Heat and A/C Service
Heat & A/C Service in Steger, New Lenox, Schererville, and Crown Point
The ability to control your interior’s temperature is one of those creature comforts you just can’t live without. Without climate control, driving your car would be freezing in the winter and unbearably hot in the summer. Functioning heat and air conditioning is something lots of drivers take for granted, but the systems that make them function are complicated.
These systems live in the engine bay of your car, meaning they are susceptible to the same harsh conditions as other engine components. If you notice your A/C is not blowing as cold as it used to or your heater is not working, bring your car to Scott’s U-Save today!
How Your A/C Keeps You Cool
Your air conditioning system works like a refrigerator on wheels. The compressor pressurizes refrigerant, the condenser in front of the radiator releases heat, and the evaporator behind the dash absorbs heat from the cabin air. A blower fan pushes that cooled, dried air through your vents. A leak, a failed compressor clutch, or a blocked condenser anywhere in that loop means warm air.
How Your Heater Works
Your heater uses hot engine coolant. Coolant flows through a small radiator behind the dash called the heater core, and the blower moves air across it. Doors inside the dash, called blend doors, mix hot and cool air to match your temperature setting. That’s why heater problems are often tied to the cooling system.
Common Climate Control Problems
- A/C blows warm or only slightly cool air
- Musty or moldy smell from the vents
- Heater takes forever to warm up or blows cold
- Sweet smell inside the car or foggy windshield (possible heater core leak)
- Clicking behind the dash when changing temperature (blend door actuator)
- Weak airflow from the vents (often a clogged cabin air filter)
Defrost Is a Safety System
In a Midwest winter, your defroster is as important as your wipers. The A/C system dries the air for defrost even in cold weather, so a failed compressor or heater can leave you scraping the inside of the windshield. Have both systems checked before the season turns.
Heat and A/C Service at Scott’s U-Save
We have four locations in New Lenox, IL; Schererville, IN; Steger, IL; and Crown Point, IN all staffed with ASE-Certified technicians and expert service advisors. Whether you need a new heater core or an A/C recharge, we can help. Give us a call or schedule an appointment online today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my A/C blowing warm air?
The most common cause is low refrigerant from a leak. Other causes include a failed compressor or clutch, electrical faults, a blocked condenser, or a stuck blend door. We’ll find the cause rather than just topping it off.
Do I just need an A/C recharge?
Refrigerant doesn’t get used up, so if it’s low, there’s a leak. A recharge alone may cool for a while, but finding and fixing the leak keeps it working long term.
Why does my heater only blow cold air?
Low coolant, a stuck-open thermostat, a clogged heater core, or a faulty blend door are typical causes. Since the heater relies on engine coolant, low coolant should be checked promptly.
What causes a musty smell from my vents?
Moisture on the evaporator can grow mold and bacteria. Replacing the cabin air filter and cleaning the evaporator usually clears it up.
How often should I replace my cabin air filter?
A common recommendation is every 15,000 to 30,000 miles or about once a year, sooner in dusty conditions or if you notice weak airflow or odors.