
On Monday, we went over three reasons your car’s A/C might be blowing hot air instead of cold air, from refrigerant leaks and levels to the electronic system. If those three reasons aren’t the case for you, here are some more options that could be causing the problem.
Failed Air Compressor
In air conditioning systems, it is common for air compressors to fail. The compressor powers the unit of your system that controls the pressure of your refrigerant before it pumps it into the A/C condenser. If yours fails, your A/C will no longer function properly, and could mean that you need to replace your entire system, as particles will continue to plug things up.
Clogged A/C Condenser
Your A/C condenser condenses your freon or refrigerant from a high-pressure gas to a high-pressure liquid to cool down your car. If the condenser is clogged with debris, it won’t be able to do that job properly. You can generally find your condenser located behind your car’s grille and in front of your radiator, so that it can catch debris that your car’s grille doesn’t.
Forgotten Maintenance
With all of the elements in your vehicle that need to be taken care of, it’s easy to accidentally skip over a few. Making sure you keep A/C system maintenance on your To-Do list can really help avoid failures. Cleaning your condenser, servicing your A/C, and charging your system are all important steps to remember. You should have your A/C system serviced every few years, with a complete evacuation and a system vacuum, which will test for leaks and remove oil. Your mechanic will inject new oil into the A/C system, then charge it to the proper level. It’s kind of like changing the oil in your car, but for your A/C!
Keep your car cool this summer by checking in on your air conditioning system, and if you need any servicing or repairs, stop by Honest Wrenches. We’re happy to help.