Today, as we drive our automobiles we can enjoy the same comfort levels we are accustomed to at home and at work. With the push of a button or the slide of a lever, we make the seamless transition from heating to cooling without ever wondering how this change occurs. Thank the air conditioner.

Since the advent of the automotive air conditioner in the 1940's, many things have undergone extensive change. Improvements, such as computerized automatic temperature control (which allow you to set the desired temperature) and improvements to overall durability, have added complexity to today's modern air conditioner. Unfortunately, the days of "do-it-yourself" repair to this air conditioner, is almost a thing of the past.

Now more than ever, your mechanic is at the mercy of new environmental legislation applied to air conditioner not only is he required to be certified to purchase refrigerant and repair your air conditioner, his shop must also incur the cost of purchasing expensive equipment that insures the capture of these ozone depleting chemicals, should the air conditioner is opened up for repair. Simply put, if your mechanic has to spend more to repair your auto air conditioner - he will have to charge you more. Basic knowledge of your air conditioner is important, as this will allow you to make a more informed decision on your repair options.

Extensive scientific studies have proven the damaging effects of refrigerant freon in our air conditioners to our ozone layer, and its manufacture has been banned by the u.S. And many other countries.

Should a major problem arise from your air conditioner, you may encounter new terminology. Words like "retrofit" and "alternative refrigerant" are now in your air conditioner manual. You may be given an option of "retrofitting". Retrofitting makes the necessary changes to your air conditioner, allow it to use the new industry accepted, "environmentally friendly" r-134a. This refrigerant has higher operating pressure, therefore, your air conditioner requires more robust parts to counter inherent high pressure characteristics. This will add air conditioner repair cost. And if not performed properly, may reduce air conditioner efficiency.

Vehicles are found to have primarily three different types of air conditioner. While each of the three types of air conditioner varies, the concept and design are very similar to one another. The most common components which make up these automotive systems are the following:

Parts of an air conditioner: