Vehicle air conditioning systems sure do come in handy on those hot and sunny days. It is almost unimaginable to make a long journey without your A/C system keeping you cool and refreshed. Just think for a moment what it must have been like for our grandparents to take on a full-day journey in the heat of summer. The sweat, the dust, the thirst, the noise, the messy clothes, the frustration… We truly are lucky to live in a world where climate control helps maintain a perfect cabin temperature so we don’t have to leave the car windows hanging open while driving.
There are lots of things to love about an air conditioning system. In this article, we are going to take a quick look at some car air conditioning fun facts that might impress you.
The First Ac Units Were Built Into Cars In 1939
The American auto brand Packard was the first carmaker company to install AC systems into their vehicles. These systems were large and bulky and featured plenty of refrigerating coils behind the back seat. If the interior got too cold, the driver needed to stop the engine, open the hood, and disconnect the compressor belt before continuing with the journey. These AC systems were quickly abandoned because they were so costly and bulky.
Chrysler Launched A More Compact System In The 1950s
Auto manufacturers spent many years trying to streamline vehicle AC systems so they would be more practical. Chrysler was the first to create a small AC system that could be mounted inside the trunk of the car. The control system had to be installed in the back seat and included functions such as different fan speeds, the ability to reduce humidity levels, and functions that helped eliminate airborne particles like dust, smoke, or pollen.
Pontiac Was The First Brand To Fit An Ac System Under The Hood
Four years after Chrysler developed their trunk-fitted AC system, Pontiac developed a system that could fit under the hood. The basic design of this air conditioning system is still used in vehicles to this very day. Later that year, Nash-Kelvinator created the first AC system with a control unit installed on the vehicle’s instrument panel.
Leaving Recirculation Mode On Can Be Bad For Your Health
The recirculation mode in your vehicle is great for achieving a nice and cool interior environment much quicker. This is because his mode circulates the air inside the cabin back through the AC system instead of drawing in hot air from outside.
This is also a useful feature if you are traveling through a highly polluted area since your car will recirculate cabin air instead of drawing in polluted air from outside.
But leaving your recirculation mode on for long journeys can be unhealthy. This is because the air quality can degrade over time since the same old air is reused. The recirculating mode can also promote the spread of viruses amongst passengers if it keeps circulating for too long.
Regular AC Maintenance Is Good For Your Health
Most air conditioning systems are designed with an air filter that filtrates contaminants like pollen, dust, and smoke before it enters your cabin. If the filter becomes clogged, it will reduce airflow and can cause unpleasant odors. This clogged filter is also a breeding ground for bacteria and can affect the air quality inside your vehicle.
If you want to know even more about your car’s air conditioning system or if you want to get it serviced so you can enjoy high-quality air inside your vehicle then you should contact A-Plus Auto Electrical and Air Conditioning. These professionals can assist with any type of AC issue or they can give this system a good clean so it can function well.
