Hawaii’s beautiful weather can sometimes become uncomfortable on hot days, especially when you're stuck in a car with no air conditioning. If your auto air conditioning system is blowing hot air, there are a few possibilities for the cause. Learn more about the reasons why your AC might be blowing warm air below.

How Does Auto Air Conditioning Work?

The AC system removes heat from your car using a fluid with a low boiling point called refrigerant. When the fluid evaporates, it removes heat from a metal grill called an evaporator coil. As the fans blow warm air over the coil, the air is cooled before entering the cabin to keep it comfortable.

The refrigerant is then pumped out of the evaporator coil to the condenser coil. There, a compressor puts the fluid under pressure, so it changes back into a liquid and releases the heat it removed from the evaporator coil. More fans blow across the condenser coil to vent the released heat outdoors. The evaporation and condensation cycle then repeats.

Why Might Auto Air Conditioning Blow Warm Air?

In most cases, a low refrigerant level results in warm air. Without enough fluid, the AC system can’t remove heat from incoming air. Since refrigerant cycles continuously in a closed system, only a leak will decrease its level. A mechanic can repair the leak and refill your system with refrigerant.

The compressor is the pump that pushes the refrigerant throughout the system. If this breaks, your air conditioner can’t work. A compressor replacement can be costly, but you can expect a new one to last 10 years.

Exhaust fans help vent the hot air removed from the auto cabin. If the fans fail, the condenser coil can’t properly dissipate heat. Fortunately, a replacement fan is a much less expensive fix than a new compressor.

If your auto air conditioning isn't blowing cold air, contact A-1 Auto A/C Specialist & General Auto Repair, an experienced auto mechanic shop in Honolulu, HI. These experts specialize in cabin heating and cooling, transmission repair, oil changes, and brake repair. They also carry essential auto parts. Visit their website or call (808) 836-2939 to make an appointment.