How Do Your Car's A/C and Heater Work?

How Do Your Car's A/C and Heater Work?

Weather in Western Washington is usually temperate, but there are days when you need your car’s air conditioning and heating to work efficiently. The best way to ensure your equipment is ready is to maintain a regular automotive HVAC schedule and address problems immediately. Understanding how your heater and AC work can help you spot issues before they become severe. Learn more about the two systems below.

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How Does a Car's A/C Work?

At one time, people used ice to cool their cars. Today’s technology is more sophisticated. The refreshing air you feel started as hot air, with heat removed through several steps. You don’t need to get into the science, but knowing the common parts of your car’s air conditioning system helps:

• HVAC Control Panel
• Compressor
• Condenser
• Accumulator
• Expansion Valve
• Evaporator
• Blower Motor

When you turn on your car's AC, the compressor compresses the refrigerant, losing heat as it passes through the condenser. The receiver and dryer remove contaminants and moisture, then the refrigerant enters the expansion valve or accumulator. The refrigerant depressurizes and cools. Finally, it reaches the evaporator, which removes remaining moisture and cools it further. The blower motor then pushes cold air out through the vents.

How Often Should My Car's AC Be Recharged?

The refrigerant is critical for a functioning air conditioner. Over time, your system may lose some refrigerant. When the air from the vents isn't as cool as before, your system may be running low. Take your vehicle for an inspection, and a mechanic can determine the cause, fix the problem, and recharge the refrigerant. This ensures your AC system is ready for hot days in Washington.

How Often Should I Get My Car's A/C Inspected?

To ensure your car’s air conditioner works when you need it, have it inspected during regular checkups. Preventative maintenance helps avoid bigger, more expensive problems. Inspect your AC if it fails to keep you cool on hot days or takes too long to cool down.

How Does a Car's Heater Work?

Your heater does more than heat your vehicle; it helps keep the engine cool. Understanding your vehicle's heater involves knowing these key components:

• Heater Core
• Blower Motor
• Heater Hoses
• Heater Control Valve
• HVAC Control Panel

Your heater interacts with the coolant, thermostat, radiator, and water pump. The engine’s heat is transferred into the coolant. The coolant moves the heat to the heater core, acting as a heat exchanger. The heater control valve regulates coolant flow. The blower motor pushes air over the heater core and into your cabin at the speed set on the HVAC control panel.

How Often Do I Need New Coolant in My Car?

Maintaining coolant levels and checking for leaks in your heater hoses is important. Regularly flush and refill your coolant to ensure efficient engine cooling and cabin heating. Typically, change the coolant every 30,000 miles, but check it more often too.

How Often Should My Car's Heater Be Inspected?

Since the heater is part of the engine cooling system, stay on top of its maintenance. If you notice a heating issue, take your car for an inspection immediately. Even when there are no problems, have the engine cooling system and heater inspected during regular car maintenance to ensure your car's health.

Maintenance for Japanese Cars

At Greg’s Japanese Auto, we provide the best car maintenance in Seattle and Western Washington. We specialize in Japanese imports, allowing us to be extremely proficient. Our team follows best practices to keep your car in great shape. We diagnose problems quickly and get you back on the road. Whether it’s your heater, air conditioner, or another issue, we’ll resolve it. Contact us today or schedule your appointment online.

Photo credit: By Alexandru Nika

How It Works: Your Car's Heating System

When the weather turns cold, your vehicle’s heater becomes essential. Its controls are on the dash, but its operation starts in the engine's cooling system.

Regular maintenance benefits both the engine and the heater.

An engine generates significant heat from combustion and friction. If not continuously cooled, it can suffer serious damage. Modern vehicle engines are typically liquid-cooled, using water blended with antifreeze to reduce corrosion and prevent freezing. The coolant absorbs heat in the engine’s water jackets and then travels to the radiator to cool before returning to the engine in a continuous loop.

Some coolant detours from the engine to the heater core, a miniature radiator with tubes for coolant circulation and fins to dissipate heat. When you turn on the fan, the blower motor sends the warmed air into the cabin. To regulate temperature, small “blend doors” manage the hot and cold air mixture and the amount of fresh air from outside. Setting the system to “Recirculate” closes the outside flap, using only inside air, which helps reach the desired temperature quickly and prevents outside odors but can cause window condensation and higher carbon dioxide levels.

Your vehicle’s automatic climate control uses sensors to monitor the cabin and adjust blend doors and the outside flap to maintain the desired temperature. Dual-zone systems allow different temperatures for the driver and passenger sides, operating individual blend doors. The air direction can be changed between the floor, dash, or defroster vents using a series of flap doors.

Your heater doesn’t blow hot air immediately after starting the car. Cold weather delays warming due to the thermostat, a temperature-sensitive valve that keeps coolant inside the engine until it reaches an ideal operating temperature (90 to 104 degrees Celsius). Once warm, the thermostat opens, allowing the warm coolant to circulate into the heater core.

Coolant eventually breaks down and should be replaced according to your vehicle’s maintenance schedule. Neglect can lead to rust and corrosion in the system, clogging the heater core and reducing heat. Signs of heater core problems include coolant dripping under the dash or a sweet smell. Preventative maintenance is better as heater cores are usually hard to access, raising labor costs.

If your heater isn’t working, potential issues include a failed blower motor, defective blend doors, faulty engine thermostat, leaks or low coolant levels, or a malfunctioning water pump—all affecting engine operation. A clogged cabin air filter can also reduce heater efficiency. Filters are usually near the glovebox; consult your owner's manual for replacement instructions.

Electric cars use electric heaters, impacting battery range, but they can be pre-warmed while charging. Electric cars often include heated seats and steering wheels to save energy. Some, like Nissan’s Leaf, use an energy-efficient heat-pump system for heating and cooling. Automakers continuously seek to improve heater efficiency.

If you're interested in learning more about Electric Car Cabin Heater, contact us today for an expert consultation!

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