An air conditioning system is a crucial component of a car. It not only maintains a cool environment but also filters the air–protecting you from hazardous air pollution and health issues.
Having your ac release warm air when idle is a typical problem most drivers experience and it could be frustrating, especially during summer.
This situation happens as a result of some common factors, such as low freon level, clogged condenser, etc.
Are you tired of experiencing this issue? Keep reading as we show you the common reasons why your car AC stops being cold when idle.
However, before we dive in, you need to understand how your air conditioning system works and its components.
How the Air Conditioning System Works
The air-conditioning system in a car operates by converting refrigerant from a liquid to a gaseous form. The refrigerant absorbs heat and humidity from the car when it changes states, allowing the system to emit cold, dry air.
The air-conditioning system uses pressure and temperature to transform the refrigerant from a liquid to a gaseous state.
Major Components of AC System
1. Compressor
The compressor is located in front of the engine, and a serpentine belt powers it. It is a system power unit that raises the pressure of the refrigerant, allowing it to convert vapor into cold liquid. It compresses low-pressure gas into high-pressure.
In other words, it is in charge of pressurizing and cycling the refrigerant in the system. This component’s magnetic clutch engages when switching input or electrical demand is applied.
2. Condenser
The condenser small device that helps to regulate the condensing process–receives high-pressure gas from the compressor and converts this gas to a liquid.
It does it by heat transfer or by the principle that heat will always move from a warmer to a cooler substance.
An ac condenser can be found beneath your vehicle’s grill. When you wish to adjust the temperature of your automobile, the liquid refrigerant sent by the compressor must contend with the convection force provided by the radiator fan or a separate fan. This force aids in its control.
3. Receiver Dryer
The receiver/drier acts as a filter for the A/C system, eliminating dirt and moisture from the refrigerant and it helps to maintain safety.
Usually, when we use the air conditioner, the liquid begins to flow toward the compressor instead of vapors, which can damage the compressor.
As a result, the receiver dryer, which is inserted between the compressor and evaporator, is used to convert the residual liquid into vapors before sending it for compression.
The receiver/drier consists of a cylindrical tank (similar to a black metal can) with a solid core filter inside that holds a drying agent (desiccant) and serves many critical tasks for the system.
4. Accumulator
Depending upon the type of ac system in use, your vehicle features either an accumulator or receiver dryer.
Although an A/C accumulator performs the same purpose as a receiver/drier, it is constructed differently and is often much bigger.
It is located on the low-pressure side of the refrigerant system, accepting low-pressure vapor from the evaporator’s outlet and passing it to the compressor.
5. Metering Device (Orifice Tube/Expansion Valve)
All car AC systems rely on a specific metering device to control refrigerant flow. Many of these systems employ an orifice tube to do this task, while others use an expansion valve.
The orifice tube is a cone-shaped tube that regulates the passage of the refrigerant. It enables the refrigerant to change from high-pressure liquid refrigerant mist to low-pressure liquid refrigerant mist before entering the evaporator.
By delivering a low-temperature liquid refrigerant through the condenser, the expansion valve aids in expanding the high pressure.
As the name goes, it limits expansion and reduces pressure before sending it to the evaporator.
6. Evaporator
The evaporator, which resembles the heat exchanger, is usually installed behind the AC vent. It transforms the heat from the vehicle into a liquid refrigerant by converting it to vapor. A fan inside the passenger compartment provides cooling.
Why’s My Car AC Not Cold When Idle?
1. Clogged Condenser
Most often, the reason your car ac is not cooling when idle is a result of a clogged condenser. This tiny device is an essential component of the car’s air conditioning system.
It manages the condensing process by receiving high-pressure gas from the compressor and converting it to liquid.
However, because of its placement, the condenser is prone to becoming clogged. The AC condenser is placed near the front of the vehicle and can become blocked with dirt from the outside.
Therefore, if you do not clean it regularly, debris can block it up to the point where it can no longer function properly.
As a result, when the condenser clogs completely, it cannot transmit heat and the refrigerant cannot be cooled.
How to Fix a Clogged Condenser
Remove the dirt that clogged the condenser by flushing it. This will help ensure that the air conditioning system is clean and contaminants free completely.
2. Overheated Engine
Your air conditioning may not cool when idle if your engine is overheated. This is because the ac is connected to the engine.
The car engine is a crucial part of the car that affects the functionality of every area of the car, and overheating is a common problem you might experience.
The optimal engine temperature ranges from 195 to 220 degrees. If your car’s engine temperature rises over a certain point, your car’s air conditioner may blow hot air when it is idling.
Your car engine powers the alternator, which powers the air conditioner. Therefore, the engine must function well to maintain the AC blowing cold air.
3. Damaged Compressor
A faulty compressor is another reason your car ac won’t get cold when idle. A faulty compressor will be unable to push the refrigerant through the air conditioner. As a result, it reduces the cooling power of the system.
Symptoms of Faulty Compressor
- The compressor won’t turn on
- Vibration in the outside unit
- System blowing warm air
- Condenser is noisy
How to Fix a Damaged Compressor
Repair or Replace the compressor. Note that replacing the air compressor requires an HVAC crew to remove the refrigerant, receiver drier, Orifice tube, and Expansion valve.
4. Low Freon Level
Freon, which is also known as a refrigerant, is a chemical used to provide cool air. When your freon level is low, it affects the performance of your ac.
This is because, without it, there is no way the ac can circulate cold air throughout your vehicle cabin. Refrigerants easily get low due to a leakage in the ac condenser or physical damage.
How to Fix
- Check for leakage on the tubes. In doing this, look out for green spots–these spots help you to indicate easily where the tube is leaking freon. You can either fix this issue or replace it with a new tube.
- Add adequate Freon to the system.
5. Bad Condenser Fan
A faulty condenser fan is one of the primary reasons your car AC doesn’t get cold when idling. The condenser fan is a component in your car that helps to keep the condenser cold and keep the AC system running properly.
It converts refrigerant from gas to liquid so that it can flow through the AC system. In other words, you can describe it as a heat exchanger.
When the condenser overheats, it cannot convert the refrigerant into the cooled liquid form required to produce cold air.
If the condenser fan fails as a result of a loose connection, your vehicle will most likely exhibit a few warning indications, such as being unable to get cold when idle.
Symptoms of a Bad Condenser Fan
- AC will only blow lukewarm air
- Car overheats while idling
- A burning smell when you turn on the AC
How to Fix
- Tighten loose connections if you identify anyone.
- Replace damaged fan
Read: Car Battery Keeps Dying but Alternator is Good
Conclusion
When a car is idle, the AC system may fail to produce cold air owing to low refrigerant levels, an overheated engine, a blocked condenser, or a malfunctioning compressor.
Overlooking these issues may result in increased fuel consumption, poor performance, and other more costly repairs in the future.
Therefore, it is necessary to fix the problem as soon as possible and also engage in regular maintenance to help prevent problems with a car’s air conditioning system.