It's frustrating to have low airflow on a hot summer day. There is no simple diagnosis. Insufficient airflow could be caused by a variety of problems. It could be a case of mold or mildew growing in the evaporator's core. You could also have a loose hose or bad ventilation fan. An experienced mechanic will be able to identify the source of your AC problems.
Did you realize that 90% of cars have an AC problem? Most cars need service, and more than half are simply having their air-conditioning problems fixed. Air-conditioning repairs can be as low as $100 for a broken o-ring, or as high as $2500 if the evaporator is faulty. While replacements of o rings are usually inexpensive, more expensive repairs like replacing an entire evaporator might cost thousands.
First, clear the car's cabin air filter. Sometimes, it may be difficult for you to reach the filter, and need to be taken out. The owner's manual will provide helpful information and guidance for first-timers. This may involve disassembling your car or removing the plastic covers beneath the dash to access the cabin's air filter. Replace the cabin air filter with an entirely new one.
Your A/C could be producing hot air, which could indicate a serious problem. Water can get into your A/C and combine with refrigerant to create a highly corrosive chemical that literally eats away your system. Rubber seals that keep the refrigerant from leaching can be damaged by this acid. The refrigerant can cause your A/C to lose its cooling power if it leaks.
There are a few options to help you detect leaks in your A/C. One option is black light-enabled coloring. Many refrigerants come with UV dyes. This allows them to be visible under the black light. You also have the "sniffer," which can be used to detect any potential leaks by focusing on chemical compounds within the refrigerant. Ask your service technician about this option!
The refrigerant is then transported through high-pressure lines to reach the condenser. Similar to a radiator the condenser introduces the refrigerant to fresh air outside the vehicle. This allows the liquid to absorb heat. The liquid then flows into an expansion valve or tube, where it is constrained and becomes a gaseous form into the low pressure side of the A/C.
Once the vehicle has passed a visual inspection, all refrigerant levels have be measured and no major malfunctions are identified, the technician will perform an evacuation/recharge process to identify any significant evidence of leaks in its system. After all leaks have been found, the recharging procedures can be started. The recharging step adds refrigerant into the system and a leak tracer color to help identify potential leaks in future.