Few things are more annoying than getting into a hot car on a summer day and realizing the air conditioning is only blowing warm air. But don’t panic, before you take your car to the workshop, there are some possible causes you can check yourself.
Why is my AC blowing warm air?
Many car drivers ask themselves this question when the longed-for cooling fails to materialize. The reasons for this can be varied, ranging from simple problems to more complex defects:
1. Refrigerant Leak
The most common reason for a poorly functioning air conditioning system is a lack of refrigerant. Similar to a bicycle tire losing air, the refrigerant system in your car can also have leaks.
“A slow refrigerant loss over time is normal, but major leaks should definitely be repaired by a specialist,” explains Dr. Ing. Markus Schmidt, automotive expert and author of the book “Air Conditioning in Cars – Functioning and Fault Diagnosis”.
Refrigerant leak in a car air conditioning system
2. Defective Compressor
The compressor is the heart of the air conditioning system. It ensures that the refrigerant is compressed and circulated to cool the air. A defective compressor can mean that the air conditioning system no longer cools at all or only insufficiently.
3. Clogged Condenser
The condenser is usually located in front of the water cooler and is responsible for dissipating the heat absorbed by the refrigerant to the ambient air. If the condenser is clogged by dirt, insects or leaves, the heat can no longer be properly dissipated and the cooling performance decreases.
Clogged condenser of a car air conditioning system
4. Electrical Issues
Electrical problems can also be a cause of warm air from the air conditioning system. Defective fuses, sensors or control units can impair the function of the air conditioning.
What to do if the AC is blowing warm air?
First, you should try to narrow down the cause of the problem yourself. Check the fuses and make sure that the air conditioning is switched on and the temperature is set correctly. If the condenser is visibly dirty, you can try to carefully clean it.
If this does not help, it is advisable to visit a workshop. A specialist has the necessary equipment and know-how to check the air conditioning system, diagnose faults and repair them.
Benefits of a functioning AC
A functioning air conditioning system not only ensures pleasant temperatures in the vehicle interior on hot days, but also:
- Increases safety through better concentration and responsiveness of the driver
- Improves air quality by filtering pollen, dust and odors
- Protects against fogged windows in winter
Frequently Asked Questions about “AC blowing warm air”
1. How often should the AC be serviced?
It is recommended to have the air conditioning system checked by a specialist once a year. As part of the maintenance, the refrigerant is checked and topped up if necessary.
2. Can I refill the refrigerant myself?
No, the refrigerant may only be refilled by a certified specialist company.
3. How much does it cost to repair an AC?
The costs for repairing an air conditioning system can vary greatly depending on the cause of the fault.
Further Information
You can find more interesting articles on the topic of air conditioning here:
- AC Evaporator Replacement Costs
- Humidity Interior
- Check Air Conditioning
- AC Connection Diagram
- Check Car AC
Car AC repair in a workshop
Conclusion
An air conditioning system that blows warm air is not only annoying, but can also be a safety risk. To avoid major damage and high repair costs, you should have problems with the air conditioning system resolved by a specialist at an early stage.
Please feel free to contact us via our website if you need support with the repair of your air conditioning system. Our car experts are available around the clock.
