A/C & Heating

The vehicle A/C (air conditioning) and heating systems provide cooling and heating functions to keep vehicle occupants comfortable. A/C units cool from a gas called Freon, which operates through the A/C system. The A/C system includes a compressor, condenser, and expansion valve or orifice tube. A/C system failures usually occur due to a leak, clog, or improper freon amount. Freon is weighed and referred to as “Charging” the A/C system. Each vehicle has a set requirement of pounds or ounces the A/C system requires. If the A/C system is over or under charged it will not work. Xcel has a special piece of equipment, simply called the A/C machine, that can vacuum out the freon, weigh it, and replace the specified amount back into the vehicle for all vehicles with R134 Freon. This process is time-consuming, taking anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour. If a leak is found, parts are replaced after the system is vac’ed down, then the system is recharged and tested. (Vehicles newer than 2019 may have the new freon 1234yf. This system is very different from the traditional R134 or the old R12 freon. Xcel is unable to work on vehicles with the 1234yf freon currently)

Heating systems in vehicles use the vehicles engine cooling system. The heat from the engine goes through the radiator, which then goes through a heat exchanger, known as the heater core. The blower motor and thermostat control how much heat blows from the heater core through the vent to keep you warm. Heater issues could stem from a much bigger problem in the cooling system (radiator and antifreeze).  Inspections and proper maintenance help to ensure all your systems are working properly, so you can be cool as a cucumber during summer or snug as a bug in a rug during winter.