Air Conditioner NOT Blowing Hard? (6 ways to FIX!)
Have you ever dreaded getting into your car because there was not enough air coming through the vents?
Weak airflow from your A/C system can be terrible on a hot day.
Every summer, I have multiple people come to me with the same problem.
Usually, it can be traced to a few simple problems in their HVAC system that are not hard to fix.
In this article, we'll look at some possible causes of HVAC airflow problems and what it takes to fix them.
There is a good chance you can fix yours today!
If you think your air compressor is not turning on, check out this article!
Clogged Cabin Air Filter
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What are some possible causes of the air conditioner not blowing hard?
Some reasons why your air conditioner is not blowing hard enough:
Clogged cabin air filter
AC blower motor issues
Blower Motor Resistor
Dirty Evaporator Core
Broken or Malfunctioning Blend Door Actuators
Leaky Air Ducts
Dirty Cabin Air Filter
Clogged Cabin Air Filter
The cabin air filter's job is to remove dust and other pollutants from the vehicle. When the cabin air filter is full of debris, it can cause a low airflow inside the vehicle.
The dirty filter has to be replaced for the proper flow of air to move through the duct system.
Replacing a cabin air filter can be an easy fix. Most of the time, they are located behind the glove box.
A cabin air filter may be behind the glovebox.
How often should a cabin air filter be changed?
A cabin air filter is generally replaced every 10,000 to 15,000 miles. It is best to check it at least every other oil change. Drivers that use dirt roads often, may have to replace their cabin air filter more frequently.
Replacing the cabin air filter can also prevent unwanted smells through the air vents.
A/C Blower Motor Issues
The blower fan motor is one of the key components in the amount of air that is coming through the vents.
A common problem with blower motors is that they will stop working.
A possible reason for this is old age on the blower motor, blown fuse, or a bad ground.
Blower Motor
Blower Motor Resistor Issue
A different problem that can affect airflow is the blower motor resistor. The blower motor resistor is what controls the low, medium, and high speed of the blower motor.
The blower motor resistor is usually replaced along with the blower motor and can be categorized as common DIY fixes.
It is important to check the fuse or circuit breaker before replacing these components as it may be your problem.
Blower Motor Resistor
Dirty Evaporator Core
An evaporator core is part of the A/C system. Freon passes through the evaporator core and makes it cold. The blower motor flows air through the fins of the evaporator core into the air ducts and out the vents.
A dirty evaporator coil (core) can block the air from the blower motor. The only way (and best way) to fix a clogged evaporator core is to replace it.
Want to read a case study about a clogged evaporator core?
Replacing an evaporator core usually requires removing the dashboard in order to access the HVAC housing. The HVAC housing is where the evaporator core is located.
Some vehicles are easier than others to replace the evaporator core.
To find out how hard it is to replace the evaporator core on your vehicle, check out AlldataDIY.
Clogged Evaporator Core
Broken or Malfunctioning Blend Door Actuators
Blend doors are mechanical flaps inside the HVAC housing. They direct airflow to the different vents, including defrost and the floor.
In most modern cases, blend doors are controlled by electric or vacuum actuators. These actuators can become stuck, malfunction, or break. This can leave the blend door in an undesired position and reduce the amount of flow.
Leaky Air Ducts
The duct system on most cars is made up of plastic. Plastic can become brittle over time.
It's possible that an air duct has fallen or developed a hole due to age. This will cause airflow to be reduced.
If your evaporator core has been replaced and the airflow seems reduced, there may be an air duct that has been broken or not installed correctly.
FAQs
Why is my AC not blowing strong enough?
The two main reasons for a weak stream of air out of the AC vents is because of a blockage or a blower motor problem. A blockage can be caused by a clogged cabin air filter or HVAC evaporator core. A blower motor fan speed is controlled by the HVAC control unit and blower motor resistor. Both have to be working properly to produce the best amount of air.
How do I fix my AC not blowing hard?
The best way to fix an A/C airflow issue is to find the root cause. Having an HVAC system properly diagnosed can save money in the long run.
Can a blower motor get weak?
Yes, but in most cases, it will stop completely. It is best to have it replaced along with the blower motor resistor.
To find out where your blower motor and resistor are located, try AlldataDIY.
AlldataDIY has all the information you need to replace multiple parts in your car.
Can low refrigerant cause low airflow?
No, having low refrigerant will only cause cool or warm air out of the air vents. Low airflow is mainly caused by a blockage, like a dirty air filter, or blower motor issues.
Other Air Conditioner Problems
Another main issue with air conditioners is hot air coming out of the vents.
This is usually caused by:
Low refrigerant levels in the A/C system
A refrigerant leak can be difficult to find and requires special tools
Bad A/C compressor
An A/C compressor that has failed will cause freon to not flow through the A/C system
Clogged components in the A/C system
Below is a clogged orifice tube. When parts of the A/C system become clogged, it can restrict the flow of freon, which can cause the A/C system to perform poorly.
Clogged Orifice Tube
If you are having airflow issues with your car's air conditioning, ask a trusted mechanic. They may give some helpful information that will point you in the right direction.
If you want to tackle the job yourself, I highly recommend AlldataDIY as an online resource for repair information.
I use Alldata every day while at the shop, as a professional mechanic. AlldataDIY is for the Do-It-Yourself mechanic that needs the information to get the job done correctly.
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