How to Solve a Clogged Car Air Conditioner?

[OSarah]

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.

[TimothyAnn]

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.

[DelEmery]

I'm young and strong, often fixing my car myself. A clogged AC isn't hard to solve. Buy some car AC cleaner, spray it into the air intake, let the fan run for a while, and the dust will blow out. Or you can take it apart and replace the filter yourself—there are tutorials online. If the clog is severe, it might be dirt buildup in the refrigerant lines; just ask a friend to help flush it, but don't disassemble it casually to avoid gas leaks. Regular interior cleaning to prevent dust from entering the system is crucial. This DIY approach saves hundreds in repair costs, but be careful not to damage the circuits.

[PaisleeLee]

A clogged car AC poses significant risks, with drastically reduced airflow affecting visibility and comfort. When I encountered this issue, I immediately went to the repair shop for inspection to prevent compressor overload and damage. Professional technicians use pressure gauges to test the system; if clogged, they perform high-pressure flushing or use solvents to dissolve contaminants. Don't risk major damage by tampering with the refrigerant system yourself—it can lead to poisoning or pipe bursts. For safety, it's common sense to have the shop check the AC condition during regular maintenance.

[DeLondyn]

I pay special attention to car maintenance, and if the air conditioner is clogged, I will carefully investigate the cause. First, check if the air filter is too dirty and replace it with a new one. If that doesn't work, inspect the surface of the evaporator for dust and clean it with a soft brush. Some stubborn dirt may require a professional technician to use cleaning agents to circulate and flush the pipes. A reminder to everyone: ignoring blockages can increase fuel consumption and shorten the compressor's lifespan. I clean the interior environment monthly to prevent dust and replace the filter every season to ensure the air conditioner runs smoothly and efficiently.