A/C Service and Repair

Few issues in your vehicle’s interior systems are as noticeable and uncomfortable as a faulty air conditioning or heater system. While not requiring regular maintenance, it’s important to ensure your A/C and heater remain in proper condition to keep your interior at a comfortable temperature during the summers or winters of Colorado.
Heat is not optional when local temperatures can be sub-zero and air condition is a necessity when July/August highs can reach 100 degrees plus. Typically, AC and heating systems are not considered standard maintenance systems in a vehicle, but there is valuable information drivers should be equipped with to ensure the longevity of their car, truck, or SUV.

Reliable Climate Control Service and Repair

One particularly common problem seen in automotive air conditioning is leaking refrigerant. A/C systems are closed loops and rely on the constant flow of highly pressurized refrigerant fluid throughout to produce the cool breeze we often take for granted. For a number of reasons, such as failed seals or damaged components, this refrigerant may exit the system and deprive it of the fluid it relies on to generate cold air.

Introduction of fluorescent dye with the system can allow trained technicians to identify minor leaks before all the freon in the system escapes. Identifying and repairing these minor issues quickly can save drivers from major and more expensive repairs down the road.

A/C Components

The air conditioning system in your vehicle consists of several components working together. A few of those are identified below:

A/C Compressor

The compressor is responsible for circulating, and more importantly, compressing, the refrigerant in your vehicle’s A/C System.

A/C Receiver-Drier

The receiver-dryer keeps unwanted and potentially damaging moisture out of the A/C System, protecting components and improving effectiveness. It also filters out other contaminants that occasionally get introduced to the system. Commonly it is found on the high pressure side of the system.

A/C Condenser

The condenser sits at the front of your vehicle, allowing the compressed refrigerant to be condensed further by outside air passing over it. The condenser sits in front of your vehicle’s radiator and allows for internal heat to be transferred externally.

A/C Expansion Valve

The expansion valve transitions the high pressure liquid into a low pressure gas before the refrigerant reaches the evaporator

A/C Evaporator

The evaporator sits in front of the blower fan, removing heat from the air passing through it, allowing cool air to be blown into the cabin.

Common A/C Problems

Refrigerant Leaks

Refrigerant leaking from somewhere in the system will lead to lukewarm air coming through the vents. Leaks can occur throughout the system.

Failed Compressor

If the A/C compressor fails, refrigerant is unable to cycle through the system. You will not receive any cool air through the vents with a failed compressor. The evaporator operates like a heat exchanger.

Smelly Air Conditioning

If the air coming into the cabin of your car smells bad, it can indicate a few issues. It’s important to remember to change your cabin air filter regularly. The filter can become clogged with debris which can contribute to odor (and reduce airflow). Additionally, moisture produced as a side effect of the a/c system running can pool and leak to mold and mildew growing in the system. As described with each air condition component, the state of the freon and ability for the system to pressure is critical to the operations of the AC system. Leaks prevent optimal pressure for air condition operations.

Call or Schedule Now!

At Arvada Square Auto in Arvada, Colorado, our technicians have extensive experience pinpointing the source of A/C and heater issues in a wide variety of makes and models. From clogged heater cores to leaking refrigerant, our highly-trained team will ensure your interior stays comfortable no matter the temperature outside.
We are also trained and equipped to handle traditional R-134a as well as more advanced R-1234yf systems. We are your local repair shop for all your air condition and heating service and maintenance needs!