Common Reasons Your Air Conditioning Isn’t Working Well

Posted on July 18, 2016

It always seems to be on the hottest day of the year that your air conditioning just can’t keep up. You start the full-body sweat as soon as you get in your Acura and can’t get enough cold air from the vents to stop it. Yet, on the slightly cooler days, the A/C seems to do alright, keeping you comfortable without maximum effort. What gives?   It could be a problem with your Acura’s air conditioning, but it’s probably much simpler. Here are some common reasons your Acura’s A/C isn’t working at its best.  

The cabin air filter is clogged

Do you know your Acura has a filter for the passenger compartment? If you already know that, do you know it needs to be replaced? Just like the engine air filter, the cabin air filter prevents dirt, dust, pollen, and other allergens from entering your cabin. It keeps the air fresh and clean, and helps keep your interior a little less dusty too. When the cabin air filter is dirty, less air can pass through it, so you struggle to stay cool. Replace your cabin air filter annually to prevent airflow issues that can make you uncomfortable at the worst times.  

Your air conditioning refrigerant is low

The A/C system is filled with a refrigerant to carry the heat away from your passenger compartment. Over time, it seeps out and isn’t as effective as it once was. In fact, you can lose up to 5 percent efficiency every year, so it doesn’t take too long to notice its effects. To correct the condition, the A/C system just needs to be recharged to its capacity.  

Your A/C belt is worn

The air conditioning compressor on your engine is driven by a rubber belt that wears out and cracks as it gets older. If yours is glazed, worn, or cracked, it may not be turning the compressor as efficiently as it should. As a result your A/C won’t operate as well as it could or should. Simply replacing the belt is all it takes to correct this problem.   If your Acura’s air conditioning doesn’t seem to be working up to snuff, let us take a look. It could be an easy solution. Call the service experts at Acura of Springfield for an air conditioning appointment today.