Common causes of weak airflow

One of the main issues that bring customers in for vehicle air conditioning repair is the fact that their AC unit has a weak or nonexistent airflow. While there are many factors that can play into a weak AC airflow, here is a list of the most common causes:

• Dirty Evaporator Core: Often the evaporator core becomes tainted with mildew or mold if not properly maintained. A dirty evaporator core will cause problems with cold air reaching the interior vents of a vehicle.

• Loose Hose: Any loose hose within the AC system can cause a weak or nonexistent airflow.

• Faulty Ventilation Fan: Any problems with the fan cause problems with the airflow.

• Seal Damage: Damaged seals can create openings and gaps which decrease airflow due to lost air. The AC system is sealed to ensure the best air transfer available. Seal damage can allow outside air, humidity, and moisture to enter the AC unit. These repairs can be costly if undetected for long periods of time.

A/C unit is blowing hot air

Another common reason that people come to First Class Truck & Auto is due to their AC pumping out lukewarm or hot air, rather than cool air. This problem necessitates auto air conditioning service because no one wants to be uncomfortable, especially on hot days. Here are the most common causes of this problem:

• Leak: Many different components of the AC system can begin to leak. The seals may fail causing air to leak out, Freon may begin to leak due to an O-­ring failure, hoses may disconnect, or there may just be a complete vacuum leak that affects the entire system.

• Clogging: Hot air may begin to blow out when the refrigerant or expansion tube becomes clogged with gunk, byproducts, or mold/mildew.

• Compressor Problem: Damage to the compressor or the evaporator may cause warm air rather than cold air to pump out.

• Failure of Internal Components: Fuses, relays, the control module, and many other internal components of the AC system may fail due to corrosion or age.

Other problems that are common to the automotive AC unit that require service may include; bad odors, abnormal noises, fluid leaks, or intermittent function. Any of these problems can be taken care of by the professionals at First Class Truck & Auto. Our Certified ASE Technicians are ready to examine your automobile’s air conditioning system components and get them all in peak working condition. If you do have a leak, it’s crucial to find its source and fix it. Also, it is important to confirm no other A/C system components have been affected. Even in winter, it is important to have a properly functioning A/C system to eliminate moisture that fogs up or freezes on the inside of the glass – preventing you from seeing clearly.