- AC Refrigerant Leaks
- No Hot Air Flow
- No Cold Air Flow
- Restricted Air Flow
- Fogging Windows
AC Refrigerant Leaks
Your vehicle’s HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) system requires scheduled maintenance to continue delivering cool/ hot and clean air. Low flow or no flow through the heater core affects the cabin air temperature. A heater core that is plugged will also begin to corrode and ultimately leak. This creates a condition where coolant enters the cabin area and creates a mess. The cost to replace most heater cores is significant because on most vehicles it requires removal of the dash assembly to gain access
No Hot Air Flow
In the winter, the inside of your vehicle requires heat for comfort and to keep windows clear. A heater core is located inside the dash in your vehicle’s air box. Hot coolant circulating through the engine compartment passes through the heater core and radiantly heats the air as it is delivered through the air box towards the dash vents, allowing you to regulate air temperature and keep windows clear of fog and condensation. If your vehicle’s coolant is not serviced and replaced as required, contaminants in the coolant will clog the heater core and restrict flow.
No Cold Air Flow
In the summer the air conditioning system keeps the inside of your vehicle cool. The AC system is charged with refrigerant that is held under pressure. Although the A/C System is great for cooling the air going into your vents, it’s also a very good dehumidifier, and as such, it really helps to keep your windshield clear by drying air before it is delivered to the cabin. Moist air will condense on the coolest surface (your windshield) creating fog. As the Air Conditioning System is powered on, the AC compressor brings low-pressure freon to the Compressor, compresses it, and then discharges it to the A/C Condenser. The condenser allows the refrigerant to flow across, horizontally, through very small tubes that stretch from one end to the other. Once Freon exits the condenser, it then heads towards the evaporator but before it enters the Evaporator Coil, it must go through an Expansion Device. This Expansion Device allows the Refrigerant to expand and turn into a really cold liquid. This cold liquid radiantly cools the air as it enters the cabin creating a comfortable cool environment. An AC system with low refrigerant charge will not function effectively to allow for proper cooling. Your AC system has many, many feet of hoses and tubes. Remember that the refrigerant in the system is always under pressure. If a leak develops, refrigerant is lost and the system will not cool adequately. Over time the seals and o-rings in the AC system will get dry and allow refrigerant to leak out. Regular servicing of your AC system will ensure that the seals and o-rings do their job and keep the refrigerant contained in the system, it will also ensure that your AC system stays fully charged with refrigerant. XXXXXX
Restricted Air Flow
A cabin air filter removes contaminants before the air is delivered into the cabin. If this filter is contaminated with dust and debris, it will restrict air flow to the cab and affect proper clearing of foggy windshields.
Fogging Windows
In hot or cold weather, an air flow system that is compromised will affect your windshield’s ability to clear fog and condensation. A problem with either hot air flow, cold air flow or refrigerant leaks will create visibility issues.