AC & Heating

Common issues we handle

• Low refrigerant or a leak in the AC system
• Failed AC compressor, condenser, or blower motor
• Heater core or coolant flow problems
• Blend-door, control panel, or electrical faults
• Clogged cabin air filter or mold in the vents

Services in this category

• AC And Heat Not Working At AllNeither the AC nor the heater produces any conditioned air — no cold, no warm, sometimes no airflow at all. This points to a shared fault: power, blower, or controls.
• AC Cold On One Side OnlyOn a dual-zone system, one side blows cold while the other blows warm. This is usually a blend-door actuator or control problem rather than the AC itself.
• AC Cold Then Goes WarmThe AC blows cold at first, then gradually turns warm. This intermittent cooling usually points to a system that's low on refrigerant or freezing/over-cycling.
• A/C CompressorThe A/C compressor is the heart of your air conditioning, pumping refrigerant through the system so it can cool the cabin. When it fails the A/C stops blowing cold, and your mechanic will inspect, repair, or replace it to restore cooling.
• AC Compressor Not Turning OnThe AC compressor never engages — you hear no click and the air never cools. This is an electrical, clutch, or safety-switch issue stopping the compressor.
• AC Compressor Replacement CostUnderstand what an AC compressor replacement involves and what drives the cost — parts, labor, refrigerant, and whether related components also need attention.
• A/C CondenserThe A/C condenser sits at the front of your car and releases the heat pulled from the cabin so the refrigerant can cool down. When it's clogged or damaged your A/C struggles to blow cold, and your mechanic will clean, repair, or replace it.
• A/C DiagnosticsWhen your air conditioning isn't cooling like it should, an A/C diagnostic pinpoints the exact cause. A technician checks refrigerant levels, pressures, and components to find leaks, blockages, or electrical faults. This saves you time and money by identifying the right repair before any parts are replaced.
• A/C EvaporatorThe A/C evaporator is the part that actually cools the air before it reaches your vents by absorbing heat from inside the cabin. When it leaks or clogs, you'll notice warm air, reduced cooling, or a musty smell from the vents. Replacing the evaporator brings back strong, cold air conditioning.
• AC Hissing Or Buzzing NoiseA hissing or buzzing sound from the AC, often near the dashboard or under the hood. This can be normal refrigerant flow or a sign of a leak or valve issue.
• AC Not Cold At Idle, Only When DrivingThe AC only blows cold while you're moving and goes warm when stopped at a light or idling. This points to airflow or fan problems at the condenser.
• AC Or Heat Controls Not RespondingThe climate control buttons, knobs, or screen don't respond, or settings won't change. This is usually an electrical, module, or control-panel fault.
• A/C RechargeAn A/C recharge refills your air conditioning system with the right amount of refrigerant so it blows cold again. Over time refrigerant naturally drops or leaks out, and your mechanic will top it off, check for leaks, and confirm the system is cooling properly.
• AC Refrigerant LeakYour AC slowly loses its cooling because refrigerant is escaping. A leak is the most common reason AC stops blowing cold and needs to be found and sealed, not just refilled.
• AC Smells Like Vinegar Or Rotten EggsA sharp vinegar or rotten-egg (sulfur) smell from the vents. Usually mold/bacteria buildup, a clogged drain, or moisture problems in the AC system.
• AC System DiagnosticA full inspection of your air conditioning system to find why it isn't cooling properly — pressures, leaks, the compressor, and electrical checks before any repair.
• ActuatorThe HVAC actuator is a small motor that moves the blend and mode doors to control your cabin's temperature and airflow. When it fails, you may hear clicking or knocking sounds behind the dash, or the air may not get warm or cold like it should. Replacing the actuator restores proper temperature control and airflow direction.
• Air Only Comes From Defrost VentsNo matter which mode you select, air only comes out of the windshield (defrost) vents. This is a mode-door (vent selection) problem.
• Blend DoorThe blend door directs air through the heater core and AC evaporator to set the temperature you feel from the vents. When it breaks or gets stuck, your air can blow only hot or only cold no matter what you select. Repairing or replacing the blend door brings back smooth, accurate temperature control.
• Blower MotorThe blower motor pushes air through your vents, whether you're using the A/C or the heater. When it fails you get little or no airflow even if the system is working, and your mechanic will test it and replace it if needed.
• Blower Motor Not WorkingNo air comes from the vents on any setting — the blower fan isn't spinning. The cooling and heating may be fine, but without the blower no air reaches the cabin.
• Blower Motor ResistorThe blower motor resistor controls the fan speed settings for your heating and AC. When it fails, you may lose some fan speeds or only have the highest setting working. Replacing the resistor restores full control over your cabin airflow.
• Burning Smell From AC Or HeaterA burning, hot, or electrical smell when you run the AC or heater. This can signal an overheating motor, electrical fault, or debris — and should be checked promptly.
