It's that time of the year again. With summer temperatures reaching records high, your only solace is the cold breeze emanating from your car's AC vents. But, it so often happens that when you least expect it, your AC vent begins to blow hot air. As frustrating as this can be, there are preventive measures that can be taken to ensure that you are never in this sort of predicament.
Like any other component of your car, your AC tends to malfunction over time. There are over 20 components that make up your car's AC unit. To function properly, all the components need to operate in airtight conditions. Regular (once a year at least) checks of your AC unit will help you avoid any issues from creeping up.
This article will discuss the common reasons behind the failure of a vehicle's AC system and the measures you can take to avoid breakdowns. Read on to know more.
#1 Refrigerant Gas Leak
Gas leak is possibly the number one cause of AC failure. It can occur through hoses, old seals and gaskets or leaky condensers.
Reach out to a car AC repair near you, and get your car AC system checked for free. If any leaks detected, the AC technician will check your car more thoroughly. The technician will do this by injecting a fluorescent dye into the AC system. The fluorescent dye will indicate specific areas where a leak is present.
#2 Faulty AC Compressors
The compressor is an indispensable part of your car's AC system. As a result, this also makes it relatively expensive to repair or replace. There are many ways by which you can diagnose a faulty compressor. The clutch (located at the front of the compressor attached to a pulley (black belt)) should operate without constantly 'clicking' off. If the clutch spins and then immediately switches off repeatedly, it indicates that the pressure cut-off switch is preventing the compressor from operating and your compressor is faulty.
Note: Because the compressor being a fairly complex component, it is best to replace it rather than trying to repair it. Repairing air condensers have generally proven to be an exercise in futility over time and are a burden on the car owner.
#3 Low Refrigerant Gas
Over time, the refrigerant gas or Freon in your car AC system tends to evaporate. Low gas level don't always point to a leak; it could just be low system PSI pressure arising from insufficient gas. The gas level can be checked by reading the high and low-pressure values. The low-pressure value should be near 30 PSI at 90 degrees Fahrenheit or less, while the high-pressure value should be about twice the ambient temperature, plus 50 PSI.
If your car's AC gas level is below the high and low PSI limits, you should go to a auto air conditioning repair near you where they will refill the refrigerant gas. Remember to ask your AC technician to replace the sealant kit before recharging the refrigerant gas.
#4 Dirty Evaporator Core
An AC evaporator core is a part of the AC unit where the refrigerant absorbs heat from the cabin, and with the help of the condenser coil releases that heat outside. Dirt in the form of mould or mildew accumulates in the evaporator core from the moisture that is present during the cooling process. As a result, the cool air has trouble reaching the car's air vents. A car AC repair in Toronto can help you maintain your evaporator core by checking and cleaning as needed.
Annual preventive maintenance is a key factor to keep your car's AC running in top condition. This should be done at least once a year, ideally before the summer season. During the maintenance check, ask your local car AC repair near me to include the checks mentioned earlier in the service schedule. Finally, ensure you get a professional HVAC technician to look after your cooling problems. This will ensure hassle-free cooling in the future.
