Heating and Air Conditioning

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems have come a long way since the early days of automobiles. While we used to rely on melting ice blocks and heated clay bricks in the passenger compartment for our comfort, modern HVAC systems employ sophisticated computer technology and simple thermodynamic principles to keep the cabin temperature regulated. So whether it’s Fourth of July in Death Valley or Christmas in Green Bay, the HVAC systems will keep you comfortable inside your car.

Heating System
Your engine generates heat during the internal combustion process. Most of this heat is removed by the cooling system, but some of the excess heat can be harnessed and transferred to the compartment in order to keep passengers warm.

The main component of a vehicle's heating system is the heater core. Located behind the dashboard, the heater core is actually a small radiator. When you turn on the heater, a fan blows the air through the heater core where it is warmed. This is the air that enters the passenger compartment and keeps you toasty.

AC System

The AC system operates much like the heating system. Air is blown through a cold radiator behind the dashboard (the evaporator) and is cooled instead of heated. The cold air then blows into the passenger compartment through the vents on your dashboard.

In both the heating and AC systems, air is drawn into the system either from the outside or from inside the passenger compartment, depending on the controls.