As I said in yesterday’s post, I thought it may be helpful for some to have some common and not so common air condition-related terms defined.  Today we’ll continue with that thought.

• High Side - Section of an air conditioning system in which refrigerant is under high pressure
• Leak Detector - Device used to locate refrigerant leaks in an air condition system
• Leaking Heater Core - Rusted or cracked tube in core, allowing coolant to escape
• Liquid Backup in the Condensor - A backup of liquid in the condensor due to restricted orifice size, causing a subcooling of the liquid
• Low Pressure Cutout Switch - One that precuts compressor operation and possible damage if air conditioning pressure drops below a set point
• Low Side - Section of an air conditioning system in which refrigerant is under low pressure
• Magnetic Clutch - Device used to engage and disengage the compressor of an air conditioning system
• Oil Streaked Sight Glass - A sign that the air conditioning system is low on refrigerant and allowing excess oil to circulate
• Performance Test - A measurement of air conditioning system performance made with the vehicle engine running
• Pressure Gauge (Manifold Assembly) - A combination of pressure gauges, valves, and hoses used to check air conditioning system pressures and remove or add refrigerant
• R12 Frostbite - Injury resulting from contact with extremely cold refrigerant
• Receiver/Drier - Air conditioning system component that removes moisture and stores extra refrigerant
• Refrigerant - Substance with a very low boiling point that can be used to absorb heat
• Refrigerant Oil - Lubricant used in the compressor of an air conditioning system
• Schrader Valve - A spring-loaded valve used in air conditioning systems
• Service Valves - Points at which pressures in air conditioning system can be checked, and refrigerant removed or replaced
• Static Pressure Charge - A reading made with the engine off to determine whether a system has an adequate refrigerant charge
• Superheat Switch - One that shuts down an air conditioning system if refrigerant or oil levels are low
• Thermostatic Switch - Electrical component that shuts of an air conditioning compressor when the evaporator temperature approaches the freezing point
• Valves in Receiver - Expansion and POA valves enclosed within the receiver drier of an air conditioning system
• WOT Switch - Device that shuts off an air conditioning compressor