Keep Your Car’s A/C Strong in Vermont’s Summer Heat & Humidity
Sweaty seats, foggy windows, and stale air shouldn’t be part of your summer commute. Yet for many Vermont drivers, they are, thanks to an A/C system that just doesn’t make it through the summer and leaves them sweltering in the region’s intense heat and relentless humidity. And once that sticky air takes over your cabin, even short drives can feel unbearable. Ugh!
Now’s the time of year that everyone starts calling us looking for help with their AC. So if you’re among their number, you’re not alone! That’s why I’ve written up this quick guide. It dives into what weakens your A/C, how the humidity makes matters worse, and what you can do now to make sure your car stays cool, comfortable, and safe all season long.
Why Your Car’s A/C Feels Weaker in Humid Weather
You might notice that even when your A/C is technically "working," it doesn't always feel cold enough during the summer. That’s not your imagination. That’s the humidity doing what humidity does - making things miserable!
High humidity creates two specific challenges for your A/C system:
Too Much Water In the Air
Your A/C system works, in part, by removing water from the air, so when humidity is high, there’s so much more moisture for your A/C to tackle. Removing all that water takes a lot more energy and makes your AC work harder and less efficiently, leaving you with cold air that might not feel as cold as you would like.
Excess Condensation
The hot, humid air running over the cold A/C lines and evaporator coils can cause condensation to build up. Over time, this encourages mold and mildew growth, which leads to musty smells and eventually, airflow issues. Once you’ve got mold, mildew, and airflow issues, it puts strain on A/C components like the blower motor and cabin air filter.
Common A/C Symptoms You Shouldn't Ignore
Before your A/C system fails completely, it often gives warning signs. Catching these early can save you time, money, and sweat.
Weak or Inconsistent Airflow
If the air coming out of your vents feels weak or doesn't change intensity when you change the fan speed, you could have a couple of things wrong. The issue could be a clogged cabin filter, a malfunctioning blower motor, or even airflow blockage due to humidity-induced moisture buildup, like I mentioned earlier.
Warm Air Instead of Cold
One of the most frequent search terms from drivers at this time of year is "why is my car A/C not blowing cold air?" The causes range from low refrigerant levels to faulty compressors, leaky seals, or even old belts. Some of these things, like leaky seals and old belts, can end up damaging other, more expensive parts of your A/C system if they’re not dealt with early. So, if your air feels warm even when set to max cool, it’s time to do some testing to figure out what’s going on before things get worse.
Bad Smells From the Vents
A musty or sour odor indicates mold or bacterial growth inside your evaporator core. Not only is this unpleasant, but it can also lead to respiratory issues, especially if you or your passengers have asthma. This is especially common during our humid summers when humidity levels are high.
Fact or Fiction: What You’ve Heard About Car A/C Isn’t Always True
Here are some myths that we’ve heard about A/C systems from customers over the years. Allow me to set the record straight.
Myth #1: “Recharging my A/C will fix my problem.”
Truth: It may be true that recharging your system might temporarily help, but if there’s a leak in the system, that new refrigerant will just escape too. It’s like adding water to a bucket with a hole in it. If you want to fix your A/C for the long term, it’s important to do proper testing to get to the bottom of the problem.
Myth #2: “I know my car says to use R-1234yf, but you can put R-134a in it instead, right? All refrigerants are the same.”
Truth: Today’s vehicles use either R-134a or the newer, more eco-friendly R-1234yf. Using the wrong type or mixing refrigerants can seriously damage your system. Like, total system replacement damage. Because of this, vehicle manufacturers have adopted completely different hookups for the two types of refrigerants. We need an entirely different machine to service each one of the systems. Even if we wanted to, we couldn’t replace one with the other.
Myth #3: “If it's blowing air, the A/C must be fine.”
Truth: Just because you feel airflow doesn’t mean the system is working efficiently. A failing compressor can still allow the fan to blow, giving you the sense that everything is working the way it should.
I’m hoping that seeing these myths might help you avoid quick fixes that lead to bigger problems in the end. If you're unsure about your system's condition, please give us a call and set up a time to have one of our A/C techs take a look at it.
