Our Washington summers aren't as hot as many other states, but there are days when you need your Air conditioning. If your AC isn't regularly serviced, problems can develop, ranging from unwanted guests in the air ducts to leaking refrigerant. As your Honda dealer, we want to tell you a few signs you'll need to visit us for AC maintenance. Signs You Need Air Conditioning Maintenance Refrigerant Leak This is one of the most common AC problems. Refrigerant is essential for your AC as it removes water from the air and cools it before it's blown into your cabin. This gas is highly pressurized, and a small leak anywhere in the AC system can cause a rapid loss of refrigerant. If this happens, your AC will steadily become warmer, regardless of its setting. You can't find a leak just by looking for it, as the gas vaporizes almost instantly in contact with the outside air. We add a UV dye to your AC and then monitor the dye's progress through the system using a UV light. This allows our technicians to easily find the leak and repair it. Then, we'll refill your refrigerant, and your AC will become cold again. more Blocked Vents Your air conditioning has an external vent that draws air into the system for cooling and cabin vents that bring the cold air to you. The external vent is positioned below your windshield and can easily become blocked by leaves and other debris, limiting air available for cooling. We can quickly fix this problem by clearing the vents, and airflow will increase. Dirt, dust, leaves, and other debris drawn in with the air can block the internal vents. This detritus accumulates, restricting airflow into the cabin and producing strange rusting or rattling noises as it moves around. This issue is also quick to fix, as we'll clear any duct blockages. Musty Air Conditioning Smell If you get a musty, earthy smell from the air conditioning, the system is infected with bacteria or mold. These organisms travel with the air and settle in the ducts. When your AC is off for several months over fall and winter, the dark ducts, lack of air movement, and traces of water provide the perfect breeding ground for these organisms. We fix this problem by adding a powerful cleaning solution to your AC, then switching it on and letting the solution blow through the system and remove these organisms. We'll also replace the cabin air filter, which removes any remaining dirt and pollen from the air before it enters your cabin. Our experts can rapidly fix any AC issue, and you'll have cold air again in no time. Contact us today at Honda Auto Center of Bellevue in Bellevue, WA.
