How to Solve a Clogged Car Air Conditioner?
2 Answers
When a car's air conditioner is clogged, it is necessary to replace it with a new air filter. The reason for a clogged car air conditioner is the icing of the evaporator, which blocks the air duct and reduces the airflow. The control valve of the variable displacement compressor should be checked for normal operation, or the control valve should be replaced directly. If the airflow is relatively small when using the external circulation mode but normal when using the internal circulation mode, it indicates that the air filter is clogged. A new air filter needs to be replaced to solve the problem. When the filter is excessively dirty, the circulating airflow of the air conditioner will decrease. Additionally, severe dust and dirt accumulation in the air conditioner's supply and return air ducts can also lead to a reduction in circulating airflow. When the refrigeration system is operating, the refrigerant circulates in different states within this closed system, with each cycle consisting of four basic processes: Compression process: The compressor inhales low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant gas from the evaporator outlet and compresses it into high-temperature, high-pressure gas, which is then discharged from the compressor. Heat dissipation process: The high-temperature, high-pressure superheated refrigerant gas enters the condenser. Due to the decrease in pressure and temperature, the refrigerant gas condenses into a liquid, releasing a significant amount of heat. Throttling process: The high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant liquid passes through the expansion device, causing its volume to increase and its pressure and temperature to drop sharply. It is then discharged from the expansion device in the form of mist (small droplets). Heat absorption process: The vaporized liquid enters the evaporator, where the boiling point of the refrigerant is much lower than the internal temperature of the evaporator, causing the refrigerant liquid to evaporate into a gas. During the evaporation process, it absorbs a large amount of heat from the surroundings, and then the low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant vapor enters the compressor. This process is repeated to lower the temperature of the air around the evaporator.
I've been driving for many years and have encountered clogged air conditioning more than once. Generally, when the AC is clogged, the airflow is weak and not cold. First, check the cabin air filter yourself—open the glove compartment and pull out the filter to see if it's heavily dusted. If it's dirty, replacing it isn't expensive. If the issue persists after replacement, the evaporator or pipes might be clogged. Don't push it at this point—if the compressor fails, repairs can be extremely costly. Take it to a professional repair shop; they have specialized tools to flush the system safely and reliably. Changing the filter every six months can prevent clogs, saving you money and hassle. A smoothly functioning AC ensures a safe and comfortable drive.
