Where Is the AC Condenser Located?

by Marcus Baker
An AC condenser helps cool your vehicle as you drive.

An AC condenser is one of several parts that work together to form a vehicle's AC system. Pressurized gases that have gone into the condenser come out of it as liquid refrigerant and are then utilized by the rest of the system.

Location

An AC condenser looks somewhat like a radiator only a bit smaller. Although its location can vary according to vehicle type, it's usually positioned slightly under the vehicle's grill, with the radiator located right behind it.

Cooling

There are several benefits awarded to a condenser because of its location. When air flows through the grill of a vehicle, a condenser will use this to assist it with the cooling of refrigerant. Its location near the radiator's fan also brings about extra cooling assistance.

Collecting

An AC compressor is known to let out all kinds of debris when it is in use. Because of a condenser's low position, it is able to effectively catch and collect much of this debris and oil before it has a chance to spread to other parts of the system.

References

About the Author

Born and raised in Mississippi, Marcus Baker began writing in 1998. He has had articles published in various online publications, specializing in sports, automotive issues and wildlife, among other topics. He is a certified electrician.

Photo Credits

  • photo_camera driving 4 image by Andrzej Borowicz from Fotolia.com