Climate Control
Automotive A/C Service & Repair
Proper Diagnosis. Quality Repairs. All Refrigerant Types.
Car A/C Not Blowing Cold?
A/C problems range from simple (low refrigerant from a slow leak) to complex (compressor failure, blend door actuators, electronic control issues). We figure out what's actually wrong before recommending repairs. Get your A/C checked now—waiting until July means competing with everyone else who waited.
Why Is My A/C Not Cooling?
Common causes of air conditioning problems
Low refrigerant from leaks, contaminated refrigerant from DIY kits, or wrong refrigerant type.
Compressor failure, condenser damage from road debris, evaporator leak, expansion valve problems.
Compressor clutch failure, pressure switch malfunction, blend door actuator, sensor failures.
Why Alberta Is Hard on A/C Systems
Extended Dormancy: We barely use A/C for eight months of the year. Seals dry out when the system sits idle. When you finally turn it on in June, that's when problems appear.
Temperature Extremes: Going from -30°C to +30°C stresses every seal, hose, and fitting. Expansion and contraction eventually cause leaks.
Road Debris: Alberta roads throw rocks. The condenser sits right behind the grille, taking direct hits.
Expensive Refrigerant: Modern R-1234yf costs significantly more than older R-134a. Finding and fixing leaks properly is more important than ever.
Pro Tip
Run your A/C for 10 minutes monthly, even in winter. It keeps seals lubricated and catches problems before summer.
Our A/C Services
Complete air conditioning diagnosis and repair
Pressure testing, electronic leak detection, UV dye injection. We find the actual problem before repairs begin.
After verifying no leaks exist, we recharge with the correct refrigerant type and exact amount specified.
Full service including system flush, receiver/drier replacement, and proper oil charge. Done right to prevent repeat failures.
Road debris damage repair. We check for internal restrictions and external blockage.
Inside the dash—same labor as heater core. We recommend doing both if accessing the HVAC housing.
Scan tool communication with HVAC module to diagnose sensor, actuator, and control problems.
Refrigerant Types We Service
R-134a (1994-2015): Most common type, reasonable cost.
R-1234yf (2015+): Required on newer vehicles, significantly more expensive.
We've invested in equipment to service all refrigerant types, including R-1234yf systems that many shops can't handle.
Why DIY Recharge Kits Are a Bad Idea
• Overcharge the system — Damages components
• Contaminate the refrigerant — We can't service it with our equipment
• Include 'stop leak' chemicals — Clogs components
• Don't fix the actual leak — Just delays the real repair
What seems like a $40 money-saver often creates hundreds in additional expense, or leaves us unable to service your vehicle until the contaminated refrigerant is evacuated with special equipment.
Spring A/C Check: Beat the Summer Rush
Get your A/C checked in spring:
• No waiting—we can get you in quickly
• Find problems before you're sweating in traffic
• Time to order parts if needed
• Avoid being stuck in a queue when everyone else discovers their A/C is dead
A 15-minute check in May beats a week without A/C in July.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about automotive A/C service
How often should I have my A/C serviced?
We don't recommend annual service like some shops push. Your regular maintenance visits include visual inspections of A/C components. Get a full system check every few years, or whenever you notice decreased performance.
How long does an A/C repair take?
It varies widely. A simple leak repair and recharge might be same-day. Compressor replacement is typically a full day. Evaporator replacement requires dash removal—multiple days.
Can I use a DIY recharge kit?
We strongly advise against it. DIY kits often overcharge the system, contaminate the refrigerant, or include 'stop leak' chemicals that clog components. This creates hundreds in additional expense or leaves us unable to service your vehicle.
Why is A/C repair so expensive now?
Modern R-1234yf refrigerant costs significantly more than older R-134a. A system that takes 2 lbs of refrigerant might cost $150+ just in refrigerant, before any parts or labor. Proper leak repair is more important than ever.
My A/C smells musty. What causes that?
Usually mold or mildew growth on the evaporator. When you shut off the A/C, moisture on the cold evaporator becomes a breeding ground. An evaporator cleaning service can help, or in severe cases, evaporator replacement.
Book Your A/C Service
Don't wait until you're sweating in traffic. Get your A/C checked before the summer rush.