FAMILY-OWNED AUTO SHOP7350 WISSINOMING ST · PHILADELPHIAMON–FRI / 8 AM–6 PM
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NORTHEAST PHILADELPHIA / PLAIN ANSWERS

Why is my car’s A/C not blowing cold?

Weak airflow or warm air from your car’s A/C? What to check, why a refrigerant top-off is not a fix, and what to tell the shop.

First work out whether the air is weak or just warm. Weak airflow and warm air can have different causes. Warm air can mean low refrigerant from a leak, a compressor or electrical problem, or a blocked system. Weak airflow can point to the blower or filters. O’Hara and Sons Automotive offers A/C and heating service. Call (267) 995-0203, Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 6 PM.

How do I tell what kind of problem it is?

  • Weak air from the vents at every setting: airflow concern, such as a blower, a clogged cabin filter or a blocked vent.
  • Strong air, not cold: a temperature concern, such as low refrigerant, a compressor or electrical fault.
  • Cold sometimes, warm other times: intermittent faults, which still help the shop.
  • Odd smell, noise or water inside the car: mention it when you call.

Is a refrigerant top-off a fix?

An A/C system is sealed. If refrigerant is low, there is usually a leak somewhere, and adding more does not fix it. A shop needs to find the reason.

Who is allowed to service a car’s A/C?

Under federal rules in the Clean Air Act, anyone who repairs or services a motor vehicle air-conditioning system for payment must be certified through an EPA-approved Section 609 program, and refrigerant has to be recovered with approved equipment rather than vented. It is reasonable to ask any shop about this.

What should I tell the shop?

  • Whether air is weak, warm, or both
  • When it started and whether it comes and goes
  • Any noise, smell or leaks
  • Recent repairs or accident damage
  • Whether the heater and defroster work, because clear glass matters for safe driving

See A/C and heating. If the problem looks electrical, see batteries and electrical.

Sources and notes

Talk to the shop

O’Hara and Sons Automotive, (267) 995-0203, Monday–Friday, 8 AM–6 PM. A/C & heating · Contact

A LITTLE CLARITY

Good questions.Straight answers.

Still wondering about something? Call (267) 995-0203, Mon–Fri, 8 AM–6 PM.

Why is air coming out warm?

Common causes include low refrigerant from a leak, a compressor or electrical problem, or a blocked system. Only an inspection tells which one.

Why is the airflow weak?

It may be the blower motor, a clogged cabin air filter, or a blockage. Mention whether the weakness is at all fan speeds.

Can I just add refrigerant myself?

Do-it-yourself recharge cans are sold for your own car, but a top-off will not fix a leak and releasing refrigerant into the air is illegal. For paid service, EPA requires a Section 609-certified technician.

Does the defroster use the A/C?

In many cars, yes, the A/C helps dry the air. Check your owner’s manual, and have a weak defroster looked at promptly.

Does O’Hara and Sons Automotive do A/C service?

Yes. See A/C and heating or call (267) 995-0203.

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