Now that summer is here, you’re likely running your car’s air conditioning more often than usual. Not only do you need to stay cool as you’re driving, but you also need to remove the heat that collected if your car was parked in direct sunlight.
If your A/C system stops working suddenly, it won’t take long for your everyday work commute or a weekend road trip to become extremely uncomfortable. Fortunately, there are some warning signs to watch out for that will clue you in to your air conditioner’s health.
Along with regular tire rotations and oil changes in Longmont, CO, periodic A/C checks should be at the top of your car maintenance to-do list. Beat the heat by looking out for these common symptoms of a faulty A/C system.
Hot Air Coming Through Vents
When you turn on your A/C, do you notice that only warm or hot air is making its way through the vents? You might be dealing with a refrigerant leak. Since A/C systems are pressurized, they must be completely sealed in order to function correctly.
As a result, when a leak occurs, your refrigerant levels cannot simply be topped off. Your system must be recharged with pressurized refrigerant before it will begin blowing cold air again.
Strange Noises from Car AC
As with any other car issue, you should be concerned if you hear unusual sounds coming from your air conditioner system. When functioning properly, you should only be able to hear your fan running quietly in the background as it blows out cool air.
If you hear a banging or rattling sound, there might be sticks, trash, or other debris stuck in your blower motor. There is also a chance that your condenser or compressor belt might be worn and in need of replacement.
Humid Inside Car
In addition to keeping you cool, your A/C is also responsible for pulling moisture from the cabin air. This water is siphoned away and deposited outside your vehicle in the form of water—on a hot day, you might notice this as a puddle underneath your car.
However, if you notice condensation inside of your vehicle, your air conditioner system might not be functioning as it should. This could be due to a clogged drain or hose that is causing water to back up and drain directly into your vehicle instead of the ground outside.
We’re in the dead of winter right now, and that naturally makes most of us want to be warm and cozy. It’s positively the worst time for your heating system to give out. And when it comes to your air conditioning system, you don’t want to wait until it’s practically boiling outside before you discover your AC needs help. Here’s a rundown of some of the problems you may come across with your car’s heating and air.
Regular Maintenance
Like humans, your car should get a periodic “wellness check” to make sure everything is in proper working order. This includes your heating and air conditioning system. Obviously, if you have an immediate problem it needs to be handled, but getting regular maintenance can help you identify small problems before they get bigger. Hose leaks are an example, something which make your system less efficient.
Common AC Problems
There are quite a few signals that your AC system may be having some problems that need to be addressed. If the air pushed out is only slightly cooler than the exterior air, there might be a problem that’s impacting your efficiency. Also take note if your AC pumps out air that smells musty or like mildew. And obviously, if the AC is blowing out warm air instead of cold, you have a problem.
Common Heating Problems
If in cold weather you notice that the car’s interior cabin just doesn’t get warm, or maybe only slightly warmer than the outside, you’ll probably want to check it out, especially if you live in a cold climate. Another point to be aware of for heating and air is if the defroster is working—does it appear to lag or not work at all? Again, if you notice cold air, take your car in for service as soon as you can.
Other Problems
In heating and air, one problem you may notice is that the heat or air only works when the car is in motion and not when it is idling. This can be a sign of a larger system issue. A technician can check for leaks, cracks, and other problems that may impact your system, and again, catching problems before they get worse can often mean a smaller price tag, but it does depend on the specific problem. There are a lot of moving parts to maintain, including belts, compressors, the radiator. Correct pressure in the system is also crucial.
Contact your Longmont auto repair center to follow up on your vehicle’s heating and air issues, and don’t wait for the problem to get worse before you deal with it—depending on the issue, it could get more expensive the longer you let it linger. Here’s to having a warm car this winter!
Whether a person lives in a sunshine state like Florida or a colder state like North Dakota, they are still going to benefit from a functional car air conditioner. During the summer season, it can be crucial for drivers to have access to air conditioning, which is why mechanics are often ready for AC repair come summer. Although many people are aware of their car’s AC levels, some are not, which is why it is important to look for clues when determining whether or not one’s car AC needs a tuneup. The following are the top 3 signs that your car needs AC repair.
