Why your A/C Compressor is Important
by Staff Writer

The a/c compressor, a belt driven pump found in the automotive air conditioning system, is commonly referred to as the heart of the air conditioning system for many reasons. One main reason is that when it fails you know that something is wrong with your overall a/c system. Just as when a heart fails, the body feels it, when a compressor locks up or the clutch seizes, the automobile is affected.

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The compressor is made up of many smaller components, one large component is the electro-magnetic clutch, which engages and disengages the compressor once power is/is not provided via the vehicle. The complete compressor with clutch is responsible for compressing and transferring refrigerant gas. The movement of refrigerant passes heat from the internal of the vehicle to the external.

The auto a/c system has two sides, a low-pressure side and high-pressure side, also called the discharge and suction. The low-pressure side connects to the inlet (suction) of the compressor and the high-pressure side connects to the outlet (discharge).The compressor acting as a pump, on the intake side takes in low-pressure gas coming from the evaporator or sometimes the accumulator or receiver/drier and compresses it into a high-pressure hot gas sent to the condenser. From there, it transfers heat that was absorbed from the inside of the vehicle.

The a/c compressor compresses freon into a high pressure and temperature gas The gas is then sent to the condenser to remove heat. As this temperature is typically higher than the outside temperature, heat transfers to the outside air. This gas is then condensed back to a high pressure liquid. The liquid is sent to a restriction in the system (ie. orifice tube or expansion device) and this lowers the pressure. The liquid then boils and vaporizes, in other words evaporates. The cycle is able to repeat in this low pressure gas state. A benefit to the compressor circulating the refrigerant is that it provides lubrication to the main parts of the a/c system.

Please also note that the compressor should be properly lubricated prior to installation in the vehicle. The oils vary from mineral to Pag oil, and the viscosity is also vital. For optimal performance you would want your a/c professional to look at the approximate ounces and appropriate viscosity. Some seals and gaskes may not work with certain oils.

Clues that you may need a new compressor include:

1) Poor cooling or no cooling in vehicle

2) Noise coming from the unit under the dash

3) A seized compressor causing a belt slip

4) Burning smell coming from clutch

Usual suspects which contribute to compressor failure: 1) Low refrigerant

2) Lack of or incorrect lubricant

3) Particles of debris such as metal chips in the system causing internal deterioration

It is important that an a/c professional check your air conditioning system at least once a year. Since the a/c system also helps defrost your windshield during the cool season, it is not suggested to only have it checked in the summertime. Keep the refrigerant filled and your system won't get damaged due to poor lubrication flow. The a/c professional should also use the correct refrigerant and oil to keep it from performing poorly. Last but not least, it is important the technician follow each compressor manufacturer's unique diagnostic procedure and not take shortcuts. Know the system, don't just replace the compressor but correct the root cause of the initial failure.

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