Car AC Blowing Hot Air? Find out Why and How to Fix It!

Car AC blowing hot air is very annoying. Driving a car in the heat of the day can be an uncomfortable experience, especially if your car’s air conditioner suddenly blows hot air. A car air conditioner that is not working properly can make the trip feel very tiring and disrupt your concentration while driving. The problem of your AC blowing hot air can be caused by a variety of factors, ranging from low freon levels to damaged or dirty components. In this TransTRACK article, we will discuss the common causes of hot air conditioning and provide practical solutions to resolve them, so you can get back to enjoying the comfort of a cool and pleasant drive.

Causes of Car AC Blowing Hot Air

The cause of the car ac blowing hot air can be caused by several factors. Here is a more detailed explanation of these causes:

Low Car AC Freon

Freon is a refrigerant used in car air conditioning systems to cool the air. If the freon level is low, the AC will not be able to cool the air effectively. This can be caused by a leak in the AC system that needs to be repaired immediately.

Dirty Car AC Filter

The AC filter is responsible for filtering dust and dirt from the air before it enters the cooling system. If this filter is dirty or clogged, the air flow to the cooling system will be obstructed, so the AC cannot function optimally.

Dirty or Damaged Condenser

The condenser is responsible for removing heat from the refrigerant that has been used. If the condenser is dirty or damaged, the heat cannot be released properly, causing the AC system to be unable to cool the air effectively.

Problems with the Car AC Compressor

The compressor is the main component in the AC system that compresses the refrigerant and circulates it throughout the system. If the compressor is damaged or not functioning properly, the AC system will not be able to cool the air.

Car Cabin is Too Humid

High humidity inside the car cabin can cause the AC to work harder to cool the air. In addition, high humidity can also cause excessive condensation inside the AC system, reducing cooling efficiency.

To ensure that your car’s AC system works optimally, it is important to perform regular maintenance such as checking and refilling the freon, cleaning or replacing the AC filter, as well as inspecting and repairing any damaged components.

How to Solve Hot Car Air Conditioner

If your car’s AC is blowing hot air, there are several steps you can take to fix the problem. Here are the ways to fix a hot car air conditioner:

Checking and Filling the Car AC Freon

Freon is an important refrigerant for the cooling process in a car air conditioner. If the freon level is low, the AC will not be able to cool the air properly. To check and fill the freon, you need to use a manifold gauge set. Connect this tool to the high and low pressure ports on the AC system. Turn on the air conditioner and look at the freon pressure in the gauge. If the pressure shows a low level, add freon according to the type recommended by the car manufacturer. Make sure you also check for leaks in the system before and after filling the freon to ensure there are no leaks that cause the freon to decrease.

Checking and Cleaning the Car AC Filter

The AC filter is responsible for filtering dust and dirt from the air before it enters the cooling system. If the filter is dirty or clogged, airflow will be restricted, reducing cooling efficiency. To check and clean the AC filter, open the cover of the filter box, which is usually located behind the glove box or in the air intake area. Take out the filter and check its condition. If the filter looks dirty, clean it with low-pressure air or replace it with a new filter. After cleaning or replacing the filter, reinstall it properly.

Checking Condenser Condition

The condenser functions to remove heat from the freon that has been used. If the condenser is dirty or damaged, the cooling process will not be optimal. To check the condenser, open the hood and look for the condenser which is usually located in front of the radiator. Physically inspect it to ensure there is no dirt or objects blocking the airflow. Clean the condenser by spraying pressurized water. If there is physical damage or leakage in the condenser, repair or replace it as needed.

Checking the Condition of the Car AC Compressor

The compressor is the main component in the AC system that compresses freon and circulates it throughout the system. If the compressor is damaged, the AC will not be able to cool the air. To check the condition of the compressor, turn on the AC and listen to the sound it makes. Any noise or inability of the compressor to run may indicate a problem. Check the electrical connections and relays connected to the compressor. If there are any mechanical or electrical problems, take the car to a repair shop for further inspection and repair. Replace the compressor if necessary.

Regulate Cabin Humidity

High humidity in the cabin can make the AC work harder and reduce cooling efficiency. To reduce humidity, use the defogger function on the AC to remove dew on the windshield and windows. Activate the recirculation mode to circulate the cooled air inside the cabin instead of sucking in humid air from outside. Make sure there are no water leaks in the cabin that could increase humidity, such as from the roof or cooling system.

By taking the above steps, you can identify and resolve the cause of your car’s AC blowing hot air, and ensure that the AC system is functioning optimally for your driving comfort. If the problem remains unresolved, it is best to consult a professional car AC technician.

Solving the problem of your car’s AC blowing hot air can be a challenging task, but with the right steps, you can ensure your car’s AC system is functioning optimally. Checking and topping up the freon, cleaning the AC filter, checking the condition of the condenser and compressor, and adjusting the cabin humidity are important steps to maintain the performance of your car’s AC.

To ensure that your vehicle maintenance is done properly and efficiently, we recommend using TransTRACK’s Vehicle Maintenance System. This system helps you monitor and schedule vehicle maintenance, including AC maintenance, easily and regularly. With TransTRACK, you can manage all aspects of your vehicle maintenance, ensuring your car is always in the best condition.

Don’t let air conditioning problems interfere with your driving comfort. Use TransTRACK’s Vehicle Maintenance System to maintain your vehicle’s performance and enjoy a comfortable and cool ride every time. Visit the TransTRACK website today for more information and start a better vehicle maintenance experience.