.png)
Whether you're a daily driver or planning a long journey, this guide covers everything you need to know about maintaining and fixing your car’s air conditioning system. Learn about the key components, diagnose common AC problems, discover practical DIY tips, and understand when to seek professional help to ensure your AC stays cool and efficient all year round.
It's a scorcher today, so you turn on your AC, expecting cool air to come out. But the air feels warm, or maybe you get nothing at all. In Winchester, VA, a hot summer may require a little more than rolling down your windows.
Luckily, many AC issues are easy to diagnose, repair, and prevent. For severe issues, you can also contact Brian Omps to diagnose and repair your AC.
How Does an AC System Work?
It's important to understand how your AC works to understand what is wrong with it. Don't worry; we'll explain it like you're new. The AC system can be divided into four parts.
1. Refrigerant
This is the fluid that keeps your car cool. It cycles through the AC system, absorbing heat and releasing it from your vehicle.
2. Compressor
This keeps the refrigerant compressed into a vapor, letting it circulate through the system. This component is the core of any AC system.
3. Condenser
This is what turns the refrigerant vapor into a cool liquid.
4. Evaporator
This is located inside the car's cabin, and this absorbs heat from the interior, cooling it and then releasing it back into the car.
5. Expansion Valve
This regulates the refrigerant's flow into the evaporator.
With five parts, many problems can arise.
Common AC Problems
Warm Air
If you've cranked your AC to the lowest settings and the air conditioner feels warm, it may be due to low refrigerant levels caused by a leak, a failing compressor, or a clogged condenser.
Strange Noises
If your AC is rattling, grinding, or squaling, it's not just annoying. It can be caused by a loose system, debris, or worn-out compressor bearings, leading to potentially more problems.
Unpleasant Odors
Do you smell something funny? This may be due to mold or bacteria growth or a dirty cabin air filter.
Water Leak
If your carpet or dashboard is damp, this may be due to a damaged seal or a clogged evaporator drain.
Diagnosing Car AC Issues
Some AC issues can be diagnosed yourself. For example, you can use a UV leak detection kit or check for oily residue to find refrigerant leaks at the hose connections, seals, or compressor. If you have a dirty air filter, it's easy to find and replace it. A rattly AC is pretty easy to hear. You can also check the evaporator, condensor, or electrical components for any signs of damage.
Some issues are easy to repair, while others require a professional's hands.
DIY Repairs
Replacing the cabin air filter is the biggest DIY repair, as it's no more difficult than replacing air filters in your home. These filters are commonly found under the hood or behind the glove box.
Cleaning the condenser using a soft brush or compressed air is also easy, but be sure to avoid damaging any delicate fins. Finally, checking a blown fuse is easy, though you may need to check the owner's manual for the fuse location.
Professional Repairs
Many issues require a professional. If you need more refigerant, this can only be done by a professional due to envionmental regulations, the need to use specialized equipment and handling, and because doing it yourself can damage your systen. This is because overcharging or undercharging the system is easy to do.
Compressor and electrical issues are also the job of a pro. They require complex mechanical skills and diagnostic abilities, and doing it yourself can damage the system and possibly lead to injuries.
Maintaining Your AC
Luckily, it’s easy to maintain your AC. First, the more you use your AC, the more lubricated it will be. Even during winter, run it for a few minutes every week.
Another maintenance tip is to replace the cabin air filter every 15k to 30k miles, or as the manual recommends. Not replacing the air filter can cause strain, which can damage your AC.
Finally, you should schedule a professional tune-up every year.
Brian Omps Can Help
Brian Omps has over 20 years of experience with AC diagnosis, repair, and tune-ups. Contact us year-round, and we'll help ensure your AC runs well during the summer and your heater during the winter. And if you’re about to leave for summer vacation, don’t worry; we’re quick.
