How to Check Heater and Ventilator Output

How to Check Heater and Ventilator Output – An Easy Guide

A car’s heating and ventilating system plays an important role in keeping the internal temperature of a car’s cabin warm, demystifying the windscreens during winters, and filtering smog and other pollutants from the incoming air. A fault in the system can easily be detected by observing the change in temperature. However, knowing the exact reason for the fault can help you fix the problem quite easily. Read along so you can learn how to check heater and ventilator output, and fix any fault in the system.

Main Components

The main components of the heating and ventilating system that keep a car’s internal temperature and atmosphere warm and clean include:

  • Matrix – Radiator
  • Hoses
  • Fan
  • Control panel
  • Thermostat
  • Air filter

How the Heating and Ventilating System works

Before you can learn how to check heater and ventilator output to identify and fix a problem with the heating or ventilating system, it is essential to know how it works. A better understanding of the system will make it easier for you to keep a check on the usual problem areas.

Nowadays, most cars are designed to allow a constant flow of fresh air that keeps the internal atmosphere pleasant. A ventilator of a car improves the air quality that flows through by filtering out all allergens and pollutants present in the air. This filtered air can then be heated when required.

The air enters the car with high pressure either through the front-end duct or through the grilles present above the car’s bonnet. Incoming air passes through the fan that adjusts the airspeed and from where it goes through the matrix. A matrix is a small radiator that takes hot water from the engine through a hose to heat the incoming air. The incoming air temperature can be adjusted with either a water valve or an air bending system, which is now found in most modern cars.

Water Valves System

The water valve process is a bit slower. The control panel inside the car’s cabin present on the dashboard works like a tap that allows less or more hot water to pass through the matrix. This air is then blown into the car’s interior through the vents.

Air Bending System

The air bending system’s matrix, on the other hand, is heated constantly. The control panel on the dashboard opens or closes flaps controlled by cables that either allow the hot air from the matrix and cold air from the outside to mix with each other to reach the desired temperature. Once the desired temperature is attained, the air is pushed out through the vents into the cabin.

Checking the Heater and Ventilator Output

Following are some of the signs to look out for and fixes for the problems you might face with the heating and ventilating system.

Signs to Look Out for

Signs that indicate that your car’s heating and ventilating system are not working are as follows:

No change in Temperature

One of the most apparent signs of a faulty system is no change in temperature. The temperature would remain the same no matter how much you turn it up or down on the control panel. That is an indication of a faulty thermostat, which cannot recognize the engine’s temperature and adjust it accordingly.

No Airflow

No airflow is an obvious sign that the system is not functioning properly. If there is no airflow inside the cabin, the fan has likely stopped working even if you turn the control panel’s temperature up.

Random Fog build-up

Another sign of a faulty system is steam starts accumulating inside the cabin in the form of fog on the windscreen and windows. This mist can lead to difficulty in seeing while driving. This random build-up is a sign of a coolant leak inside the car’s engine. The leaked coolant evaporates and turns into fog inside the car’s cabin.

A Strange Smell

When you turn on the heater and experience a strange scent, it is either a sign of a coolant leak in the system or time for an air filter change. The smell of the coolant can be sweet, while that of a filter can be mildew-like.

Fixing the Problem

Fixing a car heater is not a labor-intensive job and can be easily done at home.

Replacing Faulty Components

  • Damaged Hoses: Kinks or damages in the hoses can greatly reduce the heating system’s efficiency and should be replaced immediately. To get an accurate length measurement take the old hose along while buying a new one.
  • Air Filter: An air filter replacement is an easy fix to remove any musty smells that might get diffused in the car once the heater/ventilation is turned on.
  • Matrix: Since a matrix is a small radiator made of metal, it can easily rust in case of coolant leakage. Depending on the damage, you can use a rust converter to prevent further rusting of the matrix. If it is damaged beyond repair, you will have to replace it.
  • Fan: A fan can stop working for multiple reasons. One of the reasons is a wiring issue. You can work on the wiring system to ensure that all the wires are properly connected. Another reason might be an issue with the battery. Check the battery leads and connections. If the leads are fine, the issue might be the battery itself. Replace the old one with a new battery. If that still doesn’t help, you will have to fix the fan or replace it.
  • Thermostat: A thermostat is a valve responsible for letting the hot coolant from the engine to the matrix. If the thermostat is faulty, the desired temperature cannot be reached; thus, it is advisable to replace it immediately.

Clearing the Debris

Clogged hoses and valves can be one of the major reasons why the heating and ventilating system has stopped working. Leaves or other debris can enter the system along with air, especially from the grilles present on the bonnet. To get rid of the sludge or debris, you need to disconnect the engine, and the hoses, then use a power wash to flush the debris out from the hoses or the matrix. You’ll need to open the draining valve first; if the liquid from inside tickles out, there is likely a sludge stuck inside.

Fixing Coolant Leaks

Coolant leaks can cause the car to heat up and stop functioning properly. Check for coolant leaks in the car. Identify the source of coolant leaks in the car and use an stop antifreeze leak or fix the component causing the coolant to leak.

There you have it, easy fixes that you can do at home.

Ensure you check heater and ventilator output as part of the regular car maintenance check-up.

The proper functioning of the heating and ventilating system is important, as it ensures that you can drive comfortably in cold weather and have access to clean air while being in a closed space of a car cabin. Knowing how to check heater and ventilator output is thus important.

Sources