When it is functioning properly, AC is a fantastic feature to have, and in Arizona, it can be a necessity. When the car AC is blowing warm air, which undoubtedly happens on one of the summer’s hottest days, the A/C abruptly becomes a bad joke. The following are some of the most common reasons the car AC is blowing warm air.
Refrigerant Leaks
Refrigerant leaks are a common problem associated with the AC system. Your car AC acts as a heat exchanger whose job is to recirculate warm air from inside the cabin of the car, replacing it with cold air. If there is a refrigerant leak, the AC will end up blowing warm or hot air. Bad AC hose connections are the most common causes of refrigerant leaks. That said, refrigerant leaks can happen at various points in the AC process, making it difficult to pinpoint the precise location of the leak. It that’s the case it’s best to have the AC inspected by a professional.
Problems with the Compressor
The compressor is the core of your car’s air conditioning system, with its function being to circulate refrigerant, removing heat from the vehicle’s cabin. Lack of use is one of the primary causes of compressor problems. Sitting dormant for long periods of time, then suddenly using it, shocks the AC system, causing it to malfunction. To avoid this problem, run the AC on full blast every 3 to 4 weeks for 15 minutes, regardless of the weather’s temperature. Doing this will help keep the compressor running smoothly and extend its lifespan. The AC clutch can also fail, making the compressor inoperative. Because of its complicated design, compressor failure can also be associated with other failing parts within the system, requiring a professional auto repair inspection.
Faulty Cooling Fans
If cooling fans are not working properly, the condenser might not receive effective cooling. As time passes, this can cause the AC to emit hot air. Cracks in cooling fans are often caused by debris from the road, and replacement is typically the only way to address the problem. Other common cooling fan problems include blown fuses and other electrical complications. These problems need to be addressed by a professional with electrical work experience.
Problems with the Electrical system
Electrical issues are the most challenging problems to diagnose when it comes to a car AC blowing warm air. The AC system includes a complicated maze of wires, relays, fuses, and pressure switches that work together under normal operating conditions. If one of these electrical elements fails because of a defect or age, the AC system is designed to shut down to prevent further damage or unsafe conditions for the driver. Electrical issues are difficult to diagnose without the proper test equipment and experience.
If your car AC is blowing warm air, it is best to schedule an appointment with an auto care specialist ASAP. A/C systems have certain complexities in their design that make them difficult to repair without the right knowledge base and equipment. Besides that, there are environmental issues involved with refrigerant that call for special attention.
