30 May Why Does My Auto A/C Blow Hot Air?
Driving around Florida during the summertime heat can be exhausting, especially when your car’s A/C is not working. It can also be dangerous. Did you know that the National Weather Service states, “Extreme heat and humidity is one of the leading weather-related killers in the United States, resulting in hundreds of fatalities each year”? With statistics like that, don’t put off scheduling air conditioning repairs when your auto A/C is blowing hot air or you suspect low refrigerant levels.
Common Auto A/C Problems
When your auto A/C is running, the refrigerant repeatedly flows through the system, absorbing heat from the cabin and then releasing it into the air outside the car. The air conditioning system in your car is quite complex, with numerous components. When something goes wrong with one or more of those parts, it can cause hot air to blow through the vents.
Blocked Radiator
Dirt and debris on the radiator fins (or the A/C condenser) may prevent the hot refrigerant in the A/C system from cooling down.
Clogged Expansion Valve
A clogged expansion valve blocks the cooled refrigerant, preventing it from circulating into the car’s cabin.
Dirty Air Filters
Dirty air filters can reduce airflow through the vents of your auto’s A/C. Remember, your vehicle has at least one engine air filter and one cabin air filter.
Faulty Compressor
A faulty compressor can prevent the refrigerant from releasing the heat it has absorbed.
Loose or Damaged Electronics
Most vehicle air conditioning systems contain several electronic components. A loose or damaged part can cause a reduction in airflow or produce hot air from the vents.
Low Refrigerant Levels
The refrigerant circulating through the air conditioning system can sometimes leak. Low refrigerant levels prevent your auto A/C from working effectively.
Air Conditioning Repairs
Below are a few tips on air conditioning repairs. There are a couple of problems you can fix yourself, but leave the others to an auto professional.
Clean Radiator Exterior
To clean your radiator, remove debris, such as leaves, dirt, and bugs, from the exterior. You can gently use a vacuum or wash it off with a garden hose so air can easily pass through it (and the A/C condenser).
Replace Dirty Air Filters
Check the engine air filter and replace it if it is clogged or dirty. Now, check the cabin air filter located behind the glove box or dashboard. If it looks dirty or smells weird, replace it with a new one.
Recharge Low Refrigerant
Your auto A/C uses a chemical medium that absorbs and releases heat to regulate the cabin temperature. This chemical cools hot air by changing its state from liquid to gas and back again through a process of compression, condensation, expansion, and evaporation. Vehicles have used several different refrigerant formulas over the years. Below are a few of the most common ones:
- R-12, also known as Freon (Dichlorodifluoromethane), was phased out of use starting in 1996 due to concerns about its adverse effects on the ozone layer.
- R-134a (Tetrafluoroethane) replaced Freon for automotive use during the 1990s. Since 2012, manufacturers have phased out this formula in favor of R-1234yf.
- R-1234yf (Tetrafluoropropene) has a low global warming potential and is now the preferred auto A/C refrigerant used today.
If you suspect your vehicle has low refrigerant levels, schedule an A/C inspection service with a certified technician. They will identify all leaks and refill the system with the appropriate refrigerant in a safe manner. Only use the factory-recommended refrigerant specified for your vehicle, as mixing different refrigerants can damage the A/C system.
Troubleshoot Auto A/C Bad Components
Your car’s air conditioning system has numerous complex and hard-to-reach parts. Scheduling a professional auto A/C inspection once a year can identify potential problems before they do damage or stop working. Trained technicians know which A/C components to look at and how to replace them quickly.
Auto A/C Service in Jacksonville, Fl
JJ’s Auto Care is the #1 choice for air conditioning repairs in Jacksonville, FL. We have over twenty years of experience in auto A/C repair, service, and retrofitting in Duval County. Our trained and certified technicians specialize in HVAC systems found on both old and new vehicles. We will happily address your low refrigerant issues and make all necessary repairs to get your A/C blowing cold again.
Schedule Your Auto A/C Service
Your auto A/C needs routine maintenance to prevent hot air from blowing through your vents and ensure proper operation. Call us at 904-721-6646 or visit our website to schedule your air conditioning repairs appointment.