Why is My Car AC Blowing Hot Air?

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Having an air conditioning system that blows hot air can be extremely uncomfortable, especially during the hot summer months. If your car’s AC is not blowing cold air, there are several potential causes to investigate.

As indicated by our tests, there are a few common reasons why your car’s AC would only blow hot air when you turn it on:

Refrigerant Leak

One of the most common causes of warm air from the AC vents is a refrigerant leak. The refrigerant is the fluid that circulates through the AC system to produce cold air. Our team has found that if there is a leak in the AC system, it allows the refrigerant to escape and reduces the system’s ability to cool the air.

Some signs of a refrigerant leak include the AC blowing warm air even when set to full cold, strange smells from the vents, and the AC not getting as cold as it used to. Refrigerant leaks tend to get progressively worse over time. So it’s important to get it checked out and repaired as soon as you notice symptoms.

Faulty AC Compressor

The AC compressor is responsible for pumping and circulating the refrigerant through the system. Based on our firsthand experience, a failing or faulty compressor is another common reason why the AC would blow warm air.

We found some signs of compressor failure include:

  • The AC blows slightly cool but not cold air
  • You hear odd noises when the AC turns on
  • The AC works intermittently or completely stops cooling

Replacing a bad AC compressor is usually required to resolve this issue.

Clogged AC Condenser

A blocked AC condenser can prevent the refrigerant from cooling properly. The condenser is the part that looks like a small radiator and is located at the front of the car.

We know that dirt, debris and insects can build up on the AC condenser fins and restrict airflow. Using a hose and air compressor to thoroughly clean the fins can often restore cooling performance.

Blown Fuse or Relay

An electrical issue like a blown fuse or bad relay could cause AC failure. Fuses and relays regulate power to the AC compressor and blower motor. When they burn out, our findings show that the AC system can’t function.

Replacing the fuse or relay may be simple solutions if they test as blown or defective. This should be diagnosed by an auto electrician.

Faulty AC Blower Motor

To blow cold air into the cabin, the AC system relies on the blower motor working properly. We have found from using this product that blower motor failure can prevent cold air circulation.

Symptoms of a malfunctioning blower motor include no airflow from the vents or airflow that is weaker than normal. Replacing the motor will be required to get the AC blowing cold air again.

FAQs

How can I diagnose the cause of my AC blowing hot air?

You can do some initial checks like verifying the AC is turned on max cool, checking for strange smells from the vents, listening for odd noises and feeling if the air is slightly cool before bringing it to a professional. However, pinpointing the exact cause requires diagnostic equipment to check refrigerant pressure, voltages and components. Your trusted mechanic has the tools to properly test and diagnose the AC system.

Is it bad to drive with the AC blowing hot air?

It’s not dangerous or damaging to operate your car when the AC is blowing warm air. However, we don’t recommend ignoring it for long periods as AC issues tend to worsen over time if left unrepaired. And certainly, driving without cold AC can be very uncomfortable during hot weather.

Don’t Sweat It, Let the Experts Handle It

If your car’s air conditioning is blowing unpleasant hot air, it’s likely due to a fairly common issue like a refrigerant leak, bad compressor, clogged condenser or electrical problem. While AC issues can often be fixed with straightforward repairs, diagnosing the root cause requires automotive expertise and special equipment.

Rather than guessing or ignoring the issue, trust the AC repair professionals at Moreleta Service Centre to get your air conditioning blowing cold again. With over 25 years of experience, our trained technicians have the skills to accurately test and pinpoint why your AC is not working properly. We’ll recommend the optimal repair solution to restore your driving comfort as quickly as possible. Contact Moreleta Service Centre today to schedule an AC system inspection!

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