How Your INFINITI's A/C Works & How To Keep It Maintained

March 25, 2021

Ready to become an informed driver? Learn everything you need to know about the components that make up your INFINITI's HVAC system and how it all works together, what you can do to keep it in good condition, and signs that it may need to be serviced.

How Does Car A/C Work?

Think of the inside of your car as a self-contained, climate-controlled environment, similar to the inside of your home.

A car's HVAC system enables a motorist to choose outside air or air that's been recirculated within the cabin. Your air conditioning system cools, warms, cleans, and dries the air in your car, and it controls the airflow's speed and direction. The driver and passengers can adjust HVAC functions with knobs, levers, or buttons.

Key components of a car's A/C system include:

• Compressor
• Condenser
• Metering device
• Evaporator
• Receiver/drier
• Accumulator

Here's how your vehicle's A/C works:

The compressor forces the system's refrigerant into a smaller space, a process known as compression, and pushes it toward the condenser. The heat from compression boosts the temperature of the refrigerant vapor. As the refrigerant travels into the condenser, the condenser repels the heat and transforms the refrigerant into a high-temperature, high-pressure liquid.

A chemical change happens again when the refrigerant goes through a part known as the metering device. At this point, some of the liquid refrigerant turns into "flash gas." When the liquid-and-gas combination travels through the evaporator, heat is absorbed, and the liquid that's left transforms back to vapor.

The receiver/drier protects all of the other A/C parts, and the accumulator acts as a filter for the A/C system.

Key components of a car's heating system include:

• Antifreeze
• Water pump
• Heater core
• Blower motor
• Thermostat

Here's how your vehicle's heating system works:

Some heat generated by the engine is regulated by a mixture of water and coolant (antifreeze) as it flows through the engine block and radiator. This circulation happens thanks to the water pump. (This lets some of the heat from the radiator provide warmth inside the car.)

The heated coolant heads to the heater core, a small radiator-style device that can be found inside the dashboard. The coolant disperses heat as it goes through the heater core. Then, the blower fan transfers heat from the coolant into the car's interior. The thermostat controls the temperature of the coolant.

Signs and Symptoms of Car A/C Problems

Given that the A/C system contains various parts, there could be various problems affecting your air conditioning system's operation. Here are some signs and symptoms of car A/C problems.

• Malfunctioning HVAC controls. In this case, the blower motor resistor may need to be repaired or replaced.
• Lack of airflow. Several issues could be triggering this problem. They include a stuck "blend door" in the vent system, a clogged or moldy cabin filter or a failing blower motor.
• Lack of cold air. If the air is flowing through the vents but it's not cold, it could mean there's a dirty condenser panel, a faulty air compressor clutch, a failing compressor belt or low refrigerant level (possibly due to a coolant leak).
• Inadequate hot air. If the thermostat is set to hot but your vents aren't blowing warm air, it could be the result of a stuck thermostat. Another cause could be a clogged heater core that needs to be flushed.
• Noise while A/C is on. If you hear a noise when the A/C is on, it could mean the compressor needs to be replaced.
• Bad odor when A/C is on. An odor filtering through the A/C vents may be caused by a buildup of bacteria in the evaporator. The evaporator should be flushed to get rid of the bacteria buildup.
• Weak or nonexistent A/C. A weak battery may be the culprit here, as the A/C compressor relies on battery power to do its job.

Year-Round Maintenance Tips for Your Car's A/C System

Help your A/C system stay in tip-top shape by keeping on top of year-round maintenance. Here are some A/C maintenance tips to ensure your INFINITI's A/C is keeping you comfortable.

Read Your Owner's Manual

Before performing any maintenance, It's smart to review the owner's manual so that you're familiar with the A/C system and how it works. Get to know your manufacturer's recommendations to ensure you're following the proper maintenance intervals and checking all of the necessary A/C components.

Use Your A/C

Even if it's chilly outside, it's essential to run your vehicle's A/C every now and then to help ensure the system is working properly. Even if your thermostat is on the heat setting, make sure the A/C button is pressed to keep your air conditioning running through the winter.

Additionally, running the A/C before you've had a chance to drive your vehicle can strain the A/C system. The A/C typically operates much better when you're on the road.

Keep Things Clean

Make sure your system is kept clean. Get rid of dirt and debris in the cabin air filter, and check the condenser for clogs that could cause the cooling to stop working. Keeping components like the cabin air filter, condenser, and evaporator clean can help keep your A/C operating as it should.

Monitor the Compressor and Refrigerant

Every part of the A/C system is important, but the compressor is critical. Check the status of the compressor by starting the car and turning on the A/C. See whether the compressor is running - it makes a humming sound when it's working right. Broken wires or blown fuses are a few potential reasons for a compressor issue.

Park In the Shade

During warm or hot weather, park your car in a shady spot - or even in a garage - and crack open the windows. These steps can help keep the interior temperature down and help put less stress on the A/C system when you start driving again.

Keep Your A/C Running with INFINITI Parts

Don't wait for strange noises or smells to let you know your A/C system has problems. Instead, get regular A/C check-ups at your nearest INFINITI service center. Before you visit, shop genuine INFINITI Parts & Accessories for HVAC parts designed specifically for your INFINITI. Then, have them installed by a professional INFINITI technician at your local authorized service center.