​Question: ​Why isn't my air conditioner blowing cold air?

National Automotive Repair Answer: 

Your air conditioning system uses refrigerant to create cold air. The most common reasons Phoenix car owners lose their cold air have to do with the refrigerant.

The first is not enough refrigerant. Refrigerant is a gas in the system and very small holes in a hose, seal or coupler can allow enough to leak out to prevent the creation of cold air.

Another potential problem for Phoenix auto owners is contamination. Over time the inside of the rubber hoses can deteriorate and little bits of rubber can clog up various filters and other critical parts of the sedan A/C system, preventing proper circulation of the refrigerant. And a component could also be worn or broken. So the first step for Phoenix drivers who can't cool their sedan is a thorough air conditioning inspection, looking for leaks and worn parts. In fact, Federal law requires an inspection before adding refrigerant. Some states do not allow topping off a leaking system.

Once any essential repairs are made, refrigerant is added. At the same time, special oil is added to the system. This oil cools and lubricates various components as it circulates along with the refrigerant. If you have a refrigerant leak, you also have an oil leak – and it's critical that both be replenished for proper function and protection of your A/C system.

Sometimes overlooked by Phoenix drivers is the fact that a worn serpentine belt (which drives the A/C compressor) leads to belt slippage which puts additional strain on the compressor. Replacing your serpentine belt and belt tensioner on schedule at Phoenix will extend the life of your A/C compressor and other important belt driven accessories.