Receiver/driers (also sometimes called “filter/driers” or “receiver/dehydrators”) look like small metal cans with an inlet and outlet.
The receiver/drier functions as the filter for the A/C system, removing contaminants and moisture from the refrigerant. Receiver/driers are always found on A/C systems which have an expansion valve and are located on the high side of the system, usually between the condenser and the internal expansion valve.
The receiver drier is a component that protects all the other parts of the A/C loop. It is located between the condenser outlet and the expansion valve inlet, on the high-pressure side of the car A/C loop.
It's worth noting that if you don't replace the drier when you change a compressor you will invalidate your warranty protection.
The average cost for an Air Conditioning Receiver Drier Assembly Replacement is between $333 and $417.
All filter driers should be replaced every 2 years or by manufacturer's recommendation. The Receiver Drier's function in an automotive a/c system is to filter foreign material, remove moisture from refrigerant and to act as a reservoir to supply liquid refrigerant to the TX valve.
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.
So when should you replace it? The simple answer is this: the AC dryer should be replaced any time your AC system is opened for service. While this may seem unnecessary to some mechanics, most would agree that this is a good rule for replacing the AC dryer.
Located between the condenser and TX valve, the receiver dryer's primary function is to remove any moisture and contaminants in the refrigerant. The receiver dryer also ensures proper lubrication of the A/C system and stores overflow refrigerant during times of low demand.
If the filter drier is partially clogged, there may be a few degree temp drop across it. However, if the filter drier is completely clogged, there will be a large temperature drop across it and likely frost due to the low temp of the refrigerant exiting the clogged filter drier.
A receiver drier is designed to prevent vapor from flowing out of it into the liquid line that runs to the expansion valve. An accumulator is designed to allow only vapor to flow from it into the suction line that runs to the compressor.
It receives refrigerant and it dries or removes moisture in your refrigerant. The receiver drier also contains a couple of different filters to remove any contaminants in the refrigerant.
Receiver driers contain a material called desiccant. The desiccant is used to absorb moisture that may have gotten inside the A/C system during manufacture, assembly, or service. Moisture can get into the A/C components from humidity in the air. This is the “drier” function of the receiver drier.
If the suction line drier is left in long enough, it may become fully saturated if there's a lot of moisture present. Then the drier begins to disintegrate, resulting in abrasive materials running through a system. Big mess. Don't let it happen.
There are other machine-specific indications that an accumulator is not functioning properly, which can include increased cycle times, increased noise, and/or pump unloading valves rapidly cycling.
A dryer typically lasts about 12-13 years; however, some dryer manufacturers boast up to a 25-year lifespan. It's important to remember, though, that clothes dryer life expectancy goes hand in hand with how often the dryer is used and how well you maintain the appliance.