Your car’s A/C system is made up of several important components, but the evaporator is arguably the most crucial. It’s responsible for the air temperature you feel inside the cabin, which is what keeps you cool all year round.
The evaporator absorbs heat, removes humidity from the air, and distributes cool air to the cabin via the blower fan. It’s also known as the coil or core and works in conjunction with the expansion valve and blower fan to circulate cool air.
If the evaporator fails, it needs to be replaced to keep the rest of the system running optimally. This is a common issue for car owners, especially those with older vehicles. Fortunately, there are ways to identify problems before they become serious.
At Natrad, our cooling specialists can help keep your A/C system in top shape. With a wide range of evaporators to choose from, we have the perfect solution for you.
Signs of a Bad A/C Evaporator
Several symptoms can indicate various problems within the A/C system, so it’s essential to be vigilant. Here are a few signs that the evaporator may be the problem:
- Weak airflow or warm air
- Strange or sweet aroma
- Compressor won’t activate
- Inconsistent air temperature
We’ll explain these in greater detail later, but first, let’s dive into how the evaporator works.
How Evaporators Work
The evaporator is responsible for creating cool air, but it actually works more as a removal tool for humidity and heat. As the refrigerant circulates the system, it passes through the expansion valve before entering the evaporator. After the expansion valve, the refrigerant passes through the tubes of the evaporator, much like coolant through a radiator. However, it’s liquid refrigerant rather than very hot engine coolant. Inside the evaporator, the liquid refrigerant changes to a gas state and becomes very cold.
Warm air entering the evaporator fins is cooled by the cold refrigerant. The air and refrigerant never mix, but this temperature change happens through the metal of the evaporator. The now cold air exits the evaporator into the cabin of the car via the blower fan, giving you the cool, dry air you need.
Moisture in the air also collects on the cold metal surface of the evaporator and eventually drips into a collection drain tube. These drips may form a small puddle under your stationary car, but this is completely normal.
The cycle repeats while the air conditioning is on, and what you get inside the car is cool, dry air.
Why Evaporators are So Important
Without the evaporator, you wouldn’t have cold air con, making those steamy summer days a lot less bearable. Since it’s located in the dashboard, it can be challenging to access, making it a significant replacement job.
Warning Signs of a Bad A/C Evaporator
- Weak airflow or warm air: Weak airflow is generally due to leakage somewhere in the system, which impacts effectiveness.
- Strange/sweet smell: Refrigerant has a sweet aroma, and when leaking, it may seep from the coil, core, or seals. The smell may get more intense with the A/C on.
- Compressor won’t activate: A leak may result in reduced pressure, which means the compressor will not activate to circulate refrigerant around the system and to the evaporator.
- Inconsistent air temperature: This may indicate a damaged evaporator beyond leakage, which will definitely need replacing.
Possible Causes of Failure
- Corrosion
- Clogging
- Degrading of a seam or weld
- Wear and tear
- Leakage
Repairs and Replacement
If an evaporator fails, it needs to be replaced, often accompanied by an A/C system recharge and possible replacement of other components. As a system with refrigerant inside, this is not something you can handle yourself. Replacement should be handled by a professional, especially as sometimes, the dashboard may need to be removed.
The Anchor Group has been dedicated to the production and research of Evaporators for many years. Their commitment to this field is evident in their extensive experience and expertise in developing high-quality Evaporators. Over the years, they have continuously invested in research and development to improve the performance and efficiency of their products. The Anchor Group’s long-standing reputation in the industry is a testament to their unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation in Evaporator technology.