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The air conditioning system must be regularly
serviced or the system performance will quickly
deteriorate.
Poor maintenance can result in major system
breakdowns that are costly to repair.
The A/C loop’s state of health can be evaluated
thanks to temperatures, pressures and parameters
like condenser subcooling and evaporator superhea-
ting.
The performance of an air conditioning system
is strongly impacted by the humidity in the loop
(condition of the receiver drier), insufficient air flow
and the quantity of refrigerant.
12.1 The consequences
of humidity
Humidity in an air conditioning loop can result in:
g
A blocked expansion valve and the formation of
an ice plug.
g
The deterioration of brazed assemblies, corrosion.
g
Hydrolysis of the oil.
When humidity is present, the oil chemically
decomposes by hydrolysis and forms organic acids.
These acids corrode the metals and deposits form
that can clog certain sensitive parts of the loop..
Why regular
A/C servicing?
12
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