Although the air conditioning (A/C) system of your car includes various components, the compressor is one of the key components that develop the system’s essential cycle. Without it, your complete A/C system won’t be able to produce airflow inside the car, which is its primary job. As we understand the function your A/C compressor performs in your vehicle’s air conditioning system, this buying guide article will assist you in painting a clear image of the A/C compressors.
1. What Does An Air Conditioning Compressor Do In A Vehicle?
2. What Air Conditioning Compressor Do I Need?
3. Which Brand Air Conditioning Compressor Should I Choose?
4. When Should Air Conditioning Compressor Be Replaced?
- Weird Noises From Within The Compressor
- Unnaturally High Cabin Temperatures
- Fluid Leakage
- Stuck A/C Compressor Clutch
5. How Much Does It Cost To Replace An A/C Compressor?
1 What Does An Air Conditioning Compressor Do In A Vehicle?
The fundamental function of the A/C compressor is to compress or provide the necessary pressure to the refrigerant in the automobile to activate its heat-transfer properties. The compressor is the main component that drives the air conditioner, applying intense pressure to the refrigerant before pumping it into the condenser, where it transforms from a gas to a liquid. For an air conditioner to run at its best, the compressor must be in perfect working condition. The refrigerant is a substance that essentially turns hot air into cold air. The compressor and this refrigerant form a virtual team that operates together. The primary function of the air conditioning compressor, which is to compress the refrigerant used to absorb warm air inside the car’s cabin, is driven by your vehicle’s engine. This helps maintain a low temperature during summers and a clear windshield during the winters.
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2 What Air Conditioning Compressor Do I Need?
The A/C compressor’s primary function is to compress and move refrigerant gas through the vehicle’s air conditioning system. There are numerous methods for compressing gas, hence various compressor types can be utilized in an air conditioning system. Rotary-type compressors, scroll compressors, and reciprocating compressors are the three most widely used types of compressors.
Rotary Compressors
Rotary compressors are a type of gas compressor that compresses the gas using rotors. Rotary compressors are preferred over piston compressors in automotive applications because they can produce large volumes of high-pressure air quickly and efficiently. They are less prone to vibration than other compressors, are quiet, and have a small footprint. In the device, a bladed shaft rotates inside a graded cylinder to simultaneously push and compress the refrigerant.
The rotary type compressor offers better results with more uptime, improved energy efficiency and cost-effectiveness, higher air quality, and a longer lifespan than reciprocating compressors.
Scroll Compressors
The scroll compressor has a stationary coil in its core, called the scroll. The refrigerant is compressed and driven towards the centre by a second coil as it revolves around the central scroll. The scroll compressor is considerably more dependable because it has fewer moving parts.
Reciprocating Compressors
The reciprocating type compressor, also known as variable displacement compressor, is the most common and has a wide range of applications. It utilizes a piston and cylinder arrangement to compress the refrigerant. The piston in the cylinder moves up and down owing to a crankshaft and motor. As the piston descends, a vacuum is formed, drawing the refrigerant into the cylinder. The gas is compressed and then forced into the condenser when the piston rises again. Even if a reciprocating air conditioner (A/C) can utilise up to eight cylinders, it might nevertheless experience issues linked to worn-out pistons.
3 Which Brand Air Conditioning Compressor Should I Choose?
Denso AC Compressors
DENSO is the industry leader for original equipment A/C compressors, accounting for 40% of the global market. Top automakers like Audi, BMW, Fiat, Mercedes, Porsche, Toyota, and VW choose DENSO parts.
Features:
- High-quality compact and lightweight design.
- Built for a specific car and engine specifications.
- Manufactured to the highest design standards with a low failure rate.
- Extensive testing ensures reliable performance.
For more products, please refer to our Denso AC Compressor section.
Four Seasons AC Compressors
Four Seasons manufactures and distributes a full line of temperature control equipment as a part of the SMP Temperature Control Division. They are the biggest compressor producer and supplier of aftermarket components for mobile temperature control in the world. Their consumers can count on a high-quality product that has been thoroughly examined, tested, and confirmed before leaving our facility.
Features:
- Passes all comprehensive testing which includes vacuum decay, pressure decay, noise, and performance
- Uses PAG 46
- Contains gaskets, o-rings, or seals to replace the product
- Charged with ICE32 lubricant to reduce internal friction promoting enhanced system performance and longevity
- Contain as much as 78% new componentry
For more products, please refer to our Four Seasons AC Compressor section.
Spectra Premium AC Compressors
Spectra Premium Mobility Solutions designs, manufactures and markets technology supporting sustainable mobility. Their focus is to develop and commercialize Heat Transfer, Engine Management, and Undercar products for passenger car and commercial vehicle applications. They are optimizing their unique manufacturing capabilities and superior design engineering services to enhance their product offering to Aftermarket and OEM customers.
Features:
- Long-term tested to ensure product quality and durability
- Every unit is performance-tested
- Transit tested with robust packaging to shield parts from damage during shipping
- Meet or exceed OE specifications for fit, form, and function
For more products, please refer to our Spectra Premium AC Compressor section.
4 When Should Air Conditioning Compressor Be Replaced?
The car A/C compressor is the heart of the air conditioning system. It is responsible for maintaining the flow of refrigerant, which ensures efficient operation. Therefore, the entire air conditioning system would be affected if the compressor experiences any issues. A compressor typically exhibits a few warning signals before it starts to malfunction.
Weird Noises From Within The Compressor
Strange noises from the compressor are the most typical sign of a failed compressor. These sounds typically start when you switch on the air conditioner and are squeaky. Like the A/C system of your car comprises numerous interconnected pieces, the compressor also contains several internal parts, including coils and ball bearings. Strange squeaks and grinding noises will be produced if any of those components start to fail, act up, or malfunction, signaling the need for the A/C compressor unit repair or replacement.
Unnaturally High Cabin Temperatures
If the A/C is no longer blowing cold air as it once did, it is one of the first symptoms of a faulty A/C compressor. The A/C won’t work correctly if the compressor is damaged or failing since it won’t be able to control the refrigerant flow in the system. As a result, you might notice that the temperature inside the car rises and the AC is blowing hot air.
Fluid Leakage
The compressor contains bearings that typically stop any fluid or refrigerant from leaking. The leakage of fluids from the compressor is another potential indication that the bearing is broken. This leakage indicates that your vehicle’s A/C compressor needs to be replaced.
Stuck A/C Compressor Clutch
The A/C compressor needs the maximum power possible to operate effectively and correctly. For this, an A/C compressor has a clutch connected to the engine by a pulley, enabling it to utilise the engine’s power as needed. Therefore, a damaged clutch prevents the compressor from drawing the required power, which causes the compressor to stop working. Therefore, if any issue occurs, it is strongly recommended to have the compressor clutch fixed or replaced.
5 How Much Does It Cost To Replace An A/C Compressor?
The price range for an A/C compressor varies from $CAD 190 to $CAD 1500 on the PartsAvatar website. However, depending on the type of brand, vehicle, and budget you can buy a new A/C compressor from our website.
