Your car or truck's AC system is under extreme pressure and the thermal expansion valve or orifice tube monitors the amount of pressure and the temperature of your A/C system. It calculates the precise amount of refrigerant that can safely go into the evaporator. A failing expansion valve or orifice tube often causes a vehicle's air conditioner to blow hot air.
Replace or Repair
- Expansion Valves: Too much refrigerant causes your evaporator to get too cold whereas too little refrigerant would result in inadequate cooling. The expansion valve is a complex valve that regulates refrigerant flow. This process of metering the refrigerant adjusts the flow according to the temperature of the refrigerant in the evaporator coil. Talk to one of the pro mechanics at Kingwood Service Center, as this part can be replaced on its own and does not require the entire replacement of the AC assembly.
- Orifice Tubes: Unlike the expansion valve, the orifice tube is a simple fixed device with no moving parts. It therefore cannot vary the flow of refrigerant into the evaporator, but rather causes a permanent restriction in the system. However, like the expansion valve the orifice tube regulates refrigerant flow through the system and filters debris which may come through in its screen. Often fixing a "bad orifice tube" requires replacing the entire evaporator assembly.
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The staff at the front desk are supremely helpful. The work done there has always been impeccable. I have been a long standing customer, had my personal vehicles and ALL of the kid’s vehicles have been serviced and maintained here. They are honest, and will give you a clear breakdown of costs, offer options for extent of repairs. They are terrific! Highly recommend them.
Kingwood Service Center is the only place my family trusts with all of our vehicles. They are honest, upfront, and consistently complete work in a timely manner. There is never any price gouging or unnecessary upselling, which is something I truly appreciate. Mitch and Mike are excellent communicators who make sure you understand what’s going on every step of the way, and their customer service is always top‑tier. It’s rare to find a shop that operates with this level of integrity, but they do. Highly recommend.