Why is there a hissing sound when turning on the AC in a car?
2 Answers
A hissing sound indicates insufficient refrigerant. Here are the proper methods for using car air conditioning: Choose an appropriate temperature setting: In summer, many people prefer setting the temperature extremely low. However, excessively low temperatures can affect health, so it's essential to set a suitable temperature. The optimal temperature range for human comfort is 20°C to 25°C. Above 28°C, people feel stuffy, while below 14°C feels too cold. Therefore, maintain the cabin temperature between 18°C and 25°C - excessively low temperatures may cause illness. Avoid immediately activating recirculation mode in summer: When a car has been parked under intense sunlight, some drivers tend to turn on both the AC and recirculation mode immediately, thinking this will cool the cabin faster. However, since interior temperatures are higher than outside, this approach is ineffective. Upon entering the vehicle, first open windows for ventilation and use fresh air mode to expel hot air. Only switch to recirculation mode after the cabin temperature has decreased.
Every time I hear a hissing sound like air leaking when I turn on the car AC, I figure it's probably a refrigerant leak. The sound is like a hiss, mostly caused by aging pipes or loose connections leaking refrigerant, which destabilizes the system pressure. I've seen this several times while working on cars—most commonly due to worn-out components near the compressor or a faulty expansion valve causing the noise. You should check it immediately, or the AC will lose efficiency over time, and you'll suffer from blowing hot air in summer. First, sniff for any pungent odor—refrigerant leaks often carry a chemical smell. Then, apply soapy water to the pipe connections; bubbling indicates a leak. Regular maintenance and checking the AC's sealing during seasonal changes can save you a lot of money and repair headaches.
