Nothing makes a commute more miserable than a broken AC in summer or failed heater in winter. These repairs can be expensive—especially compressor or heater core replacement. Tresl helps you restore comfort without breaking the bank.
Get Financing NowWhile they share some components, AC and heating are separate systems with different failure modes.
Refrigerant circulates through a closed loop: compressor pressurizes gas, condenser releases heat outside, expansion valve drops pressure, evaporator absorbs cabin heat. A complex dance of pressure and temperature.
Hot engine coolant flows through a small radiator (heater core) inside the dash. A blower fan pushes air through the core, warming it before entering the cabin. Simple but effective.
Match your symptoms to the likely cause.
Low refrigerant (leak), failed compressor, clogged condenser, or electrical issue. Most common AC complaint.
Clogged cabin filter, failing blower motor, blocked evaporator, or duct obstruction. Check cabin filter first.
Worn compressor clutch, failing compressor bearings, or loose belt. Grinding or squealing are bad signs.
Mold/mildew growth on evaporator or in ducts. Common in humid climates. Requires evaporator cleaning.
Low coolant, stuck thermostat, clogged heater core, or blend door failure. Check coolant level first.
Leaking heater core. Coolant mist enters cabin, creating fog and sweet smell. Requires core replacement.
Leaking heater core dripping coolant onto floor. Or clogged AC drain (water). Check fluid type to diagnose.
Stuck-open thermostat allows coolant to flow constantly, preventing engine from reaching operating temperature.
AC and heating repairs vary widely based on the component and accessibility.
The most expensive AC repair. Compressor failure often contaminates the system, requiring full flush.
Adding refrigerant to low system. If it's low, there's a leak that should be found and fixed.
Located in front of radiator, vulnerable to road debris damage. Replacement is straightforward.
Buried deep in dash, labor-intensive to replace. The part is cheap; the labor is expensive.
Electric fan that moves air. Usually accessible under dash. Common failure point.
Small motor that controls air mixing. Often causes clicking sounds behind dash.
If your AC needs refrigerant, you have a leak. Recharging without fixing the leak just delays the problem—and releases refrigerant into the atmosphere. A proper repair includes leak detection and repair before recharging. Expect to pay more upfront but save money long-term.
| Service | Parts | Labor | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| AC Performance Check | — | $50-$100 | $50-$100 |
| Refrigerant Recharge | $30-$100 | $70-$150 | $100-$250 |
| Leak Detection & Repair | $50-$200 | $100-$300 | $150-$500 |
| AC Compressor | $300-$700 | $200-$500 | $500-$1,200 |
| Condenser | $150-$400 | $150-$300 | $300-$700 |
| Evaporator | $200-$500 | $400-$800 | $600-$1,300 |
| Heater Core | $100-$300 | $400-$1,200 | $500-$1,500 |
| Blower Motor | $100-$250 | $100-$250 | $200-$500 |
| Thermostat | $30-$80 | $70-$170 | $100-$250 |
AC compressor and heater core repairs are among the most expensive maintenance items. These aren't optional—driving without AC in summer heat or heat in winter cold is miserable and sometimes dangerous. Financing makes essential comfort repairs affordable.
| Amount | 12 Mo | 24 Mo |
|---|---|---|
| $500 | $45/mo | $24/mo |
| $1,000 | $89/mo | $47/mo |
| $1,500 | $134/mo | $71/mo |
| $2,000 | $179/mo | $95/mo |
*Estimated at 12.99% APR
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