Auto Air Conditioning | 3 Potential Causes Behind Warm Air in Your Car
At full functionality, auto air conditioning feels supremely comfortable, especially in the hot Australian climate. If your car's AC suddenly starts blowing warm air, then you have cause for worry. Identifying the source of the problem will help you take corrective action. This guide is designed to help you understand potential causes behind warm auto air conditioning in your car.
Leaking Refrigerant
Leaking refrigerant from your auto air conditioning system doesn't result in obvious puddles of fluid under your car, like engine oil leaks and antifreeze leaks. This makes them much harder to detect than usual. Refrigerant leaks leave more subtle signs like oil residue around AC hose units. These types of leaks can also occur in different parts of the system because refrigerant liquid runs through it. Refrigerant leaks may be found in the condenser, evaporator or compressor. This can be difficult for a regular car owner to identify, but these leaks will eventually lead to the complete breakdown of your car's cooling system. A certified car AC specialist will be able to find the source of these leaks by employing advanced technology like UV dyes and special testing equipment before addressing the problem.
Loose Wires or Fuses Within the Electrical System
The auto air conditioning system within your car has a network of wires, fuses and pressure switches that must work together to provide adequate cooling inside your car. If these electrical parts loosen or fail because of age, then the entire system will shut down and may end up blowing warm air into your vehicle cabin. Without proper test equipment and knowledge of the problem, it can be difficult for car owners to diagnose on their own. Moreover, improper handling of these wires and fuses could be dangerous for untrained people. A qualified car AC technician will need to test these wires, fuses and pressure switches before isolating and fixing the problem.
A Worn Compressor
The compressor is at the core of your auto air conditioning system, circulating refrigerant through different stages for removing heat and dissipating cool air into your car's cabin. Like any other part of your car, a compressor will wear out over prolonged use. Compressor failure may also occur because of other components failing within the cooling system. This problem can also be difficult to diagnose for a car owner, so you will need to take your car to a qualified car AC specialist to diagnose whether compressor failure is behind your car's warm air.
While these problems with your auto air conditioning system can be difficult to diagnose on your own, knowing the potential causes will help you in your quest to get it fixed by a professional.
