Our Expert Automotive Service & Collision Repair Blog

A vehicle’s air conditioning (AC) systems take a beating in the hot summer months as it constantly runs to cool us off. The AC evaporator is an essential part of the AC system; it brings in warm air from the exterior and runs it through the coil, which contains refrigerant, to leave us with a nice cold breeze coming out of the vents.

Now that it’s spring time in Denver you’re likely using your car’s air conditioning more often on the average day. When you turn on the A/C, are you overwhelmed by a foul smell - similar to dirty socks? This is a common situation in most vehicles, there’s no need to feel self conscious. The odors invading your car are due to fungus, mold and/or bacteria growing in your car’s A/C system. Mold and bacteria thrive in dark and damp spaces, making your A/C system a prime target. Don’t despair! There are a few things you can do to control or eliminate these odors:

A new automotive refrigerant R1234yf is being used in many late model 2015 and newer vehicles.  The United States EPA has mandated that all new vehicles use R1234yf by 2021. The reason is that the new refrigerant R1234yf has a much lower global warming potential (GWP) than the refrigerant that has been in use (R134a) for the last 24 years. In fact the GWP of R1234 is 1 according to its maker Honeywell and it is 4 according to the EPA, while the GWP of R134 is 1430. The EU has mandated that all new vehicles sold there must have a refrigerant with a GWP of below 150 beginning January 1, 2017. Many vehicles sold here are already using R1234yf because the car makers receive tradable emission credits from the EPA.

Summer is upon us and the A/C system in your car, truck or SUV will be working overtime to keep you cool. Your automotive air conditioning system's basic design hasn’t changed much since it was originally developed, however how all the parts work together has gotten more complex. The A/C system main components are still the compressor, condenser, receiver/drier, expansion device, evaporator and hoses.

Sitting here last week looking at 5 inches of snow and thinking about air conditioning seemed a little odd, but it Is May in Colorado and I guess we should expect anything.  Maybe this is the year I can water ski and snow ski on the same day...