, as the dehumidifier will defrost the windows and pull the moisture out of the inside of the car. The dehumidifier helps prevent the musty smell in the car. Even in the dead of Winter, for a comfortable ride inside the car, the air conditioning system still needs to work, even though it is cold and rainy outside.
If any of these air conditioning system components are not working properly, they may need to be replaced. That is where the expertise of Central Avenue Automotive comes into play. We have the knowledge, tools, and experience to tell the difference between a minor auto air conditioning service or a major auto A/C system replacement. When we inspect your auto’s A/C system, we will be able to discuss your options and come up with an air conditioning service solution that will make your A/C system work properly again.
What should I do when my air conditioning system stinks?
Over time, your vehicle’s A/C system will develop mold and bacteria inside the vents. This can be a health hazard for people with allergies and asthma. To make sure you and your passengers breathe easy, it is a good idea to replace the cabin air filter every year, and to have Central Avenue Automotive clean your heater and A/C vents every two or three years.
As a general rule, automotive A/C systems should be serviced at least every 2 years. A typical air conditioning system service at Central Avenue Automotive is quite affordable, ranging from $89 to $150.
When you bring your vehicle in for auto air conditioning service at Central Avenue Automotive in Kent, Washington, we do our best to remove any doubts, fears, or stress around the trust factor. When you have an air conditioning problem, contact your friend in the auto industry, Central Avenue Automotive in Kent, WA. You may contact us at (253) 854-6762, or visit us at 1514 Central Avenue South, Kent, WA 98032 for all your auto repair needs!
