A/C & heating repair
Cool in July. Warm in January.
Warm air from the vents, weak airflow, a musty smell or a heater that never quite warms up? We test the whole climate system, track down the real cause and fix only what you approve.
Warning signs
Your vents are trying to tell you something.
Climate problems usually start small and get worse with the season. If you notice any of these, have the system checked before the next heat wave or cold snap.
Sweet smell or a greasy fog on the glass? That often points to a leaking heater core. It can let coolant run low and make it hard to see out, so keep an eye on your temperature gauge and give us a call.
- Air from the vents isn’t cold, or starts cold and slowly turns warm
- Weak airflow, even with the fan turned all the way up
- A musty or mildew smell when you first switch the system on
- Clicking or tapping behind the dash when you change settings
- The fan only works on its highest setting
- A sweet smell, a damp floor or greasy fog on the inside of the glass
- No heat, or a defroster that can’t clear the windshield
What we do
Climate control, from compressor to cabin filter.
A/C performance test
We measure the air temperature at the vents, check system pressures and make sure the compressor, cooling fans and controls are doing their jobs.
Leak detection
Low refrigerant means a leak somewhere. We find it with UV dye and an electronic leak detector, so the fix actually lasts.
Evacuate & recharge
The system is evacuated to remove air and moisture, then charged to spec with the refrigerant your vehicle calls for, R-134a or R-1234yf.
Compressor & components
Compressors and clutches, condensers, evaporators and expansion valves diagnosed and replaced when they fail, then the system is recharged and tested.
Blower & airflow
Blower motors and resistors, blend door actuators and cabin air filters, so air comes out where you set it, at the speed you choose, smelling clean.
Heater & defrost
Heater cores, thermostats and coolant level checked and repaired, for steady heat and a defroster that clears the glass quickly.
How it works
Where your cold air and heat come from.
Your A/C and heater share the same vents and fan, but they get their cooling and heat from different places. Knowing the basics makes it easier to follow what we find.
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Compressor
Driven by the engine belt, or by an electric motor on many hybrids and EVs, it pressurizes the refrigerant and pumps it around the loop.
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Condenser
Up front by the radiator, it sheds heat to the outside air and turns the hot refrigerant into a liquid.
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Expansion valve
A small restriction drops the pressure, and the refrigerant gets very cold. Some systems use an orifice tube instead.
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Evaporator
Behind the dash, it pulls heat and moisture out of the air as the blower pushes it through to your vents.
It’s a sealed loop. Refrigerant isn’t burned or used up, so if yours is low, it leaked out somewhere. That’s why we find the leak before we recharge.
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Engine coolant
A running engine makes plenty of heat. Coolant carries it away and keeps the engine at a steady temperature.
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Thermostat
Lets the engine warm up quickly, then holds it at operating temperature. One stuck open means slow, weak heat.
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Heater core
A small radiator behind the dash. Hot coolant flows through it, and the blower pushes cabin air across it.
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Blend doors
Small flaps, motorized on most newer vehicles, mix hot and cool air to match your setting and send it to the vents you choose.
Your heat comes from the engine. That means a heating problem can really be a cooling system problem. If your temperature gauge is acting up too, tell us when you call.
Our A/C & heating process
Measure, trace, then repair.
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Listen & measure
Tell us what you’re feeling, hearing or smelling. We check vent temperatures and airflow on every setting.
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Test & trace
Pressures checked and leaks traced with UV dye or an electronic detector. Fans, controls and blend doors tested too.
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Clear quote
You see what failed and why, with a written estimate that separates what’s urgent from what can wait.
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Repair & verify
We repair, evacuate and recharge to spec, then confirm cold air at the dash and real heat at the floor.
A/C & heating FAQ
Climate questions, answered.
Not sure whether it’s the A/C, the heater or the fan? Call and describe what’s happening. We’ll help you figure out where to start.
Good to know: run your A/C for about ten minutes at least once a month, even in cooler months. It circulates oil through the compressor and helps keep seals from drying out. On many vehicles, defrost mode does this for you.
Is a recharge enough to fix my A/C?
Sometimes it brings the cold air back for a while, but refrigerant isn’t used up like fuel. Your A/C is a sealed system, so if it’s low, it has usually leaked out somewhere, and a recharge alone may only last weeks or months. We find and fix the leak first, then recharge to your vehicle’s specification.
Why does my A/C smell musty?
Moisture collects on the evaporator behind the dash, and mold or mildew can grow there, especially in humid weather. A clogged cabin air filter or a blocked drain makes it worse. We replace the filter, clear the drain and can treat the evaporator. Running the fan with the A/C off for a few minutes before you park helps it dry out.
Why is my heater blowing cold air?
Your heat comes from hot engine coolant flowing through the heater core. Low coolant, a thermostat stuck open, a clogged heater core or a blend door that won’t move can all leave you cold. If your temperature gauge is reading unusually high or low, mention it when you call.
How often should the cabin air filter be replaced?
Many manufacturers recommend every 15,000 to 30,000 miles, or about once a year, and sooner if you drive on dusty roads or in heavy traffic. Your owner’s manual lists the interval for your vehicle, and we’re happy to show you your old filter before replacing it.
Why does the A/C run when I use the defroster?
Many vehicles run the A/C compressor automatically in defrost mode, even with the heat on, because it dries the air and clears fog from the glass faster. If your defroster is slow to clear the windshield, the A/C system is worth checking too.