All You Need To Know About Receiver Dryers
Receiver/Dryer is a major component of Vehicles’ AC that works in tandem with other components to deliver stupendous air conditioning in your car. It is a metal like cans with an inlet and an outlet and used only in AC systems that use expansion valves. It is also called filters/driers or receiver/dehydrators. Receiver Dryers are found in the high pressure part of the AC system usually between the expansion valve inlet and condenser outlet although it can be connected to the condenser.
If you think you might have a faulty receiver/dryer and need auto AC repair in Phoenix, call us now for your free check-up!
Main functions of Receiver Driers
- Storing refrigerant and oil temporary when not needed for operation. For instance when there is less demand for cooling.
- They contain filters that can trap debris inside the air conditioner system.
- They contain desiccant which is a material used to absorb moisture that may have got inside the system during manufacture out service. This is the dryer part of this important component of the AC system.
Excessive moisture can cause corrosion hence degrading the performance of lubricating oil in the compressor. You should replace the receiver/drier every time you open the system for service. The desiccant is designed to absorb only a limited amount of moisture. So when exposed to the atmosphere, the humidity in the air can easily saturate it. When it becomes saturated, it will no longer be able to perform effectively.
Debris inside the AC system can also restrict the filter in the receiver/drier diminishing refrigerant flow.
The good this is that receiver/dryer rarely fails. However, as mentioned above they should be replaced every time the AC system is open. When they fail, it is always due to clogging or debris from the A/C system. It could also be due to crack in the desiccant bag. The desiccant can also disintegrate into small particles causing clogging.
Symptoms of a damaged receiver dryer
Leakage
Receiver/driers store refrigerant and hence is more susceptible to leakages than other AC components. You will notice drips at the fittings or underside of the receiver dryer. In more severe cases this leakage can leak the entire refrigerant. Eventually, the system will cease to function or even permanently damaged due to overheating.
Noises
Rattling noises are potential signs of receiver dryer internal damage. It is usually caused by loose or damaged fittings. You should address the noises from the receiver dryer as soon as possible to prevent severe damage.
Bad Odor
Receiver dryer is designed to remove moisture from the system. Failure to do will result in mildew or mold. The mildew or mold will produce a moldy smell from the car’s AC. Usually, this happens when you have you need to replace the moisture absorbing desiccant. Similarly when broken allowing moisture molds are bound to develop in the system.
Conclusion
The primary function of a receiver/drier is to receive and store refrigerant from the condenser. It acts as temporary storage during periods of low cooling demand. If you suspect problem do not hesitate to contact your professional technician. They will inspect and replace the receiver dryer if necessary.
Contact Chelsee’s AC & Brake Emporeum today. Click (602) 242-1253
Read more about your car’s air conditioning system: