When the hot days of summer happen, it’s a relief to feel that cool breeze from your tractor’s air conditioner. On the other hand, it’s a sinking feeling when your air conditioning lets you down. Of course, like everything mechanical, tractor air conditioners need occasional maintenance. If your air conditioner seems to be losing its cool, you’ll want to find out why before it leaves you hot under the collar.
Here are 3 important air conditioning components that you should check if you’re not getting cool air.
1) Air conditioning compressor
The compressor is the most significant component in a tractor air conditioning system. Some people have compared its role as similar to a heart in a living body. Just like how a heart helps circulate blood, the compressor helps circulate refrigerant. If the A.C. compressor isn’t working as intended, your supply of cool air stops. Signs of a failing air conditioning compressor include diminished cooling, noisy operation and difficulty in starting. Here’s a good telltale sign of a failing compressor. Check how warm the air is that is being discharged from the air conditioner in the back. This air should feel warm to hot. If that air is only slightly warm or cool, it’s a sign that the compressor is not doing its job.
2) Receiver drier
As refrigerant circulates through the air conditioner, it picks up moisture and particles. Receiver driers contain desiccant, which captures moisture to make the air dry. This function is highly important when air conditioners operate in highly humid conditions. The Receiver drier also captures contaminants, preventing them from circulating in the air conditioning system. Receiver driers should be replaced periodically because they will eventually become saturated with moisture and contaminants. When the receiver drier becomes saturated, its ability to capture moisture and filter particles becomes limited, and the cooling capacity of the tractor air conditioning will be compromised.
3) Expansion valve
The flow of refrigerant to the evaporator is controlled by the expansion valve. It’s job is to deliver just the right amount of refrigerant. Delivering too much or too little refrigerant will cause poor operation and potentially damage to the air conditioning system. In delivering refrigerant, the expansion valve permits expansion by relieving pressure on the refrigerant. Problems with expansion valves include becoming clogged or stuck in an open position, which causes insufficient or excessive delivery of refrigerant. Signs of a malfunctioning expansion valve includes air that is either too warm or too hot.
Early tractor air conditioning warning signs
Problems with air conditioners generally come on gradually, so it’s unlikely that a malfunctioning air conditioner will take you by surprise. There will be that day that it doesn’t seem quite as cool as it should. When that happens, it’s best to inspect the air conditioning because the flow of cool air is likely to diminish further if left unchecked. With proper air conditioning maintenance, you’ll keep your cool when the hot summer sun has other plans.
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