The Climate Challenges Your Car Faces in Vermont
The combination of frequent rain, fluctuating temperatures, and extended humidity makes Vermont especially hard on vehicle A/C systems. When you pair those conditions with rural driving routes, stop-and-go traffic in Burlington, and long-distance commuting, your system can wear out faster than you might expect.
As I mentioned above, humidity causes increased wear on system components like the evaporator and condenser. Add road salt and dirt during the other seasons, and your A/C can suffer blockages or corrosion more quickly.
These conditions are precisely why routine A/C maintenance matters. Prevention is far cheaper than last-minute repairs.
Is It Time for an A/C Tune-Up? Here’s How to Know
Here’s a quick checklist to know if you’re overdue for an A/C service:
Your air takes more than 60 seconds to cool down
Airflow isn’t as strong as it used to be
A/C cycles on and off randomly
There’s a sour or musty smell when you turn it on
You hear clicking or grinding when the A/C engages
You’ve never had an A/C inspection, and the car is more than 3 years old
If you’ve noticed any of these issues, book your A/C service now before the summer heat settles in.
Girlington Garage: Trusted by Locals, Backed by Experience
Hopefully, you have a slightly better understanding of how your A/C system works, what affects it, and what you should look for. If you think you might be having problems, we can definitely help!
Girlington is a trusted name for A/C repair, with years of experience servicing both domestic and foreign vehicles from across Vermont.
We’re known for:
Clear, transparent communication from testing to delivery
ASE-certified technicians with advanced testing training
A 3-year/36,000-mile warranty on parts and labor
A welcoming, respectful environment for all of our customers
Real expertise backed by care, not sales pressure
Our motto—“Quality car care delivered with respect”—is the foundation of how we operate, from educating clients about A/C problems and other issues to helping them prioritize the right repairs for their budget and safety.
What Happens During an A/C Check
A comprehensive A/C service includes more than just recharging the refrigerant. At a shop like Girlington Garage, here’s what a full A/C performance check involves:
System Pressure Check to evaluate refrigerant levels and compressor function
Refrigerant Type Confirmation (R-134a or R-1234yf) and recharge if needed
Leak Detection using dye or electronic sniffer tools
Blower Motor and Fan Check to make sure of airflow integrity
Evaporator and Condenser Review for blockages, corrosion, or moisture buildup
This process ensures your system is not only blowing cold but is working as it should across the board.
Vermont Drivers Ask, We Answer: Your A/C Questions Solved
How often should I replace my cabin air filter to keep my A/C running well?
Most manufacturers recommend replacing your cabin air filter every 15,000 miles, but in Vermont, where pollen, moisture, animal nests, and road debris can clog filters more quickly, it’s smart to check it annually, especially before summer.
Can using the A/C too much damage the system?
No! Regular use helps keep the system lubricated and functioning properly. It circulates refrigerant and oil through the compressor, which prevents seals from drying out. Avoiding A/C use for long periods can do more harm than using it frequently. And don’t worry about the winter - your defroster uses the A/C system to keep condensation off your windows.
Is it normal for water to drip under my car when using the A/C?
Yes, definitely. That’s just condensation from the evaporator draining outside your vehicle. However, if you notice water inside the cabin or damp carpets, that could point to a blocked drain or leak that should be inspected.
Can I use DIY refrigerant recharge kits?
You can, but DIY kits can lead to overcharging the system, using the wrong refrigerant, or masking a deeper issue. Professional testing ensures the right pressure, refrigerant type, and long-term fix, without risking damage to your A/C components.
Get Ahead of the Heat with Proactive A/C Service
There’s nothing worse than turning the A/C dial and getting a blast of warm, stale air, especially when you’re stuck in traffic or on a long trip. If your car isn’t cooling like it used to, don’t wait for a 90-degree day to find out why.
Bring your vehicle to Girlington Garage, where our customers come for respect, transparency, and top-tier service. Let us take care of your A/C so you can enjoy summer the way it should be: cool, safe, and stress-free.
Visit us at:
2 Harbor View Rd, South Burlington, VT 05403
Call: (802) 247-7917 | Book online here