This system shares air ducts, controls and a blower with the heater, but has its own refrigerant system. The air conditioning system is comprised of the following components:

Compressor: This is a pump that pressurizes and circulates the refrigerant through the system.

Condenser: As the refrigerant flows through the condensor, it gives up heat and converts from gas to liquid.

Receiver/Dryer or Accumulator: This is where clean, dry refrigerant is stored as it circulates through the system.

Orifice Tube or Expansion Valve: This is a metering device that controls the flow of refrigerant through the system.

Evaporator Core: Refrigerant enters the evaporator core as a liquid. Heat from the air converts the liquid refrigerant back into a gas, which cools the air before it enters you car.