Your Volkswagen AC Is Blowing Hot Air - The Alarming Causes Are Here

Volkswagen is a German automotive brand that is esteemed for its higher longevity & superior quality. No matter which model you own, you will never find a reliability issue with this brand.

The vehicles of this brand are built with the latest safety features including- an anti-theft system, collision warning system, lane departure warning, etc. that can offer you a very safe driving experience. If someone is looking for a branded car without taking a huge financial stress, then Volkswagen will be the best option for him.

Driving a Volkswagen is an experience for many. But when it emits hot air through the vents during the ride, it becomes a thorn in the operative’s flesh. You might overlook this problem if you find it during a cold spell. But if it happens during the dog days of summer, then the kind of vexation it gives will be beyond your tolerance. Thus, finding the factors in the first place those are responsible for this inconvenience is absolutely pivotal.

This article will tell you the probable causes of this trouble. Let’s get into this write-up to know more.

How Does An AC Work?

The working principle of your vehicle’s air conditioner is absolutely the same as that of the air conditioning system that you use at home. The whole process is based on a principle that is restricted to the exchange of heat. Like the engine needs oil for operation, the AC system needs refrigerant. The compressor compresses the refrigerant & puts that compressed liquid into a high-pressure state. The compressed refrigerant goes to the condenser & settles down before reaching the AC evaporator core. The cool refrigerant then absorbs heat from the air & allows the cool air to go into the cabin. Finally, the warm refrigerant gets its way back to the compressor.

Hot Air from Car AC Vents: Causes

The air conditioning system of a vehicle consists of various components including- a compressor, condenser, expansion valve, evaporator, orifice tube, inline filter, accumulator, dryer, etc. When any of these components fail, your AC may start working harder & find it difficult to produce cool air for the cabin. The flustering causes of this warm air flow are here. Let’s have a look at them.

l Refrigerant Leak

l Defective Condenser

l Issues In The Electrical System

l Damaged Compressor

Refrigerant Leak: Refrigerant is one of the important automotive fluids that play a key role in removing heat & humidity from the cabin. It must be at the recommended level to allow the components of your vehicle’s air conditioning system to work properly. Thus, when your AC leaks refrigerant due to either a damaged seal, cracked gasket, or fractured hose, the circulation process of this liquid gets impaired & the refrigerant level drops. It does not allow the extraction of warmth from the air to occur which results in the elimination of hot air from the vents.

Defective Condenser: The condenser is a component that stays responsible for keeping the refrigerant cool. During the condensation process, the condenser dies down the temperature that the refrigerant carries. The liquid then flows through the evaporator for cooling the cabin. Over time, the condenser gets clogged with dirt & debris. When it gets accumulated with dust particles, the process of condensation gets impaired which results in the release of hot air. A leaky condenser can also cause the same by bringing the refrigerant level down to the minimum.

Issues in The Electrical System: If all the components of your AC unit are working fine, but still it is blowing warmer air that means your vehicle is suffering from some electrical issues. Sometimes the presence of a blown fuse or a frayed wire prevents the air conditioning unit to operate smoothly & forces it to emit hot air through its vents. Performing a complete inspection of the fuse box & wiring system will help you to diagnose the issue.

Damaged Compressor: A compressor is considered the heart of your vehicle’s air conditioning system. The circulation of refrigerant inside the AC unit is carried out with this component. Thus, when the compressor goes bad, the antifreeze fails to reach the condenser for cooling forcing the hot air to come out of the vent. Leaving the AC unit unused for a long spell may increase the chances of compressor damage.

How to Maintain Car AC?

Like other systems, the air conditioning system also needs some maintenance to remain functional for a considerable period of time. The best tips from the trained car-geeks are here following which you can avoid experiencing hot rides during the scorching heat of summer. Let’s have a look.

1. Vacuum the interior from time to time to avoid the AC duct & vent from attracting dust particles.
2. Ensure that the AC filter is clean & does not need replacement.
3. Wash the condenser with water every few weeks.
4. Flush the radiator regularly to safeguard the AC unit from the damage caused due to overheating.
5. Inspect AC pipelines for leakage every once in a while.
6. Take the advantage of re-circulation mode when dust in the air is more.

Conclusion

Hot air from the AC is a concern that you can’t overlook as a Volkswagen owner. Failing to diagnose it at the right time may force you to experience a wallet-draining hassle down the road. So, always stay on guard. It needs expertness to diagnose & repair the air conditioning unit. Thus, leaving this job to the hands of a trained professional would definitely be a smart call.

Vaughan Automotive is a leading European auto maintenance and repair facility located in Atlanta having years of experience in looking after high-end European cars like Audi, BMW, Jaguar, land Rover, Mercedes, Mini, Porsche, and Volkswagen.