Having functioning air conditioning in your car during the Las Vegas summer is imperative. With average high temperatures climbing above 103℉, the importance of AC in your car cannot be overstated.
But finding your car’s air conditioning is blowing hot air can leave you feeling like you’re turning on a hair dryer—and that’s no way to beat the heat. So, if your car is having AC issues, it would be helpful to understand why. Here are some reasons your car’s AC might be blowing hot air.
Problems with the electrical system
Your car is a complicated piece of heavy machinery, complete with numerous various electrical components like fuses, wires, switches and relays. The successful function of your vehicle depends on all these components working smoothly together in concert.
The system is designed to shut off power to certain components if any of its parts become overloaded or fail. This means a blown fuse could cause AC issues in your car.
Refrigerant leak
Your car’s air conditioning is designed to function as a closed system. This means that unfiltered outside air shouldn’t be getting in, and the fluids that make it function shouldn’t be getting out. But due to wear and tear, in addition to temperature changes, sometimes the system leaks.
If you’re experiencing hot car air conditioning, you could top off your car’s refrigerant, but this is merely a temporary fix. Because a refrigerant leak won’t leave a telltale spot under you car, you’ll need to take your car in for professionals to determine whether there’s a leak and how to fix it.
Defective compressor
One frequent cause of AC issues in your car is a malfunctioning compressor. Your car’s air conditioner cannot serve its purpose without a working compressor, as it circulates your car’s refrigerant through a series of lines and then subsequently removes heat from the car’s cabin.
Compressors can stop working if they haven’t been used in a long time (like several months over the winter), so it’s recommended that you run the air conditioning for 10 or 15 minutes every month regardless of the temperature outside.
Condenser problems
Your vehicle’s air conditioning condenser keeps the refrigerant cool when it cycles back through the compressor and the car’s coolant system. It’s located at the front of the car, near the radiator, and can be subject to external damage if small particles like rocks, bugs, leaves or sticks are small enough to come hurtling through the car’s grill.
If clogged or damaged, the condenser won’t be able to cool the air conditioning system’s air, and you may receive either hot air or no air at all. You can physically examine this yourself, but you should bring your car in for a checkup if you find there’s significant damage.
Call for service today
If you’re experiencing car AC issues, or your car’s air conditioning is blowing hot air, you’ll likely need the assistance of car care specialists. That’s where we come in at Qwest Automotive Service. Our team is dedicated to providing you with superior service down to even the finest detail, all at a competitive price.