There are numerous components involved in the air conditioning system for your vehicle. Keeping your air conditioning systems as clean as possible is one of the recommended ways to make them last a long time and operate more efficiently. Taking care of problems that do arise, as you notice them, is also recommended.
As far as components are concerned, two important parts of your vehicle’s air conditioning system consist of the condenser and evaporator coil. Here, we will examine one particular scenario: A/C condensers vs. evaporator coils.
The Basics
Very generally speaking, here are the basic functions of a condenser coil and evaporator coil:
- Evaporator Coil: Removes moisture and heat from the air so that it can be cooled efficiently.
- Condenser Coil: Releases heated air to the outdoors.
Let’s look at that in a bit more detail.
Automotive A/C Condenser
Located between the radiator and grill of your car, you will find your air conditioning system’s condenser. It is a series of coils. What goes on inside this component? Answer: Heat is shed by the gaseous refrigerant which then goes back into a liquid state. Simply put, from a gas to a liquid, refrigerant is condensed, not surprisingly, by the condenser.
Automotive A/C Evaporator
You may also hear the evaporator coil referred to as an evaporator core. By cycling refrigerant throughout your car’s air conditioning system, it helps regulate A/C temperature. With the assistance of the compressor and your engine’s blower fan, it converts warm air to cold air. This process can be disrupted, however, by a leak in the evaporator. The system will fail eventually as a result.
Signs and Symptoms of an Evaporator Problem
You may be experiencing a faulty or failing evaporator if you notice the following:
- Inconsistent air temperature
- Non-activation of the compressor
- Sweet or strange aroma/odor
- Warm air (instead of cold air) or weak airflow
Anticipated lifespan: You may be able to get 10 to 15 years out of the evaporator coils on your vehicle as long as you make sure to perform regularly scheduled preventative maintenance. Improper maintenance can severely limit the lifespan of this part, however.
Important: Keep the evaporator coil (and all other parts of your vehicle’s A/C system) as clean as possible.
Signs and Symptoms of a Condenser Problem
You may have to have your vehicle’s A/C compressor checked or replaced if you notice the following:
- Burning or bad smell
- Lack of cool air
- Your engine overheats while idling
- Lack of airflow
Anticipated life span: You might be able to get 8 to 10 years out of a decent quality A/C condenser, provided you have executed proper and regular preventative maintenance on the air conditioning system of your vehicle.
Find A/C Evaporators for All Sorts of Cars at R & Y A/C Compressors®
R & Y A/C Compressors® has, for over 30 years, been supplying the automotive air conditioning system parts that people need and use the most. Take, just as an example, our 2013 Kia evaporator coil and 2011 Kia Soul compressor and condenser kit. Both can be shipped to you in an expedited manner throughout the United States and to a number of other countries. Contact us today for assistance.