We know it’s only February, but before you know it, summer will be here and our temperatures will get into the 90s. The last thing you want to deal with when the weather is hot outside is hot air blowing through your vents when you turn on your car’s air conditioner. Buellton Garage services and repairs vehicle air conditioning systems. Here are six reasons why your automobile’s AC is blowing hot air.
1. Clogged Cabin Air Filter
You probably think more often about the engine’s air filter, but your vehicle’s cabin likely has an air filter, too. This filter cleans the air before it is blown through the vents into your automobile’s interior. If you haven’t had the cabin air filter changed in the last 30,000 miles, it’s possible that the filter has become clogged with dirt and debris and the AC’s refreshing air cannot make its way into your cabin.
2. AC Refrigerant Leaks
It’s a good idea to put an AC service on your calendar every spring. This ensures that your vehicle’s air conditioner is ready to keep you cool and comfortable during the hotter months of July, August, and September. We will inspect your system for refrigerant leaks, as well as refrigerant loss due to evaporation. We will replace your refrigerant if necessary or top it off if it needs it.
3. Faulty AC Condenser
Your air conditioner’s condenser is responsible for cooling the refrigerant so you end up with that nice cold air blowing through your vents. The condenser can become clogged with dirt or debris because it is located in the front of your engine right behind the grille. It can also be damaged by debris that is small enough to make it through the grille, yet heavy enough to dent or put a hole in the condenser.
4. Malfunctioning AC Fan
Your car’s air conditioning system has a cooling fan that helps the condenser reduce the refrigerant’s temperature. This fan can malfunction, or it can break down. Without the cooling fan, the condenser must work much harder to cool the refrigerant. You will notice a marked difference in the temperature of the air blowing through the vents. It will be warm or hot.
5. Compressor Problems
Did you know that if you don’t use your air conditioner regularly you can actually cause the compressor to fail? This unique part circulates the refrigerant through the air conditioning system so the condenser can cool everything down and you can feel comfortable inside your vehicle. If you haven’t used your car’s air conditioner in a long time, the compressor could be failing and this is why the air is hot.
Buellton Garage is the top-rated auto service shop in Buellton, CA. We service automobiles throughout the Santa Ynez Valley, and we want to make you our customer for life. Give us a call today for a spring air conditioning check so you know you’ll have cool air in your car all summer long.