A Decreased Air Flow
One of the most obvious signs that one’s car AC is no longer up to par is a decreased airflow. Commonly, when a driver turns on their AC they are met with sufficient airflow levels. This allows them to cool down when the day is warm and properly ventilate their vehicle. A driver might begin to notice that their AC airflow is weak due to low performance. If one’s car used to cool down within seconds and now takes minutes to manipulate the air quality, this can be a sign that it’s time to call a mechanic. As a test, drivers can hold up their hands to the AC vents to see if there is indeed a sufficient airflow.
The AC’s Airflow Is on the Warmer Side
When a driver cranks on their AC, they want to feel an immediate burst of fresh air. However, this isn’t a possibility when a car’s AC levels are nearing empty. If this is not a pressing matter, a driver can wait to ask their mechanic about it until they visit their Longmont garage for an oil change. Should it be pressing, however, making an appointment to have one’s AC unit checked out can be in order. Sometimes, mechanics might find that a driver’s AC vents are blocked with dust or that they are low on AC fluid.
There’s a Strange Smell Emanating From the AC Vents
While most people will encounter car AC troubles that revolve around poor performance, some will experience more puzzling issues. For example, there are some drivers that make appointments due to their car AC emanating a strange smell when turned on. If a foul odor is making one’s car AC intolerable, it is important to bring it in for examination. More often than not, there might be some water contamination that is causing mold and mildew growth. Having this issue taken care of is crucial, as mold and mildew can be detrimental to one’s health.
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A car with a busted AC unit in the summer is like driving around in a sauna. It might be all right with open windows when driving around the neighborhood, but on the highway things will get pretty sticky in no time. Even though repairing an AC unit should not break the bank, checking on the system to ensure it is functional is always a good idea. The funny thing with AC units is that they will not give much of a warning sign before plunking out completely.
A conscientious car owner that wants to save some money and some sweaty car rides should regularly check the status of their unit. It is important to remember that the unit in not simply blowing cold air into the interior of the car. The AC unit is a circulatory system that works to remove hot air from the interior and replace it with cooler air extracted from outside. This process involves the coordinated work of an evaporator, condenser, and compressor. Then there is the refrigerant liquid that turns hot air into cold. As with all mechanical gear, these pieces will experience normal wear and tear over the years and will require consistent checking and semi-consistent maintenance.
A car owner should do the following things to keep their AC unit healthy:
Run The Unit Regularly – It’s advisable to run the AC unit for a few minutes at a time about once a week. This should be done all season long regardless of the external temperature. The purpose of this task is to keep all the tubes, pumps and valves well lubricated. If these components become too dry they could possibly disconnect or at least become less fluid.
Ask Mechanic About The Refrigerant Levels – At the next general car check-up, have the mechanic check the refrigerant levels. Not all mechanics in Longmont will consider the AC as part of their general check-up routine, so clarifying before an oil change and regular check up is always helpful. If the refrigerant levels are low it’s nothing to worry about. It is sold at Walmart and many other locations.
Might Have Fungus – The older the car, and the damper the climate, the more likely it is for mold or fungus to build up within the AC unit. Most people will not even recognize the fungus or mold smell in the car. Those with asthma or allergies will recognize the presence of these unwelcome growths and will most likely experience poor breathing because of it. This is a rare case, but it can certainly happen if the car is over 10 years old. Luckily there are some cleaning liquids that can be applied to the AC unit to clear it out.
These are some great tips for car owners to prevent the breakdown of their AC unit in the hot summer months when they need it most.
Getting a regular flow of cold air throughout a car is one of the most enjoyable aspects of owning a vehicle. In the muggy summer months there is really no replacement for it because opening windows only brings in more of the muggy air. The funny thing is that you only realize how important a functional A/C unit it is when it stops working. The car quickly goes from being heat relief to a scorching sauna, and driving suddenly becomes immensely unappealing.
As with all mechanical things, there are a number of different reasons why the A/C in a car stops churning out cold air. Here is a detailed run-down of the most common issued with air conditioning:
The Black Death? This ironic reference to the bubonic plague that swept Europe in the 14th century refers to the breakdown of the refrigerant. The refrigerant is a mixture of coolant and water that is spread throughout the car when the engine is started. A refrigerant breakdown means that the liquid will have seeped out of where it should be kept and begun damaging the compressor and other parts of the car. The compressor really is where all the damage emerges from, and soon enough particles of metal will spread through the A/C system and wreak havoc to various parts of the car and block the proper transference of the refrigerant. For anyone worried about the potential for ‘black death’ in their car it is recommended to book an A/C performance check with a local car mechanic.
