Here’s why the car AC doesn’t blow cold air after recharge

It is challenging to realize that your car AC is not blowing cold air, especially after recharge. While this may be an issue, it is a common occurrence that can ruin your day if not handled properly and on time.

Your car has different interconnected parts, and one part’s lack of function can lead to other parts not functioning. There are various reasons why your car’s AC does not blow cold air after recharge, as discussed below. 

Why Is My Car AC Blowing Out Hot Air After Recharge?

1. Compressor problems

Issues, where your compressor fails to connect with the car’s AC. There are various reasons why this connection might fail, including electrical connection issues while your car was charging.

There is a possibility your vehicle overheated during charging, which also affects the connection between the compressor and AC.

In modern cars today, the sensors send a signal whenever there is an issue in the vehicle, and it is vital to ensure that you do not ignore any sign from the sensors and check your compressor’s condition to confirm it is okay and not the reason why your car AC does not blow cold air after recharge.

2. Leaking coolant

The second reason is leaking coolant. The current modern technology vehicles are more sensitive than the older models. The coolant ensures that the AC cools the hot air quickly.

However, suppose you leak, and the chemical goes below the standard, your AC might not function effectively. When charging, ensure that the charging machine does not interfere with the coolant as this prevents any coolant leakage hence AC malfunctioning after recharge.

3. Blend air door

This is the main reason for your car system’s hot air and cold air drawing. This door is found in the ventilation system, which affects your AC’s functioning when it is stuck.

When the blend door gets stuck, the hot air from the engine gets blown directly, affecting the AC’s effectiveness. Consider getting your car’s blend door checked to ensure that such issues with the blend door get handled for an adequate AC system.

How to fix this problem?

Check the refrigerant level. This liquid passes through the entire AC system. When exposed to high pressure, this liquid condenses o liquid form, but when at lower temperatures, it evaporates.

Since your car’s AC system is closed, leaks within the system could lead to loss of refrigerant. Check for any leaks and fix them if you experience constant low refrigerant in the AC system and have hot air instead of cold after recharging.

Consider replacing your vehicle’s compressor, even if it’s new. While it is not always apparent that the compressor could be the issue, ensure you replace it once a professional mechanic confirms that it is the compressor affecting the AC’s performance.

Suppose our car’s compressor tends to break down often; it is better to have it replaced instead of dealing with all the issues that come with it. Replacing the compressor might cost you $500-$800, with the charges including the labor.

Also, a recently replaced compressor and nonfunctional one at an authorized repair shop is immediately replaced and retested.

How long does it take for AC to get cold after recharge?

Generally, it should not take too long for your AC to blow cold air after recharge. While systems are different, it should typically not take longer than two hours for your AC to get cold after recharge.

Suppose the AC is portable, then it may take approximately 5-30 minutes before the coolant settles, and after settling, you may start to feel the cooling effect.

This time allows the AC to function properly, with the coolant distributed evenly throughout the system. 

Does over-recharging AC cause it to blow hot air inside?

You may want to handle the situation sooner if your car’s AC system is overcharged, which could damage your compressor system.

Over-recharging your car’s AC system results in too much refrigerant. Too much refrigerant can cause excessive pressure and heat, leading to hot air blowing out of the system.

Additionally, the excess refrigerant might result in subcooling when it collects inside the compressor. Further, the extra fluid can damage the compressor’s mechanical parts when it floods this part.

Thus, over-recharging AC does cause it to blow hot air inside due to malfunctioning the various system parts.

Take away

Your vehicle’s breakdown can be challenging. The AC’s malfunction affects other parts, caused by a faulty compressor, refrigerant leakage, and the blend air door not functioning as required.

However, you can solve this problem by consulting a mechanic for professional advice about your compressor’s replacement and ensuring that your coolant level is okay. Avoid over-recharging, as this could affect your AC’s functioning.

Scroll to Top