under dash evaporator unit

Types of Under Dash Evaporator Unit

An under-dash evaporator unit is an essential part of any air conditioning system. It is located under the dashboard of a vehicle and is responsible for cooling the air that is blown into the cabin by the air conditioner vents. The cooled air that comes from the evaporator lowers the temperature inside the vehicle, providing comfort to the occupants. The under-dash evaporator is connected to the vehicle's air conditioning system. It is situated underneath the dashboard, where it receives refrigerant from the A/C compressor. When the refrigerant enters the evaporator, it absorbs heat from the air in the cabin, causing the refrigerant to evaporate. This process lowers the air temperature in the vehicle, ensuring a cool and comfortable environment.

Under-dash evaporator units can be categorized based on various factors. Here are some of those:

• Type of Control: Manual control under-dash evaporator units have knobs and sliders that allow users to adjust the temperature and airflow settings manually. On the other hand, digital control units have electronic controls that provide precise temperature settings and often come with a digital display.
• Cabin Size: For large vehicles such as buses and trucks, under-dash evaporator units designed for large cabins have more significant evaporator coils and fans to provide adequate cooling. On the other hand, compact-sized vehicles like sedans, which require less cooling, can have a standard evaporator coil size and cooling capacity.
• Type of Refrigerant: Some modern under-dash evaporator units use environmentally friendly refrigerants like R-1234yf. These refrigerants have low global warming potential. Units designed for high-efficiency cooling have features such as enhanced heat exchangers and low airflow resistance to maximize cooling efficiency and minimize energy consumption.
• Installation Method: Some under-dash evaporator units are mounted directly onto the vehicle's dashboard. The installed units can be either integrated into the existing air conditioning system or added as supplementary cooling. They are more common in vehicles with air conditioning systems installed after manufacturing.

Specification and maintenance of under-dash evaporator units

The specification of an under-dash evaporator is essential for understanding its functionality and performance.

• Construction Materials

  Evaporators are made using high-quality materials, like aluminum, copper, and steel. Aluminum is resistant to corrosion. It also has good thermal conductivity. Copper is used in some models because of its excellent thermal conductivity properties. Steel is strong and durable. Steel resists corrosion when coated or treated.

• Cooling Capacity

  Cooling capacity is the measure of heat that the under-dash evaporator unit can absorb. It is measured in BTUs (British thermal units). Evaporators with high cooling capacity can cool large amounts of air. They are suitable for larger vehicles. Evaporators with low cooling capacity are designed for small cars.

• Airflow Rate

  The airflow rate is the volume of air that passes through the evaporator. It is measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM). A high airflow rate ensures a good ventilation rate. It also provides a good cooling effect. Airflow rate is affected by the design of the fan and the evaporator.

• Size and Dimensions

  The size of the under-dash evaporator unit is important for its installation. It should fit well under the dashboard. Evaporators with small dimensions are ideal for cars with limited space.

• Fan Speed

  Fan speed is an important feature of the under-dash evaporator unit. A high-speed fan enhances airflow. It also increases the cooling effect. The fan speed can be set to different levels, such as high, low, or medium.

Maintaining an under-dash air conditioner evaporator is essential to prolong its life and efficiency. Here are some maintenance tips:

• Regular Cleaning

  Debris, dust, and dirt can accumulate on the surface of the under-dash evaporator, reducing its performance. Therefore, it should be cleaned regularly. Use a soft brush or vacuum cleaner to remove the dirt.

• Check the Drainage System

  The under-dash evaporator unit has a drainage system that removes excess water. The drainage tubes should be checked regularly to ensure there are no clogs. A blocked drainage tube will cause water to leak into the car.

• Inspect for Leaks

  The under-dash evaporator is connected to the cooling system using pipes. The pipes should be checked regularly for leaks or damage. In case of any damage or leak, the evaporator should be repaired or replaced immediately.

• Replace Air Filters

  The under-dash evaporator unit has air filters that should be replaced regularly. Clogged air filters reduce airflow in the evaporator. They also reduce cooling performance.

