AC Compressor Operation Basics

Air conditioning systems have become a must-have in any vehicle for customer comfort. In this 5-minute free webinar, you will learn how a car HVAC system works, what components it is made of, and what different compressor designs you may encounter in motor vehicles. 

We’ll walk you through the basics of HVAC system operation. Using an illustration of air moving through the system, we’ll explain how the system works from the moment air enters the vehicle to the dispersal of cooled air into the cabin. You’ll learn the primary function of a car A/C compressor, how the compressor is activated, and the role of refrigerant. You’ll discover how the refrigerant passes through the system to cool the air temperature.

Have you ever wondered what causes the engine to bog down when you turn on the AC? We’ll explain the function of each part in a car A/C compressor and its potential for malfunction. We’ll also examine specific compressor components like the pulley, bearing, and shaft seal. A technical illustration labelling each part will demonstrate the overall compressor setup. You’ll see that it looks like an engine, and we’ll explain how in some ways it acts like a miniature engine.

We’ll explore the product range of car A/C compressors and the wide array of variations in design, ranging from the latest designs to the most popular. We’ll highlight the advantages of each compressor design, including variable pistons, rotary, and fixed pistons. We’ll explain the additional benefits and features of Valeo compressor designs.

We’ll explore common failure points in AC systems in general and in compressors specifically. We’ll tell you what to check before replacing the compressor and why they are rarely the culprit. You’ll also learn about Valeo’s weight reduction in bus compressors. Even if you’re familiar with some parts of the AC system, this five-minute overview is a great refresher to catch up on the latest developments.

Valeo produces compressor air conditioning systems in passenger vehicles, including parts for OE manufacturers. We also compressors for commercial vehicles, offering a variety of mounting designs for medium and heavy-duty applications to add to or replace an existing car A/C compressor setup. To find any compressor, AC, or other automotive parts, search the Valeo Tech@ssist part finder portal by model, VIN, or part number.

In this webinar, you will learn:

• How a car HVAC system works
• The components of a car A/C compressor
• Common failure points in HVAC systems and A/C compressors

Not finding what you’re looking for? Contact us