Heating & Cooling
Our vehicle’s HVAC systems are truly a miracle, and one we usually take for granted. Without them, our commutes would often be miserable experiences. Knowing how these systems work will give you a better idea of what may be affecting them, and what you can expect from an Idaho Falls auto heating and cooling company.
Heater Core
Your car’s heater is directly linked to your car’s cooling system. In fact, you can think of it as a somewhat smaller version of your car’s cooling system’s radiator, often called a “heater core”. The heater core is located just under your dashboard. Hot engine coolant is circulated throughout a winding tube (usually made from aluminum or brass) inside of the heater core. A fan is positioned in such a way that it blows air from outside your car over cooling fins. The hot temperature in the heating core warms up the air and blows into your car through the heater vents.
Air Conditioning System
Your AC system works through pressure reduction, which naturally results in temperature reduction. Your AC system consists of a condenser (the high pressure side of the system, located at the very front of your car), an evaporator (the low pressure side of the system, located inside the passenger compartment), and between them, a compressor, which moves refrigerant throughout your system. The compressor is driven by a belt on the front of your engine. The compressor receives low pressure, cold gas which is then compressed (heated), and pumped into the condenser. The high pressure gas is cooled via airflow across the condenser, turning it into a liquid, which then flows through the receiver-dryer, which filters out moisture. The high pressure liquid then moves through the expansion valve, which lowers its pressure and therefore the temperature as well. From the expansion valve, the low pressure liquid flows into the evaporator, where it begins to boil, turning back into a low pressure gas and absorbing heat, chilling the walls of the evaporator. The blower motor blows across the chilled walls of the evaporator, through your dashboard vents, and into your car.
There are many different problems that can occur with your Idaho Falls auto heating and cooling systems. Beginning with the heating core, we at C&S Auto often see clogs of the piping, which may require us to flush the coolant system, or change the coolant. Leaks in one of the connections to the heater core is another common problem that we typically solve, as well as corrosion caused by electrolysis, which can lead to a rupturing of the heater core. We will be sure to unclog, fix, or replace whatever we need to in order to get your heating core up and running at full capacity.
If you are experiencing problems with your air conditioner, we know what to do. Typically, you will notice weak airflow, which can be caused by a number of different factors. Common problems with car air conditioning systems that our Idaho Falls auto heating and cooling services can fix include:
- Mold or mildew buildup in the evaporator coil
- Hoses that have become loosened
- Damaged or malfunctioning ventilation fans
- Clogged refrigerant charging hoses or expansion tubes
- Damaged condensers
- Leaks in the vacuum
- Clogging in the expansion tubes or refrigerant charging hoses
- Freon leaks
- Problems with the compressor clutch
- Problems with the blower motor
And plenty more. We have all of the right technicians and equipment to handle these problems. Our Idaho Falls auto heating and cooling services can even handle the infamous Black Death. If you’ve never heard of this condition as it relates to a car’s A/C, it begins in the compressor after the refrigerant breaks down, depriving the system of the lubrication it needs to function properly. The compressor breaks down, and from there, harsh particles travel throughout the rest of the system. This results in the total breakdown of the air conditioning system. If you are experiencing this problem, bring your vehicle in immediately.