• Professional Maintenance

  Once in a while, the under-dash evaporator unit should be serviced by a professional. The expert will clean the evaporator using the right tools. They will also check the refrigerant level and refill it if necessary.

How to Choose Under-Dash Evaporator Units

Selecting the right under-dash evaporator unit requires careful consideration of several factors to ensure optimal performance, compatibility, and reliability. Here are some key factors:

• Airflow and Distribution:

  Consider the desired airflow and distribution of the air under the dashboard. Evaluate the number and placement of vents in the evaporator unit to ensure even air distribution throughout the vehicle's interior. This ensures optimal comfort.

• Size and Space Considerations:

  When choosing an under-dash AC evaporator, it's vital to consider its size and the available space beneath the dashboard for installation. Make sure that the unit can fit properly without interfering with other essential components inside the vehicle.

• Noise Level:

  Evaporator units may differ in their operational noise levels. For a quieter operation, look for features such as sound insulation or noise reduction technologies.

• Control Options:

  Consider the control options available for the under-dash evaporator unit. Some models may have manual controls, while others offer electronic controls or compatibility with remote control systems. Choose a control mechanism that suits the desired level of convenience and adjustability.

• Energy Efficiency:

  Selecting an energy-efficient under-dash AC evaporator can lead to significant savings on fuel costs and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. These units are designed to use less energy while providing effective cooling or heating. This allows the vehicle's engine to focus on powering the car instead of powering the AC.

• Defrosting Capability:

  Consider whether defrosting functionality is necessary for the under-dash evaporator unit. If driving in cold climates is common, choosing a model with defrosting capabilities can enhance visibility and safety by quickly removing frost or condensation from the windshield.

• Brand Reputation and Warranty:

  Research the reputation of the manufacturer of the under-dash evaporator unit. Look for reputable brands known for their quality and customer service. Consider the warranty period offered by the manufacturer, as a longer warranty can provide additional peace of mind and protection against defects.

• Price and Budget:

  Set a budget for the purchase of an under-dash evaporator unit and evaluate the available options within that price range. Consider the features, performance, and durability relative to the cost to ensure a good balance between price and value.

How to DIY and Replace Under-Dash Evaporator Unit

Replacing a car AC evaporator is not a simple task, and it is not recommended to be replaced by DIY unless one has the experience and knowledge to do so. However, here are some general steps that can be followed to replace an under-dash evaporator unit:

• Disconnect the car battery.
• Remove the dashboard to access the evaporator.
• Drain the car's AC refrigerant.
• Remove the evaporator's housing from the car's ventilation system.
• Disconnect the evaporator from the AC refrigerant lines.
• Remove the old evaporator and install the new one.
• Reconnect the AC refrigerant lines, and then reinstall the housing and the battery.
• Refill the refrigerant and then test the AC system to ensure it is cooling properly.

Once the system has been reassembled, the car's air conditioning system should be allowed to run for a few minutes to ensure there are no leaks and that the temperature is consistent. It's essential to follow the manufacturer's instructions and take appropriate safety precautions when handling refrigerants and working with the car's electrical system.

Q and A

Q1: What is the purpose of an under-dash evaporator?

A1: An under-dash evaporator is used for cooling air in a vehicle. It absorbs heat from the air inside the car, which converts the refrigerant inside the evaporator from a liquid into a gas. This process lowers the temperature of the air passing over the evaporator, and the cooled air is then blown into the car's cabin.

Q2: What are the benefits of an under-dash evaporator?

A2: Under-dash evaporators are designed for various vehicles, including cars, trucks, and buses. They offer the following advantages, including improved comfort, easy installation, compact design, energy efficiency, and reliability.

Q3: What is the difference between an evaporator and a condenser?

A3: The key difference between an evaporator and a condenser is where they are in the cooling cycle. The under-dash evaporator units cool the air by absorbing heat. In contrast, the condenser releases heat that the refrigerant absorbed from the air.