• Cabin Air FilterYour cabin air filter keeps dust, pollen, and pollutants out of the air you breathe inside your vehicle. Over time it clogs up, which can cause weak airflow and musty odors from the vents. Replacing it restores clean, fresh air and helps your A/C and heater work efficiently.
• Cabin FilterThe cabin filter cleans the air that comes into your vehicle through the heating and AC vents, trapping dust, pollen, and other particles. When it gets clogged, you may notice weak airflow, bad odors, or more dust inside the car. Replacing it regularly keeps your cabin air fresh and your HVAC system working efficiently.
• Car AC Blowing Warm Or Hot AirThe AC is on but air comes out warm or even hot. This usually means the system isn't cooling at all — a refrigerant, compressor, or control problem.
• Car AC Making NoiseRattling, clicking, or grinding when the AC is on. Noises usually come from the compressor, clutch, or debris in the blower, and shouldn't be ignored.
• Car AC Smells BadA musty, moldy, or dirty-sock smell comes from the vents when you turn on the AC. This is usually mold and bacteria growing on the evaporator or cabin filter.
• Car Heater Not WorkingThe heater blows cold or barely-warm air and the cabin won't warm up. Usually a coolant, heater-core, or blend-door problem rather than the AC side.
• Defrost Or Defogger Not WorkingThe defrost or defogger won't clear your windshield or rear window. This can be airflow/mode-door, AC, or rear-defrost element problems.
• DiagnosticNot sure what's wrong? Book a AC & Heating diagnostic — a provider will inspect and identify the issue.
• Freon Recharge
• Heater Blowing Cold AirYou select heat but the vents blow cold. The fan works, but no warmth is being added — typically a coolant flow or blend-door issue.
• Heater CoreThe heater core is a small radiator that uses hot engine coolant to warm the air blowing into your cabin. When it leaks or clogs, you may notice weak heat, fogged-up windows, or a sweet smell inside the car. Replacing the heater core restores reliable, comfortable heat for cold-weather driving.
• Heater HosesHeater hoses carry hot engine coolant to the heater core so your cabin can warm up. Over time they crack, swell, or leak, which can leave you with no heat and dripping coolant under the car. Replacing worn hoses keeps your heating working and protects your engine from overheating.
• Heater ValveThe heater valve controls how much hot coolant flows into the heater core, which sets the temperature of the air in your cabin. When it sticks or fails, you might get heat that won't turn off, no heat at all, or trouble adjusting the temperature. Replacing the valve restores proper control over your cabin heat.
• Heater Warm On One Side OnlyOn a dual-zone climate system, one side gets warm while the other stays cool. This is usually a blend-door actuator or control issue on the cool side.
• Heat Only When Driving Not At IdleThe heater is warm while driving but goes cold when you stop or idle. This usually points to low coolant, a weak water pump, or circulation problems.
• How Much To Recharge Car ACWhat an AC recharge typically costs and what affects the price — refrigerant type, how much is needed, and whether a leak check or repair is required first.
• Receiver DrierThe receiver drier filters out moisture and debris from your A/C system to protect the compressor and keep cooling efficient. When it gets saturated or clogged, you may notice weak cooling, strange noises, or moisture-related damage inside the system. Replacing it keeps your A/C running clean, dry, and reliable.
• RefrigerantRefrigerant is the special fluid that absorbs heat and makes your A/C blow cold air. When levels run low your system can't cool properly, so your mechanic will add the correct refrigerant for your vehicle and verify everything is working.
• Squealing Noise When AC Is OnA loud squeal or screech the moment you turn on the AC. This usually comes from the drive belt or a struggling compressor under load.
• Temperature Won't ChangeYou turn the temperature dial but the air stays the same — always hot or always cold. This is typically a blend-door actuator or control problem.
• Water Leaking Inside Car From ACWater pools on the passenger floor or the carpet is wet when you use the AC. This is usually a blocked AC drain backing up inside the cabin.
• Weak Airflow From VentsThe AC or heat is on but very little air comes out of the vents, even on high fan. Usually a blockage or a failing blower, not the cooling system.
• Weak Or Not Enough HeatThe heater works but never gets truly hot — only lukewarm air. Common causes are low coolant, a partially clogged heater core, or a thermostat issue.
• Windows Fog Up InsideThe inside of your windows fogs up, especially in cool or humid weather. This is a humidity problem usually tied to the AC, cabin filter, or a coolant leak.
• Car AC Not Blowing Cold AirYour AC runs but only blows warm or room-temperature air. The cooling system isn't doing its job — usually a refrigerant or compressor issue that's worth fixing before the heat sets in.
• Freon Recharge For Car ACTopping up the refrigerant (often called freon) so the AC blows cold again. A recharge restores cooling, but if the level dropped there may be a leak to address.
• Other ServicesAny AC & Heating service not listed here — describe what you need and a provider will help.

Frequently asked questions