Question: This heat wave is no joke, and I feel like my air conditioner is on the fritz just when I need it most. What does it mean if my car air conditioner takes a long time to cool?
Answer: Your air conditioner taking too long to cool can mean you are low on refrigerant, have a weak AC compressor, or haven’t turned on air recirculation. This may happen if you live in high-temperatures such as Utah, Arizona, and Nevada. Here are three things that could be causing it and how to fix an AC that’s taking too long to cool.
Low refrigerant
First things first, check whether you are low on refrigerant. Modern cars can have lower capacity systems, which means a small leak could quickly affect AC performance. This is also a straightforward fix that you can DIY. Of course, you can always seek the help of a certified mechanic. Some nationwide stores with AC services include Pep Boys, Firestone Complete Auto Care, and Jiffy Lube. Not all mechanics will service ACs because some makes and models may require specialized tools.
If you were low on refrigerant, your issue could have stemmed from a leak. Large leaks should be obvious with a loud hissing sound, but if you don’t hear anything, then you should observe whether your AC stays cold over time. If it weakens over time, it might suggest a small leak.
Weak AC compressor
A weak AC compressor will take longer to build up pressure, and other signs will include weak cooling, grinding noises, and whistling. Your car’s AC may be cycling more frequently (i.e. engage and disengage more frequently), and consume more gas.
Fixing an AC compressor could be expensive, averaging $750-$1,500. Be sure to shop around for the best price. You may also need to recharge the refrigerant or replace the drive belt, so it’s always best to be prepared for any additional costs.
Turn on the recirculation button
Your AC might not be broken if it reliably produces cold air. Try hitting the air recirculation button, which looks like a car with an arrow inside. By activating the recirculation button, your climate control system no longer cools hot air from the outside before sending it into the cabin. Instead, it uses the cooled air in the cabin to cool it further.
Using the recirculation button is highly recommended during warmer months. However, it should be avoided when it’s cold outside, as recirculating the air during low temperatures can trap moisture inside the car and create foggy windows.
Not only does recirculation cool your car quickly, it also reduces your fuel consumption because your AC does not have to work as hard.
Xuyun Zeng is a content strategist with a wide-ranging content background including tech, journalism, cars and health care. After graduating with highest honors in journalism, Xuyun led a newspaper to win eight awards, helped start an award-winning film industry podcast and has written over a hundred articles about cars repair, state laws and insurance. Prior to joining Jerry, Xuyun worked as a freelance SEO consultant with a mission to create the best content that will help readers and grow organic traffic.
Giselle Gomez is an editor with over a decade of experience editing content across personal finance, education, travel, and sports. In editing for Jerry, Giselle’s focus is on making sure content is consumer and SEO-friendly and helping readers understand all things car ownership. In prior roles, she worked as a content strategist, syndication editor, and writer. Her work is featured in AP, NerdWallet.com, BestColleges.com, and more. Giselle holds a master’s degree from Arizona State University.
