> Your Online Garage A/C and Heat: Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning (HVAC) System Service and Repair Your air conditioning system is part of your HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system, and one of the key components in your vehicle’s comfort-control center.  When your air conditioning is not functioning properly, driving can be miserable and, in some cases, even dangerous.   All modern cars have a heater, and most have an air conditioner.  These components help maintain safe and comfortable driving conditions, including visibility. The HVAC System provides proper in vehicle climate conditions.  It de-humidifies the vehicle interior (and helps to clear fogged windshields).  You must seal and contain refrigerant, lubricant, and coolant. Symptoms of a malfunctioning HVAC System Improper vent air temperature Low or no vent air flow Smell or fogging of windshield during defroster operation Growling/grinding or squealing noise during A/C or heater operation

May contain control valves for A/C pressure control Controlled by On-Board Computer Must be lubricated internally Allows heat removed from passenger compartment to be transferred tot he under hood area. Assists in removing heat generated by proper condenser and radiator operation. Electrically or hydraulically controlled Removes moisture from flowing refrigerant (desiccant)how to put ac unit in window Moves air inside vehicle across evaporator and/or heater corecentral ac units not cooling Controlled by climate control panelac unit low side Creates pressure differential allowing refrigerant to remove heat from passenger compartment Thermostatic or fixed orifice design Allows heat to be removed via refrigerant from the passenger’s compartment to be carried to the condenser

Substance that can be vaporized and condensed between certain temperatures Must be kept pure and free of contaminates and moisture 134a is approved refrigerant for today’s vehicles Are there environmental concerns with air conditioning? Because all refrigerants currently used in automotive air conditioning systems are controlled substances, it is important that it not be allowed to escape into the atmosphere during servicing.  Our technicians use a sealed, environmentally-friendly process that captures the refrigerant, cleans it, replenishes it and returns it to your auto air conditioning system good as new. What if my vehicle still uses Freon? Auto air conditioning systems built before 1995 use the refrigerant R-12 or (CFC-12), also referred to as Freon. The EPA determined that Freon was destroying the ozone layer and in 1995, all production ceased. Freon is now extremely expensive and difficult to find. Precision Tune Auto Care offers a retrofit service that enables your A/C system to use R-134a refrigerant.

The retrofit pays for itself in the cost savings on the refrigerant.  Consult your local store manager for more information on retrofitting. Transfers heat from coolant to outside air Constructed of aluminum, steel, or composite plastics Provides convenient transfer and routing of coolant to heater core Constructed of reinforced rubber compounds Regulates flow of coolant Allows vehicle to reach and maintain proper operating temperature Proper operation allows sufficient heat for passenger comfort Heater Core/Heater Control Valve Heat exchanger located inside passenger compartment Contains hot engine coolant which allows proper temperatures to be maintained in passenger compartment Similar construction to radiator Control valve regulates coolant flow to heater core Sign up for exclusive offers!About UsAbout Us |Our ServicesOur Services |Auto Repair Estimates |Auto AC Repair |Auto Brake Repair |Batteries and Electrical System |

Belts & Hoses |Check Engine Light |Cooling System Maintenance |CV and Drive Axles |Diesel Engine Service |Lift, Lower, and Leveling Kits |Residential Roadside Assistance |Suspension, Shocks, and Struts |Tire Repair/Flat Repair | Auto AC RepairAuto RepairBrake Repair Home » Our Services » Services » Auto AC Repair Auto AC Repair | Auto AC Service | Are you in need of auto ac repair in the Richmond area? Napa Autocare Richmond has a network of over 50 air conditioning repair shops in the greater Richmond area to take care of your auto ac service needs. Find your nearest Napa Autocare location and contact us for a quote or appointment on auto ac service.. Unlike many of the other systems on your automobile, your auto ac system does not light any warning lights when there is a problem with with your car ac system. In the absense of any warning lights, the driver is usually alerted to a problem by a decrease in auto ac performance. There are many elements of your car ac system however, that could be the cause of the reduced air conditioning performance including:

Weak airflow due to accumulated mold or mildew in the evaporator core A loose blower hose or underperforming ventilation fan Evaporator core or blower housing seal failure Freon leaks or o-ring failures Clogged expansion tubes or refrigerant charging hoses Failed compressors or evaporator Vacuum leaks or failed fuses or switches Air Conditioning Repair Shops | If your auto ac system is not funtioning at 100% or is not blowing out air that is cold as it used to be, contact your nearest Napa Autocare location to schedule an auto ac diagnosis. Why is it important to get regular auto ac service? Regular auto ac repair will keep your air conditioning in top condition, ready to keep you cool in the hot Richmond area weather. By having regular car ac service, freon will be kept fully charged which aids in lubricating the ac compressor. When ac refirgerant and lubrication is maintained frequently, it will reduce the chance of premature ac compressor failure.