Keeping your car cool in the hot months is important for traffic in the DMV! Below are six possible reasons why your car's AC is blowing hot air!
1. Malfunctioning Electrical System
Your vehicle's AC is electrically powered, so a malfunction in this system can cause it to blow hot air. If any components of this sytem aren't working as they should, the entire system will shut down. Make an appointment at your closest Craftsman Auto Care so our experts can evaluate this complex system.
2. Low or Leaking Refrigerant
Refrigerant, or coolant, is the fluid that cools your passenger cabin as it expands and condenses, circulating throughout the air conditioning system. This system is sealed and airtight, meaning that a low level of refrigerant indicates that there is a leak somewhere. This will have to be repaired before new coolant can be added. Locating and fixing a refrigerant is a complicated task best left to one of our trusted, ASE Certified technicians!
3. Worn Compressor
The AC compressor is responsible for pressurizing the refrigerant and circulating it throughout the system to cool your passenger cabin. The compressor is very vulnerable to failure due to normal wear and tear. The system could also fail when starting your AC after a long period of inactivity, such as when you are switching the AC on for the first time after the colder months!
4. Corrupt Condenser
The condenser is a vital component of your vehicle's air conditioning. Once the coolant has moved through the compressor, the condenser then brings it down to an ambient temperature. Sometimes, dirt and debris can get trapped inside the condenser, causing a blockage or even a breakage or puncture of a condenser tube. If your AC is still blowing hot air after removing this debris, the system may need flushing or repair to get your AC back to tip-top shape.
5. Broken Cooling Fans
The cooling fans in your vehicle's AC system help to remove heat from the refrigerant fluid. If either were to crack or become damaged from road debris, the result would be refrigerant that is not adequately cooled causing hot air to blow. Craftsman will gladly replace this for you!
6. Dirty Air Filter
Over time, your car's air filter gradually gets clogged with dust and debris. Besides your vents blowing hot air, other signs your cabin air filter could be blocked include musty smells or overly loud noises running the air conditioner.
Make your appointment TODAY with Craftsman Auto Care for $50 OFF an A/C Diagnostic Test to make your commute cool and comfortable!
Craftsman Auto Care has locations in Alexandria, Ashburn, Chantilly, Fairfax, McLean, Merrifield, and Sterling open Monday - Friday 7:00am-6:00pm; Saturday 8:00am-4:00pm. Contact www.CraftsmanAutoCare.com for more information or call 833-CRAFTS1.