A/C Repair and Recharge in Missoula, MT
Air conditioning is a sealed system. If it's low on refrigerant, something let it out, so adding more without finding the leak just puts you back where you started.
We find out why it isn't cooling, fix that, and then recharge it to your vehicle's specification. Before any repair, we show you what we found so you know exactly what you're paying to fix.
Signs your A/C needs attention
- Air that's cool but never actually cold.
- Cold air on the highway that turns warm at a stop.
- Weak airflow even on the highest fan setting.
- A musty or mildew smell when the vents come on.
- The compressor never seems to kick on.
- Hissing, rattling, or clicking from under the hood or behind the dash.
- Water on the passenger floor, which often means a clogged evaporator drain.
What we check
We measure vent temperature and system pressures to see how the system is performing. Those readings help separate a low charge from a failing compressor, a blocked condenser, or an electrical problem like a bad relay or pressure switch.
If refrigerant is low, we look for the leak. Common spots are the compressor, condenser, hoses, fittings, and O-rings, and some leaks are small enough that they can't be seen without leak detection.
We also check the simple things. A cabin air filter that hasn't been changed in years can choke airflow, and a stuck blend door can send heat into the cabin when you've asked for cold.
Once we know what is wrong, we show you, repair what is leaking or failing, and recharge the system to the specification for your vehicle.
What can wait and what can't
Don't put these off
- A compressor making grinding or rattling noises, since a failing compressor can contaminate the rest of the system
- Windows that won't clear on defrost
- A burning smell when the A/C is on
Often fine to wait
- A/C that's weaker than it used to be but still works, if you don't need it right now
- A musty smell, which is usually a dirty evaporator or cabin air filter
- A slow leak, as long as you're fine without A/C for a while
A/C problems are usually comfort problems, not safety problems. If yours can wait until you're ready, we'll say so.
A/C in Missoula
Missoula summers get hot, and in wildfire smoke season a lot of people run the A/C on recirculate with the windows up. A cabin air filter in good shape helps keep smoke and dust out of the air you breathe.
Older vehicles typically use R-134a refrigerant and many newer ones use R-1234yf. The two aren't interchangeable, and each system has to be charged with the type it was built for.
A/C Repair questions
Why is my A/C blowing warm air?
The most common cause is low refrigerant from a leak. Other causes include a compressor that isn't engaging, a blown fuse or bad relay, a blocked condenser, or a blend door problem. Pressure readings and a few tests tell us which.
Can you just recharge it?
We can, but if it is low, it has a leak, and the new refrigerant will leak out too. Finding and fixing the leak first is usually cheaper in the long run.
Why does my A/C smell musty?
Moisture on the evaporator can grow mold and mildew, especially when the cabin air filter is old. A new filter and cleaning the evaporator usually takes care of it.
How long does an A/C repair take?
A recharge with no leaks is a much shorter job than replacing a compressor or a part buried behind the dash. Once we know what it needs, we'll give you an honest idea of timing.
We show you before we fix it
Before any work starts, we walk you into the shop and show you what we found. If something can wait, we'll tell you.