What does summertime in Colorado mean to you?
- As much time outside playing with your friends.
- A drive into the mountains – it’s beautiful, with so much to do.
- Taking the kids on small road trips to see more of this amazing state.
Whether you said yes to one of those, or you have a list all your own, chances are you’ll spend a lot of time behind the wheel. Have you seen the roads these days? It’s endless traffic. Will you spend the time with your windows rolled down because the AC doesn’t work?
Maybe it’s time for car AC repair.
Your Car AC System
Your car’s AC works similarly to your home’s AC. At the heart of the unit is refrigerant. It’s a special fluid with a low boiling point. It moves into a compressor, which increases its pressure and temperature, turning it into a gas instead of a liquid.
It then moves to a condenser that dissipates the heat from the refrigerant, causing it to condense into a high-pressure liquid. It flows through an expansion valve where it regulates the flow of the refrigerant, reducing the pressure, causing it to expand rapidly. This leads to a drop in temperature.
The now-cool refrigerant flows into the evaporator, located in the car’s dashboard. Air from outside the car is drawn in and blown over the evaporator coils, cooling the air. As it moves over the cold coils, moisture condenses, dehumidifying the air.
The blower fan then pushes the cooled and dehumidified air into the passenger cabin, lowering the temperature to your desired level. Using the thermostat and controls gives you a chance to adjust the desired temperature and fan speed, regulating the overall operation.
It may seem like a fairly simple operation, but a number of things can go wrong.
What’s Wrong if Your Car AC is Blowing Hot Air?
Now that you know how a car AC works, it’s easier to understand what can go wrong.
It Might Be a Refrigerant Leak
One of the most common reasons for blowing hot air comes from a refrigerant leak. If there isn’t enough refrigerant inside the system to circulate properly, it won’t be able to cool your passenger compartment. Refrigerant isn’t colored like other fluids inside your car. It typically appears as a clear, oily liquid, though it can pick up dirt and debris, darkening the appearance. It often appears as a faint rainbow sheen if it hits the pavement.
It Might Be Compressor Issues
The compressor is responsible for pressurizing the refrigerant. If it isn’t working correctly or engaging, the AC won’t cool the air. This could be from a variety of issues, including electrical issues, a faulty clutch, or other compressor-related problems.
It Might Be a Condenser or Evaporator Problem
The condenser or evaporator can leak or clog over time, which will also lead to warm air blowing through the AC vents. This can be from age or wear and tear over time.
It Might Be Clogged or Blocked Air Filters
Air from outside moves into the system before it’s cooled and blown into the passenger compartment. It moves through a filter, which can clog over time. In some cases, fixing your AC system could be as simple as cleaning or replacing an air filter. On many vehicles, this filter can be found at the base of the windshield, making it easy to find. You can use a vacuum to suck out dirt and debris. If that doesn’t fix the problem, it could be a deeper problem.
It Might Be Electrical or Sensor Issues
Today’s modern cars are heavily controlled by electrical components and sensors. If a problem starts in any one of these areas, it can also cause the AC system to malfunction. Issues with temperature sensors or the control panel may prevent the system from regulating the temperature.
It Might Be The Cooling Fans
The cooling fans in front of the condenser help dissipate heat from the refrigerant. If these fans aren’t working correctly, the AC may struggle to produce cool air. You’ll often notice this more when your car is idling, or you’re driving around the neighborhood at low speeds.
How To Properly Maintain Your Car’s AC
The good news is a car’s AC system is easy to maintain.
Every year, you schedule a checkup with your doctor just to check in. They might request bloodwork, take a few measurements, or schedule a few tests to ensure you’re in good health.
Taking the same approach with your vehicle can ensure it stays operational all year, no matter where the drive takes you. Schedule a maintenance visit before summer heat kicks in, and a mechanic will inspect your AC systems for signs of leaks, wear and tear, or any damage that may have occurred. If you notice unusual noises or strange odors, have them addressed promptly by a technician.
We’ve mentioned it before, but it’s worth mentioning again. Replacing the cabin air filter ensures proper airflow and helps maintain air quality inside the car. Check your owner’s manual for manufacturer recommendations, or replace it more frequently if you drive in dusty environments.
You should also check refrigerant levels from time to time. If you notice a decrease in cooling performance, have the refrigerant levels checked by a professional. Low refrigerant levels can indicate a leak or other issues within the system.
It’s also important for a technician to occasionally inspect the belts and hoses connected to the AC compressor for signs of cracks, wear, or leaks. Age impacts a lot of things under the hood – don’t wait until they’re damaged. It’s easier on the pocketbook and your peace of mind if you replace it before it gives you trouble.
Schedule Car AC Repair Before the Heat of the Summer
As the temperatures rise during the summer months, your car’s air conditioning becomes an essential component for comfort and safety. To ensure your AC system is ready to tackle the heat, schedule any necessary repairs or maintenance before the peak of summer arrives.
By proactively addressing any issues with your car’s AC system, you can avoid the inconvenience of being without cool air when you need it most. Whether it’s addressing refrigerant leaks or simply performing routine maintenance, taking care of your AC system before the summer heat sets in can help prevent breakdowns and ensure optimal performance.
Don’t wait until the sweltering heat of summer is upon you. Take proactive steps to schedule any necessary repairs or maintenance for your car’s AC system now, so you can stay cool and comfortable on the road when the temperatures soar.
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