Weak Airflow? The air might be cool, but it’s so weak that it makes almost no difference. There are a few reasons why the airflow is so weak. The first option is that mildew has built up in the evaporator that prevents thorough air flow. A second potential option is a loose hose. Usually this happens to the blower hose that is responsible for supplying air to the blower unit. A third option is a damaged or broken ventilation fan; while a fourth option are broken seals that would otherwise keep the air pressure strong.
Lack of Cold Air? A lack of cold air is every car owner’s worst nightmare. The most likely cause of this is failed compressor or damaged condenser. In some cases, vacuum leaks have developed that bring moisture into parts of the car that should never be exposed to the elements. This can cause serious and costly damage. The gradual decrease in
The gradual decrease in cold air should be attended to immediately. Don’t wait for the next oil change to get the A/C unit checked at a garage in Longmont or surrounding areas.
A person’s vehicle is one of their most prized possessions. Not only do most people appreciate their car for its practicality, getting them to and from wherever they need to go, many people go so far as to love their car. In fact, many people name their cars and care for them as they would a member of their family.
Regardless of the level of devotion a person feels toward their car, it is imperative that they do all they can to get the best services and care for it. High quality maintenance and repair services will do much to keep a car in good working order for years to come. This includes a Longmont air conditioning service company that also focuses on car heating services.
How Longmont Air Conditioning Service Companies ID 4 Common Car Heating Issues
A car’s heating and cooling systems are closely related. This is one of the main reasons why a company will focus on both systems, as opposed to one or the other.
If a person presents their car with a heating issue, how does an air conditioning and heating company determine the exact problem?
- Check for Cooling System Leaks
Anti-freeze or coolant is used to reduce corrosion and boost the boiling point within the cooling system and engine. Leaks will not only stop the heater from working efficiently, the engine won’t be able to cool down.
- Evaluate the HVAC Door
An HVAC door opens and closes to direct air flow to various vents in the car. This door is typically made of plastic, which can break over time and lead to a vent or vents not working properly.
- Look for Water Pump Corrosion
A water pump forces coolant throughout a car’s heating system. Corrosion on the pump will eventually make it impossible for the pump to do its job. This can cause a car’s engine to overheat. In some cases, there is a leaky seal or a failed bearing on the water pump where coolant can seep out and cause the heating system to malfunction.
- Assess the Heater Core
Trapped air or clogs in the heater core can prevent the heating and air conditioning system from working properly. A service technician will feel the heater core tubes; one should be warm and the other hot. If one is hot and the other is cold, there is some sort of clog that needs to be addressed. Another problem is a leaking heater core. This is sometimes difficult to fix, so a professional should definitely be consulted. They may be able to repair the leak, or replacement may be the best option.
A Treasured Vehicle Deserves Top-Notch Car Heating and Air Conditioning Services
A person’s car is often more than just a means to get from place to place; it is their pride and joy. Such a beloved possession deserves the best care possible. At the first sign of heating issues, a car should be taken to a top-notch Longmont air condition service company.
For many Longmont auto owners, the car’s air conditioning system is an essential side of surviving every summer. When the heat wave hits, the prospect of reaching the cool haven inside their car can become downright addictive. Unfortunately, a car’s air conditioning system is also one of the most likely parts of a car to malfunction, as well as being a remarkable fuel-drain.
There are, however, many ways to maximize the efficiency of an air conditioning system and diminish the chances of it breaking.
Air Conditioning Systems Don’t Work Well with Shocks
As a general rule, any cooling system placed on overdrive will waste energy all around. In order to minimize their fuel consumption, the key is to allow them to work in phases.
First, it’s important to prevent the interior of the car from overheating. During peak heat days, indoor parking is the best way to go. If forced to park outside, finding a shaded spot is recommended, as well as cracking the windows open. The idea is to prevent the interior from becoming too hot.
To avoid damaging the A/C system in addition to saving fuel, it’s recommended to place the A/C on low first and allow it to cool down the car interior for a few minutes. Once the air has cooled down a bit, turning on the “air recirculation” option will further lower energy consumption before finally setting it to the desired intensity.
