Why Is Your AC Not Blowing Cold Air When Idle?

why ac not blowing cold air when idle

why ac not blowing cold air when idle

It’s quite annoying when you are having a good time with your friends in the car or you are waiting for someone sitting inside the car and your ac is not blowing cold air.

When a car is idling, the engine is not running at its full capacity.

There are two main factors that limit the cooling capacity of a car AC when it is idling:

  1. Low engine RPM. When a car is idling, the engine is not running at its full capacity. This means that the compressor in the AC system is not getting as much power as it needs to work properly. As a result, the refrigerant in the system may not be able to cool down enough to produce cold air.
  2. Reduced airflow across the condenser. When a car is idling, the airflow across the condenser is reduced. This is because the car is not moving, so there is no wind to help cool the condenser. As a result, the condenser may not be able to cool the refrigerant properly and the AC system will not work well.

Other Causes of AC Not Blowing Cold Air

In addition to above mentioned two factors, other factors that can limit the cooling capacity of a car AC when it is idling include:

  • Low refrigerant levels. If the refrigerant levels in the AC system are low, the system will not be able to cool properly.
  • Clogged condenser or evaporator coils. If the condenser or evaporator coils are clogged, the system will not be able to cool properly, especially noticeable when the car is idle.
  • Faulty compressor or fan clutch. If the compressor or fan clutch is faulty, the system will not be able to cool properly.
  • Excessive Engine Heat: If the engine is running too hot due to cooling system problems, it can affect the performance of the AC system, especially at idle when there’s less airflow.
  • Drive Belt Issues: The AC compressor is usually connected to the engine via a drive belt. If the belt is loose, or damaged, it can lead to the AC compressor not functioning properly.
  • Low Engine Coolant Level: The AC system not just depends on refrigerant but also depends on the engine’s cooling system to function effectively as the radiator is used by both the engine coolant and the air conditioning system. So, AC can also blow warm air when there is a low engine coolant level because Low Engine Coolant Affect Air Conditioning.

Self Tips To Improve AC Performance

Here are some common but useful tips to improve the cooling capacity of your car AC when it is idling:

  • Park in the shade: This will help to keep the condenser cool and improve the airflow from the AC vents.
  • Open the windows slightly: This will help to increase airflow and make the AC work more efficiently.
  • Turn ON the recirculation mode:  This mode will recycle the air inside the car, which can help to cool the condenser and improve the airflow from the AC vents.
  • Check Refrigerant Levels: Low refrigerant levels can cause the AC system to not work properly. If the refrigerant levels are not enough then you have to get it refilled.
  • Clean the condenser and evaporator coils: Clogged coils can prevent the system from cooling properly. So, you must get them cleaned.
  • Check Compressor and fan clutch: Faulty compressors and fan clutches can also prevent the system from cooling properly.

Conclusion

If you notice that your car AC is not blowing cold air when it is idling, we advise you to seek the expertise of a qualified mechanic who can perform the necessary tests to diagnose and repair the issue accurately.

For AC Repair and Service or any kind of issue with your Car’s AC, Automovill is just a call away. We will be happy to serve you.


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