Car AC Not Cooling Properly? Common Causes in Hot & Humid Weather
Car air conditioning (AC) is mainly used during hot days. However, it can be frustrating when your car's AC stops working when you need it most. This becomes even more troublesome in hot and humid weather. The AC may not cool as expected for various mechanical and environmental reasons, including low refrigerant levels or AC gas, lack of regular servicing, excessive AC use, and more. Gas leaks, clogged dust filters, and condenser malfunctions can also cause the car's AC vents to not provide enough cold air.
To avoid suffering, get your car's AC system checked regularly. This not only ensures comfort but also increases the AC's durability. This blog explains in detail why car AC doesn’t cool well in hot & humid weather. Knowing the possible causes and solutions to a car's AC not cooling properly will make it easier to handle any situation.
Why doesn't the car's AC cool well in hot & humid weather?
1. Refrigerant gas reduction or leakage
Refrigerant gas is the main component of the air conditioning system. With regular use, the car's gas decreases by 10-15%. If there is a leak or any other damage to the system, the compressor cannot build sufficient pressure. In the heat, gas quickly escapes from small leaks in the hose and O-ring. This makes the air less cool, and the refrigerant gas runs out quickly. Dust and hot, humid weather can cause dirt to accumulate in leaky areas, making the AC system more prone to damage.
2. Jammed cabin air filter
The cabin air filter traps road dust, odors, and moisture inside the car. This filter is located inside the car's dashboard. Dust and dirt on the road jam this filter. When the filter is jammed, airflow through the AC vents decreases, so the car's cabin takes longer to cool down. If not cleaned on time, mold can accumulate in the air filter during humid weather. In addition, the AC vents start to deteriorate as the air inside the car cannot be released quickly.
3. Condenser is dirty and clogged
The condenser expels hot air. It is located in front of the car's radiator. Road dust, dirt, insects, etc., can get stuck in the condenser, and the grille can get clogged. This dirt dries and hardens in humid weather. This prevents heat from the engine and the cabin from escaping properly. When the condenser heats up with the outside temperature, the AC's refrigerant gas is wasted. Excessive heat overloads the compressor, reducing the AC's performance.
4. Weakening of the compressor
The compressor is one of the main parts of an AC. If the compressor is not working properly, gas circulation does not occur, and the clutch slips. If not serviced regularly, the compressor starts to weaken. This does not create the right gas pressure, so it takes time for the cabin to cool down. In addition, if the compressor overheats, it cannot properly circulate the refrigerant.
5. Ice and fungus accumulate in the evaporator coil due to excessive humidity
The AC has to spend more energy to reduce the effect of excessive humidity. This causes water to accumulate in the evaporator. If the AC's drainage system is not clean, the water in the evaporator cannot be drained. Also, if there is a problem with the thermostat, this water cannot be drained. Later, in the cold air, the excess water freezes on the evaporator coil, blocking airflow. This takes a long time for the car's cabin to cool down.
6. If there is a problem with the electrical system
If there is a problem with the fuse, pressure switch, temperature sensor, wiring, or other components, the AC system will not work properly. This problem is more pronounced in hot & humid weather. If dirt accumulates in the radiator fan, the condenser cannot cool. In addition, if the cooling fan and blower motor are weak, less cold air comes from the AC.
Some remedies and suggestions to solve the problem of the car's AC not cooling properly
Finally
In Bangladesh's climate, car AC is not just a luxury but a necessity. In urban areas of Bangladesh, temperatures range from 35 to 40°C year-round, and humidity is around 80-90%. If the windows are closed due to hot weather, long traffic jams, or air pollution, the inside of the car can heat up quickly. Regular use in excessive heat and humidity weakens the car's AC. Often, the AC runs fine, but the inside of the car isn’t cooling! By identifying and resolving errors promptly, these problems can be easily avoided and save you from major repair costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the main reason why the car's AC suddenly becomes less cold in hot weather?
Answer: Due to the decrease in refrigerant or AC gas, gas leak, dust filter jam, and condenser malfunction, not enough cold air comes through the car's AC vent. Even if there is a problem with the fuse, pressure switch, temperature sensor, wiring, or other components, the AC system still does not work properly.
2. Why can a car's AC emit a bad smell?
The AC has to spend more energy to reduce the effects of excess humidity. This causes water to accumulate in the evaporator. In humid weather, this water supports the growth of fungi and bacteria. When fungi and bacteria accumulate in the evaporator, the AC emits a bad smell.
3. What causes a weak compressor?
If not serviced regularly, the compressor starts to weaken. In addition, if the compressor overheats, it cannot properly circulate the refrigerant. This does not create the correct gas pressure, so it takes time for the cabin to cool down.
4. What can be the problem if there is a problem with the AC's electrical system?
If there is a problem with the fuse, pressure switch, temperature sensor, wiring, or other components, the AC system will not work properly. If dirt accumulates in the radiator fan, the condenser cannot cool. In addition, if the cooling fan and blower motor are weak, less cold air comes from the AC.
5. What is recirculation mode?
Recirculation mode is most effective in extreme heat. This mode cools the air inside by repeatedly recycling it, rather than taking in hot outside air. This saves fuel.
