Automobile Air Conditioning Refrigerant
Air conditioning is essential in all cars. So if you need your car AC repair in Phoenix, call us now for your free check-up! Air conditioning not only cools the air but also recirculates air and dehumidifies ambient air in the cabin. It is therefore important to have a working air conditioning system for a cozy drive. However, your AC system will not work if it does not have a refrigerant.
A refrigerant is a fluid used in the AC system. It undergoes transition from liquid and gas and back as it transfers heat in the system. Initially, the most common refrigerants were R-12 and HFC-134a.
However, types of refrigerants used today are changing. New automotive models are using R-1234yf refrigerant with other options being considered. The European countries phased out R-134a in 2017 requiring automobile manufacturers to use a refrigerant with a global warming potential of less than 150. Similarly, the US requires car manufacturers to use R-1234yf in bid to lower the overall carbon emissions. According to EPA, new vehicles manufacturers must cease to use R-134a after 2021.
The refrigerant is pumped to the evaporator where cabin air condensation takes place. Here, the refrigerant exchanges heat with cabin air. It also dehumidifies the air to give you optimum comfort. If your car AC system has low refrigerant, it will not cool as efficiently. In fact, it is more likely that there is a leak in the system.
Refrigerant Leaks
There are numerous points for a refrigerant leak in the AC system including metal components such as an accumulator, drier and condenser and also rubber components such as hoses. Leaks results in warmer air from the air conditioning vents. You can stop and seal the leaks using a stop leak additive.
Changes to reduce refrigerant leaks and loses during vehicle servicing are in order. Similarly, new automobile design aims to remove all refrigerant from the AC system. Why? While R-134a refrigerant has no potential danger to the ozone layer, it has pretty high global warming potential.
A leak in a single vehicle is not a big deal but it adds up if you combine the leaks in the gargantuan number of the vehicle in the world. Some Auto manufacturers have incorporated refrigerant leak dye to enable technicians to detect leaks easily. A refrigerant leak will show a greenish blue or greenish yellowish stain that glows when illuminated with an ultraviolet source.
Alternative Refrigerants
Some possible refrigerant alternatives for R-134a are CO2 and HFC-152a. CO2 does not affect ozone or global warming, especially in small doses. HFC-152a is one of the most probable replacements given that it similar to R-134a but ten times less than R152a. Currently, R-1234yf is replacing R-134a.
Contact Chelsee’s AC & Brake Emporeum today. Click (602) 242-1253
Read more about your car’s air conditioning system: