What is the pressure of a car air conditioner?
3 Answers
The normal high pressure of a car air conditioner should be between 1.3 to 1.7 MPa (13 to 17 kg per square centimeter or 190 to 250 Lbf), and the normal low pressure should be between 0.15 to 0.25 MPa (1.5 to 2.5 kg per square centimeter or 20 to 35 Lbf). The car air conditioning refrigeration system consists of a compressor, condenser, liquid storage dryer, expansion valve, evaporator, and blower. These components are connected by copper pipes (or aluminum pipes) and high-pressure rubber hoses to form a closed system. During operation, the refrigerant circulates in different states within this closed system, with each cycle comprising four basic processes. Car air conditioner maintenance methods: Comprehensive inspection of the air conditioner: When using the air conditioner for the first time in summer, you should first check the air conditioning system, such as inspecting the refrigerant and whether the air filter is too dirty through the liquid storage tank, and whether there are foreign objects on the radiator. Pay attention to the cleaning of the air conditioner: The air filter should be replaced regularly. Due to the high amount of sand and dust in spring, these can accumulate on the filter, promoting bacterial growth and causing a musty smell in the air conditioner. Additionally, the condenser should be cleaned periodically, and the water tank should be removed for thorough cleaning.
As someone who frequently works on car repairs, I find the topic of car air conditioning pressure quite practical. The normal pressure range is approximately 25 to 45 psi (pounds per square inch) on the low-pressure side and around 150 to 250 psi on the high-pressure side, but the exact values depend on the car model and ambient temperature. For example, the high pressure tends to be higher in hot weather and may be lower in cold conditions. If the pressure is imbalanced, excessively high low pressure could indicate a clogged expansion valve or too much refrigerant, while excessively low low pressure might suggest a leak or insufficient refrigerant. Failing to address these issues promptly can lead to compressor overheating and failure, which is costly and affects cooling performance. If you notice the air conditioning isn't cooling properly or hear unusual noises while driving, use a pressure gauge to test the high and low pressure values. If they deviate from these ranges, take the car for repairs to avoid bigger problems. Proper maintenance can save a lot of trouble, and generally, an annual check-up is sufficient.
Having driven for many years, I can briefly explain about AC pressure. Normal values are 20-40 psi for low pressure and 150-250 psi for high pressure, depending on the vehicle condition and temperature. It's normal for the pressure to be higher in summer; if it's too low, there might be a refrigerant leak, resulting in less cool air; if it's too high, the system could burst, affecting driving safety. Don't tamper with it if you're not knowledgeable—have a technician check it during regular maintenance. Unstable pressure might increase fuel consumption or produce strange odors. Don't overfill when adding refrigerant, as excessive pressure is hazardous. After buying a used car, check the AC first to avoid expensive repairs later. Always pay attention to the AC's performance to catch issues early, saving money and hassle.