Many Longmont motorists seek auto repair services because they can’t place the damp or moldy smell that comes out whenever the A/C is turned on. This is caused by the droplets of condensed moisture that stay inside the air conditioning’s evaporator, which then leak and make bacteria or fungi develop.
This can be prevented by keeping things slow once it’s time to leave the car. The air conditioning should be turned off before the engine is. Ideally, this should be done three to five minutes before reaching the final destination – temperature won’t increase as long as the windows are closed. Meanwhile, the fan should remain working at medium strength – this is essential to dry out the interior of the A/C system, which in turn will help keep it clean for longer.
Regular Maintenance Saves Money – Even Medical Bills
With the tips described above, the air conditioning system will be less likely to break down. However, regular maintenance is still a must. Coolant leaks can be a very serious issue, as they are not only very harmful to the environment, but should they reach other parts of the car’s engine, it can be very expensive to repair.
The coolant liquid should be replaced regularly, and the whole system tested for leaks. Under normal circumstances, coolant will not be toxic to humans just through contact (although it should never be drunk). Replacing this fluid will also give an opportunity to sanitize the entire container – bacteria left to thrive in there can raise the chances of upper respiratory infections.
Air conditioning systems have gone from a luxury to a staple of Longmont’s summers, so it’s best to keep them functioning properly. Scheduling regular maintenance with a reliable auto repair shop in Longmont is the best bet.
Car heater problems have derailed many commutes and caused many trips to cancel. During the winter, they can become downright dangerous, as the car heater is in charge – among others – of blowing hot air towards the wind shield and helping melt ice off it.
However, unlike other types of engine malfunctions, car heater problems can be caused by a handful of different problems. This means they are hard to diagnose, and therefore hard to repair. Typically, motorists with this problem require a visit to an auto repair in Longmont in order to fix it properly.
Radiator Leaks Could Be Seeping Everywhere
A likely cause for a broken car heater lies in the radiator. This piece of the car requires both cooler fluid and water to function – and if either of those have gone missing or have not been changed in a while, the radiator will stop working. This in turn will hinder both the car heater and the air conditioning system. Forcing the engine to continue working in these conditions can cause serious damage, so it’s best to take care of it right away.
In addition, if the leak is affecting the cooler fluid, it’s important to tread carefully. This liquid is highly flammable, and if it seeps into other parts of the engine, it can cause more serious damage.
Thermostats Need to Be Regulated
The car’s thermostat is a small valve that closes when the engine is cold to allow it to heat quickly. It also shuts itself down as soon as it reaches a specific temperature to allow the heat to be released. Normal wear and tear can cause this valve to jam or to begin responding too slowly – which in turn keeps the car from heating up properly. Depending on the car model, this can be very hard to repair – some models place it in an easy-to-access location, other don’t.
Cleaning May Be In Order
A car’s temperature is regulated by the flow of coolant, or cooler fluid, around its different parts. However, if the ducts or small pipes that carry this fluid become jammed, the car heater will stop working as well.
This is a particularly likely possibility for cars that don’t undergo regular maintenance; grime and grease can easily jam these ducts if they have never been cleaned.
Grime and dust build-up can also jam one of the internal blower fans, another common wrecker of car heaters.
As Usual, Prevention Is Usually Cheaper
A car that is regularly taken to an auto repair in Longmont for maintenance and servicing is unlikely to develop any of the above-described problems, especially those involving the thermostat or the coolant.
Radiator problems are particularly important to prevent, because they can affect a car’s heater core. This is essentially the car’s “heart”: during initial production, it is the heater core that is first built and readied, and the rest of the car built around it. Other problems, such as jammed fans, are considerably easier to repair, but diagnosis can be difficult. Once again, it is a task best left to professionals.
During a drive in cold or windy weather, having a reliable heater is vital for making sure that the ride is a comfortable one from start to finish. A high-quality heating system is a part of every major vehicle sold at commercial dealerships today. Because this feature is so common, many people don’t often stop to think about how it works. However, understanding how a heating system operates can make it less likely that drivers will need auto repair in Longmont to repair the heating units in their vehicles. This can help any driver save time and money in the long run.
