Skip to main content

Replace Your Car's AC Thermal Expansion Valve or Orifice Tube


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 Horizon Automotive 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.


image-people-driving

OUR REVIEWS

 (96 Reviews)
image-quotes
reviewicon

Driving through Grand Junction, on a long road trip, our car developed a brake problem. Brian Burford, the owner of the shop, met us personally, diagnosed the problem immediately, ordered the part and had it delivered to the shop, and installed it right away. He had us back on the road in the shortest possible time, and charged a very reasonable fee. I can't recommend this shop highly enough. Thanks Brian for your outstanding customer service!

, 08/28/2024

partners

ASE (Automotive Service Excellence)
Jasper
AAA Approved Auto Repair
NAPA  Auto Care
bbb
Car Care Aware