Your car may have either a receiver/dryer or accumulator, depending on the model of your vehicle. A receiver/dryer is used on vehicles that have a thermal expansion valve. Accumulators are in vehicles that have an orifice tube. The receiver/dryer is responsible for separating gas from liquid.
The receiver drier also referred to as a filter-drier or receiver-dehydrator, is a filtering unit located on the high-pressure side of an A/C loop, normally between the condenser and expansion valve.
This part sits between the condenser and expansion valve inlet and it's responsible for removing moisture from the refrigerant. An A/C system with a faulty drier won't create enough cooling. It might also leak refrigerant. You might also hear rattling noises.
The expansion valve is located downstream of the receiver drier in the A/C loop. The expansion valve receives the refrigerant fluid in an already-filtered, 100% liquid state. It then reduces the refrigerant fluid pressure before it enters the evaporator.
A bad valve can create several problems such as higher power consumption, leakage, more pressure on the compressor, reduction in the efficiency, cooling and refrigerating capacity.
Inconsistent airflow through vents
Inconsistent airflow is also one of the expansion valve failure symptoms. Whenever there is a faulty expansion valve, there will be fluctuations in its ability to control refrigerant flow in the unit. If this happens, the air from the vents will be too cold or warm.
Expect an average TXV valve replacement cost to run you $400 to get the job done, but it may cost as little as $100 or as much as $800. Your total cost depends on where you live, the size of your air conditioner, the time of year, and additional repairs.
The pickup tube for the refrigerant in a receiver drier extends downward toward the bottom of the unit and the opening in the tube is at the very bottom. Liquid is heavier than vapor, so liquid will be in the bottom of the receiver drier and will be introduced into the pickup tube.
Some of the most common issues that could be causing your compressor to shut off include the following: The ambient temperature is too high, or there's not enough ventilation. Oil levels are too low. You're using the wrong type of oil.
It's worth noting that if you don't replace the drier when you change a compressor you will invalidate your warranty protection.
What are some symptoms of a failing AC compressor? Loud noises, hot air, airflow issues, uneven cooling, and electrical problems are all things you might run into when an AC compressor is on its last leg.
Paul DeGuisseppi of MACS provides a simple test for checking whether or not the receiver drier may be restricted. Using a contact thermometer, check the temperature of the inlet and outlet pipes; if the difference is 10 degrees Fahrenheit or more, the A/C unit is probably clogged and needs to be replaced.
Receiver driers are filtering units with the primary function to receive and store some liquid refrigerant from the condenser. The receiver drier filters out the particles and debris that flow into the circuit and absorb any moisture.
The expansion valve removes pressure from the liquid refrigerant to allow expansion or change of state from a liquid to a vapor in the evaporator. The high-pressure liquid refrigerant entering the expansion valve is quite warm. This may be verified by feeling the liquid line at its connection to the expansion valve.
You hear rattling sounds when the AC is on: This can indicate that there are loose or damaged parts inside your accumulator or receiver-drier.
All filter driers should be replaced every 2 years or by manufacturer's recommendation.
They are notorious for becoming restricted due to moisture, sludge, dirt, or oil that has entered the system from a poor service practice or extreme operating conditions. Of all these issues, it is excessive moisture that causes most filter driers to become restricted.
A thermal expansion valve or thermostatic expansion valve (often abbreviated as TEV, TXV, or TX valve) is a component in vapor-compression refrigeration and air conditioning systems that controls the amount of refrigerant released into the evaporator and is intended to regulate the superheat of the refrigerant that ...
An Expansion valve that is stuck closed will starve the A/C Compressor dry of Freon and Oil that moves through the system. If the Expansion Valve is stuck open the cabin will not cool as good as it used to. The Freon will be coming into the Evaporator faster than it can remove the heat from the cabin.
The more you use your air conditioner, the faster your expansion valve wears out. However, with moderate use and regular air conditioner maintenance, the valve should last 5 to 10 years. Always replace your expansion valve quickly. In the hottest days of summer, a broken air conditioner constitutes an emergency.
A clogged valve is typically easy to fix because many TXV parts will include a strainer that is pulled out without the need to remove the whole valve. With the strainer pulled out and cleaned, the clog issues should go away.
If the valve is stuck closed, refrigerant flow to the evaporator core will be restricted, preventing the A/C system from working as it should. Meanwhile, if the valve is stuck open, the evaporator core will be flooded, preventing proper A/C system operation.