Parts for your 2020 Subaru Impreza-Receiver driers

Receiver Driers on the 2020 Subaru Impreza: What You Need to Know

When it comes to the air conditioning system in the 2020 Subaru Impreza, a common question is whether this particular model uses a receiver drier. After consulting various technical sources and Subaru's official specifications, it turns out the 2020 Subaru Impreza does not use a receiver drier. Instead, it employs an accumulator system within its air conditioning setup.

So why is a receiver drier not used in this vehicle? The key lies in the type of air conditioning system fitted to the Impreza. The 2020 Subaru Impreza uses a system designed around an accumulator, rather than a receiver drier. Both components serve similar overall purposes in automotive air conditioning systems, such as moisture removal and filtration of impurities, but they are designed to work with different system layouts.

Receiver driers are typically found in systems that have the expansion valve located near the evaporator. These systems are often referred to as high-pressure or thermal expansion valve systems. The receiver drier works as a reservoir for refrigerant, as well as trapping moisture and filtering out dirt to prevent damage to the A/C system components.

In contrast, the Impreza's system uses an accumulator, which is common in systems with an orifice tube instead of an expansion valve. The accumulator is located between the evaporator and the compressor, on the low-pressure side of the system. It also removes moisture and filters contaminants, but performs these tasks while protecting the compressor from liquid refrigerant, acting as a kind of safeguard.

So since the 2020 Subaru Impreza employs an accumulator rather than a receiver drier, a receiver drier is not applicable or fitted. The choice is based on the design and layout of the A/C system, as well as the refrigerant path through the system. This means that when servicing the air conditioning in this vehicle, it is the accumulator and associated components that technicians work with, not a receiver drier.

That said, understanding what a receiver drier does in vehicles where it is used can still provide useful insights. Vehicles that do use receiver driers rely on these components heavily for maintaining the efficiency and longevity of their air conditioning systems.

So what is the purpose of a receiver drier? It acts as a storage container and filtration system for the refrigerant. Moisture in an air conditioning system can cause a range of problems, such as corrosion and the formation of ice inside the system's valves or orifices. The receiver drier contains desiccant material that absorbs this moisture, helping keep the system dry and running smoothly. It also traps dirt and metal particles, protecting the delicate A/C components from damage.

Besides moisture removal and filtration, the receiver drier serves as a buffer for refrigerant flow. It stores excess refrigerant when the system is not under high demand, and allows for a steady flow at different operating conditions. This helps prevent compressor damage and improves the overall durability of the system.

Replacing the receiver drier is an important part of air conditioning system maintenance on vehicles fitted with them. Anytime the A/C system is opened up for repairs - such as changing the compressor, condenser, or for major leaks - the old receiver drier should be replaced. This prevents contaminants and moisture that have entered the system during repairs or downtime from causing issues later.

Regular servicing also involves checking for leaks and ensuring the receiver drier is functioning correctly. Signs of a failing receiver drier include reduced cooling efficiency, strange noises, or even a blocked A/C system marked by less airflow or inconsistent temperature.

While the 2020 Subaru Impreza doesn't have a receiver drier, the key takeaway is that its accumulator plays a similar role. Maintaining the accumulator and the entire air conditioning system ensures optimal performance and longevity. For Impreza owners, following Subaru's recommended service schedule and having only qualified technicians perform A/C work is the best way to keep the car's air conditioning system working well year-round.

In short, the absence of a receiver drier on the 2020 Subaru Impreza comes down to the specific air conditioning design that Subaru has implemented. Instead of a receiver drier, the Impreza relies on the accumulator for moisture removal, filtration, and refrigerant buffer duties - and that's a perfectly modern and efficient setup for this car.