What Are the Benefits of Understanding Car Heaters?
Car heaters are a basic, but important, amenity in any vehicle. While car-savvy individuals are likely to know how to check their oil or change a tire, many people are unfamiliar with the specifics of car heating units. When a heating unit malfunctions, many people find themselves dealing with a cold and uncomfortable ride until they pay a garage for auto repair in Longmont. However, understanding the basics of these heating units can help drivers tell when their heating systems are experiencing problems so they can get them serviced before the issues become too severe.
The Basics of Car Heating Systems
In order to create the warmth needed for the heating system, the heater core operates in a similar manner to the car’s engine. By utilizing a combination of hoses and coolant to help coordinate the movement of heat, the blower motor (fan) transfers heat into the vehicle. The output can be controlled by the standard heater controls. These basic parts make up the heating unit, and the interdependent design allows for smooth operation. However, this can also mean that a problem with one component can cause issues with the others if it is not treated properly.
Why Heater Maintenance Is Important
Car heaters can break down, even if they are made of high-quality components and are serviced regularly. However, a malfunctioning part that would be inexpensive to repair can create more problems and more expenses if left untreated. For example, a malfunctioning fan can cause the warm air produced by the core to remain in a confined area, where it can damage other parts. Checking all parts on a regular basis can prevent issues like this from occurring. When a part does break down, it’s important to get a proper replacement.
Getting Heater Repair and Servicing
Every heater is different, and getting the right type of replacement parts is important for making sure that systems operate correctly. When browsing independently, many find it helpful to look through online catalogs that let users perform searches based on the make and model of their vehicles. Alternatively, many garages can order the necessary parts. Getting regular servicing checks can be a great way to avoid repairs. Not only are these checks cheaper than repairs, but they are also a great way to make sure one gets the most out of his or her heater.
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There’s nothing worse than having to endure an uncomfortable ride. When it’s a bit stuffy inside and cracking a window isn’t the most comfortable or convenient option, many people rely on air conditioning to help them enjoy a more relaxed trip. Getting air conditioning systems serviced and repaired in an affordable manner is something that every driver looks for, and many companies that offer auto repair in Longmont provide specialized services in this specific category. Since car air conditioners are very different than air conditioners found in other machines, it’s wise to use trained professionals with extensive experience in servicing vehicle air flow systems.
Understanding the Complexities of Air Conditioners
It can be frustrating when an air conditioning system malfunctions. Many people depend on these handy, devices to keep them comfortable during long trips. Though some may think that these systems are simple, a number of specific parts work together to help air conditioning systems function properly. Many who usually perform their own auto repair in Longmont will sometimes attempt to fix their air conditioners themselves, but this is not advised unless one has detailed experience with these systems. Improper repair jobs can have very negative side effects. However, it is advised to know the signs which can indicate an air conditioning problem.
Discovering Air Conditioning Problems Early
One of the best ways to stop an air conditioning problem from becoming too costly and difficult to repair is to catch it early. This can be done by understanding warning signs. These include blowing warmer than usual air, blowing musty or damp smelling air, a faulty defroster, low airflow, and inconsistent airflow. If these issues occur, drivers should be ready to get professional repairs. However, there are several maintenance tips that can be used to keep an air conditioning system in good order so that repairs can be avoided.
Air Conditioning Maintenance Practices
There are a number of simple but effective servicing habits a person can use to keep a car’s air conditioning system in good shape. In addition to examining internal controls, the compressor belt should also be checked periodically. Leaks in seals and hoses should also be checked. In addition, coolant levels should be maintained properly based on industry standard recommendations for each particular vehicle model. Many manufacturers will include suggested specifications in the owner’s manual, and these can serve as good guidelines to use when checking for a problem.
Getting Air Conditioning Repairs
Even the most high-quality air conditioners that are serviced regularly can break down over time. When this happens, motorists are often encouraged to seek professional repairs. Many companies can provide estimates of timelines and prices so drivers can fit the repair jobs into their budgets and schedules with ease. In addition, given that this repair is very common, there are usually special deals and promotional offers available to make this service even more accessible. An air conditioning system is one of a driver’s most valuable assets – keeping it in good condition can be done by adhering to a maintenance routine and working with professional companies should a problem occur.
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