Why is the car air conditioning not as cool as before?
2 Answers
There are several reasons why the car air conditioning is not as cool as before: 1. Lack of refrigerant or a leak: Most cases of insufficient cooling are due to a lack of refrigerant. You can first measure the air conditioning pressure. If both the high and low pressures are low, it is basically a lack of refrigerant. Adding refrigerant to the appropriate pressure will immediately improve the cooling effect. 2. Excessive pressure in the air conditioning system: The car air conditioning system operates under pressure due to the compressor working to pressurize it. When too much refrigerant is added or there is a blockage in the pipes, it can cause the system pressure to become too high. In this case, the control system will disconnect the compressor's electromagnetic clutch to stop the compressor, preventing further pressure increase that could damage the system. 3. Damaged evaporator temperature sensor or pressure switch: The evaporator, also known as the evaporator box, is located in the air duct below the dashboard. The refrigerant vaporizes here, absorbing heat and producing low temperatures. When airflow passes through the tiny channels above the evaporator, it is cooled.
I often encounter the issue of car air conditioning not cooling effectively, especially after driving for several years during summer when the performance noticeably declines. Most of the time, it's due to refrigerant leakage, where the reduced Freon in the system leads to insufficient pressure and diminished cooling effect. My experience suggests starting with the cabin air filter - when clogged with dust, it obstructs airflow and reduces cooling efficiency, and it's quite easy to replace yourself. If the compressor makes abnormal noises or fails to start, it might indicate a loose belt or clutch failure, requiring adjustment or replacement. The condenser at the front of the car is prone to getting blocked by mud and leaves; cleaning it significantly improves heat dissipation. I recommend having technicians check system pressure during regular maintenance to detect leaks early, while also monitoring airflow changes from the vents yourself to minimize repair costs.
