Car heaters are systems designed to keep the interior warm in colder climates. They use engine heat to generate warmth that circulates within the cabin and offer passengers comfort while helping defrost windows for improved visibility. Knowing how your car heater operates will guarantee a pleasant driving experience when traveling in cold climates.
The problems with your heating system are fairly common like failure of the heating system and compressor, Here, we will discuss the most frequently-cited reasons the car’s heater produces cold air.
Reasons A Car Heater Is Blowing Cold Air
Reasons may cause your car’s heater to blow cold air instead of warm air:
#Low Coolant Levels
When coolant or antifreeze levels drop too low, their heater core may not receive enough hot coolant to produce warm air. Check your reservoir when your engine is cold to see what its coolant levels look like and add additional coolant as needed if necessary.
#Airlock in the Cooling System
Air pockets within the cooling system may restrict the flow of hot coolant to its heater core, necessitating an additional step to restore proper circulation: bleeding air out of it may be required to restore the proper functioning of your cooling system.
#Faulty Thermostat
An overly-sensitive thermostat may cause your engine to run cooler than normal and affect how the heat transfer through the heater core works. Replacing an ineffective thermostat might solve this issue.
#Heater Core Issues
If your heater core becomes clogged or malfunctioning, heat may not transfer properly from its coolant source to the air, leading to cold air blowing from your vents. Flushing or replacing may be necessary if this is the case for you.
#Cooling System Problems
Malfunctioning pumps, blocked radiators, or collapsed hoses can all impede coolant circulation – negatively impacting the heater’s ability to produce warm air.
#Blend Door Actuator Malfunction
In some vehicles, an improperly functioning blend door actuator may cause the heater to mix cold and hot air improperly and deliver cold air instead of warm air to passengers.
#Faulty HVAC Controls
Issues with your heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) controls can stop your heater from functioning as it should; for example a malfunctioning temperature control switch or control module might hinder proper functioning.
#Heater Hose Concerns
Leaks, blockages or damage to heater hoses can impede the flow of coolant to the heater core and lead to reduced warm air production from your heater.
How much does it cost to fix no heat in the car?
Cost to repair a car heater emitting cold air can range widely depending on its cause, with expenses potentially reaching as little as $50 for simple fixes like adding coolant or replacing thermostat, up to several hundred dollars or more for more complex issues such as heater core replacement or cooling system issues requiring extensive labor costs and parts needed. Consulting a mechanic for an evaluation will help establish what specific issues exist as well as potential repair expenses.
How do I know if my heater core is clogged?
If your heater core is clogged, you might notice:
- No Warm Air: The heater blows cold or lukewarm air instead of hot air.
- Smelly Car or Fogged Windows: A sweet smell or fogged windows may indicate coolant leakage from your heater core, leading to coolant leakage into the car interior and window panes.
- Leakage of Coolant: Evident signs of leakage or dampness on the floor mats or carpeting below the dashboard may signal coolant leakage.
