Car air conditioners have been around for a long time. As all air conditioners their primary task is to condition off the air in a closed environment so that the impure air is driven out and the pure air can take its place. As a result the temperature is regulated as well. Although the first air conditioners made their appearance in the 1940s, there has been a great deal of evolution in the air conditioner models that are in use today.

Freon, the refrigerant gas, is compressed off by the compressor. This compressor is generally run by the car engine. A condenser is used to separate the heat from the gas. After the condenser is used, a receiver drier ensures that the liquid is pushed off to the expansion valve. In case your car does not have a receiver drier it would be equipped with an accumulator. The expansion valve or orifice tube regulates the liquid. It is the evaporator that finally aids in the cooling of the air.