hi guys, i have a 2000 v6 accord, about 46K miles on it. My air conditioning was working fine until the heat wave just hit in so cal. it went out today i was wondering if anyone knew what the problem might be.

the symptoms: air blows, but it's hot air; doesnt get cool after blowing for an hour; when it's on, i hear this hissing sound that sounds like its coming from near the front passenger side of the engine bay, the hissing sound gradually disappears about 10sec. after i turn off the a/c. any ideas?