Heater Cores for Car Air Conditioning Systems
Heating is another primary role of air conditioning
Most vehicles are fitted with heating systems.The engine cooling liquid is traditionally used as an energy source for heating purposes. Part of the heat produced by the engine is channelled to the
cabin via the heating radiator. The heating components are located inside the Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning system (HVAC), after the blower.
ADDED VALUES
The heater core
The heater core has three main jobs:
- To act as an air and water exchanger, using energy from engine cooling liquid
- To increase cabin temperature To demist and defrost glass
Additional heater cores (PTC)
More heat when you need it
An additional electric heating device called a Positive Temperature Coefficient, or PTC, is sometimes added to a system to provide additional heat during some transient phases.
Self-regulated heaters
PTC’s are self-regulated electric heaters used to complement the main heater core. They are generally located after the heater core but can sometimes be placed in the ducts (the feet heater). PTC’s are often introduced to climate control systems to compensate for a lack of heat availability, which can be the case with high efficiency engines.
Did you know that?
On Electric Vehicles (EV’s) and hybrid cars the additional heater located in the HVAC may be high voltage driven.All appropriate measures must be taken prior to servicing this part.
TECHCORNER
Common heater core problems
The problems with heater core are:
- Perforation due to corrosion
- Leakage
Valeo Tip
The heater core must be replaced if it is pierced or contaminated and while the subject if leakage.
The heater core is a component of the car A/C system which heats the cabin and demists and defrosts the windscreen. Unlike the engine cooling radiator, which cools the A/C system's coolant, the heater core provides heat to the car cabin, ensuring thermal comfort to drivers and passengers when the ambient temperature is very low. Usually, the heater core uses the coolant as an energy source. In addition, it channels part of the heat produced by the engine into the car's cabin.
What is the role of the heater core?
The role of the heater core is to warm the cabin and improve visibility in cold conditions. The heater core is a heat exchanger located inside the HVAC loop after the evaporator and the ventilation blower. It is an air/water heat exchanger, so it uses the energy of the engine cooling liquid to increase the cabin temperature.
The heater core has two main functions:
Comfort: The heater core is the car heater. It is responsible for increasing the temperature in the passenger compartment (cabin) of the automobile and does so by taking the hot air generated by the engine together with the cooling system into the interior of the vehicle. This is crucial to maintaining a comfortable cabin temperature for vehicle occupants in winter months and cold weather.
Safety: The heater core also ensures driving safety during adverse conditions. One of the heater core’s functions of the heater is removing the ice and condensation from the vehicle’s windscreen and other windows. This improves visibility for the driver in cold weather and snowy conditions.
Valeo, an HVAC expert
Since 1950, Valeo has pioneered the development of automotive air conditioning components. Valeo is the leading thermal specialist among automotive HVAC system suppliers in Europe. Valeo quality guarantees optimal performance and longevity.
Valeo's heater core products include a range of more than 170 references in France :
- Valeo's heater core is manufactured according to the technical specifications of the largest automakers, which demand increasingly efficient and compact components. This OE-quality ensures reliability and performance for both OE and aftermarket heater cores.
- Valeo heater cores are sturdy, highly efficient, and easy to install and repair. This Premium offering results in a more cost-effective offer as it reduces the need for future replacement.
Don't forget, all vehicles have a heating system, even if they aren’t equipped with air conditioning!
Why choose Valeo technology and innovation?
- Valeo is a world leader in automotive air conditioning equipment with a multi-product offering
- In 60 years, Valeo has become the recognised HVAC expert thanks to its comprehensive product range, innovative solutions and commercial synergy offer
- Valeo guarantees the best customer service in the market, from logistics and delivery to packaging and technical assistance
