Posted by Mr Cool on 18 May 2016

If your car’s air-conditioning is not performing at it’s best, having the system checked sooner rather than later will mean less discomfort and less expense. There are several common reasons for weak airflow in AC systems, some of which can be fixed at home and others that require the expertise of professional technicians.

Mould and mildew growth

The presence of moisture inside air conditioner units can be the ideal environment for mould and mildew to thrive. This can reduce airflow by blocking the fins at your heat exchangers behind the dashboard as well as producing unpleasant odours in the cabin and putting the health of your passengers at risk.

Cleaning your evaporator using a good quality coil cleaner will normally eradicate mould and mildew. You should also use an anti-bacterial cleaner to remove any harmful germs from the system. Running the defrost mode regularly will help to keep your air conditioner dry and prevent further issues.

Loose hose or seal

Another common cause of weak airflow is that the blower hose has come loose, meaning that air is not passing through the evaporator into the cabin. There could also be a problem with one of the multiple seals in the system, which need to remain tightly closed to ensure air is able to pass through. Hoses and seals should only ever be repaired or replaced by a professional technician.

Blocked cabin filters

The cabin filter, also called a pollen filter, is typically located before your blower motor and acts a filtration system between the outside air and the cabin of your car. Any pollens, dirt and leaves or just general road debris gets stopped at the cabin filter to ensure your passengers are only breathing clean air. Cabin filters do not last forever and should be changed every 20,000 km.

Faulty fan

The ventilation fan is responsible for blowing air over the evaporator unit, which is cooled by the refrigerant before entering the cabin. If airflow is weak or non-existent, the fan may be damaged and will need to be replaced for normal operation to resume.

Car repairs in Brisbane

Mr Cool offers same-day air conditioner repairs in Brisbane. Talk to our technicians by calling 07 3188 4348.