Air Conditioning & Heating

AC & Heating Repair in Wilmington, NC

Living in the Coastal, NC area means you deal with sweltering hot summers. Having an air conditioning that is not working will make your everyday life much more difficult than it needs to be! Look out for these warning signs that your car needs air conditioning repair:


Common Signs of A/C Problems


Poor Airflow

  • Airflow is suddenly weak or nonexistent.
  • Possible causes:
  • Failed blower motor
  • Faulty blower motor resistor
  • Malfunctioning blower motor switch
  • A professional mechanic can diagnose and repair the issue.
A mechanic works on a car engine with the hood open in a garage. He wears a green shirt and a hat, and there's a machine to his left.
A mechanic works on a car engine with the hood open in a garage. He wears a green shirt and a hat, and there's a machine to his left.

Lukewarm or Neutral Air That Won’t Cool

  • A/C is set to the coldest setting but no cold air is felt.
  • Possible causes:
  • Refrigerant leak
  • Restriction in the A/C system
  • Failed temperature blend door actuator
  • Issues with cooling fan, compressor, condenser, or evaporator
  • Clogged A/C metering device


Foul Smells

  • Smells like mold, mildew, or a dirty locker room.
  • Likely caused by a dirty cabin air filter.
  • Dirty filters collect dirt, debris, and moisture—promoting bacterial growth.
  • Proper installation is important; seek professional help if needed.


Burning Smells

  • A burning smell under the hood may indicate:
  • Electrical wiring issues
  • Malfunctioning cooling fans
  • Coolant or refrigerant leaks
  • Pulley bearing failure
  • A/C clutch or compressor failure
  • Loose or broken serpentine belt
  • Engine overheating
  • A burning smell through the vents may signal:
  • Failing blower motor or resistor
  • Faulty electrical connectors

Increasing Temperature

  • A/C starts cool but quickly heats up.
  • May indicate a clog or restriction in the system.
  • Possible repairs:
  • Cleaning debris from hoses and lines
  • Replacing the A/C compressor or major components


Immobile Compressor Clutch

  • No sound of the A/C clutch engaging when turned on.
  • Possible causes:
  • Low refrigerant charge
  • Seized compressor clutch
  • Stalled or broken compressor
  • May require replacement of the clutch or the entire compressor assembly.


Leaking Under the Dashboard

  • Water pooling on the floor under the dashboard.
  • Common causes:
  • Clogged evaporator drain or vent hose
  • Leaking heater core (also causes overheating and hot air from vents)
  • Immediate repair is needed to prevent further damage and bacterial growth.

Leaky Refrigerant

  • Look for a thin, greasy substance—often with a fluorescent tint—on A/C lines or components.
  • Indicates a refrigerant leak.
  • Consequences:
  • Reduced A/C efficiency
  • Lower fuel economy
  • Harmful environmental impact
  • Have a professional measure the refrigerant charge and locate the leak.


Overactive A/C Clutch

  • A/C clutch rapidly engages and disengages.
  • Likely caused by low refrigerant charge.
  • May require:
  • A/C system recharge
  • Leak detection and repair
  • Prolonged use with low refrigerant may damage the clutch.


Strange Sounds

  • Unusual noises (rattling, squealing, clicking, grinding, groaning) while A/C is on.
  • Possible causes:
  • Debris in the A/C fan
  • Worn serpentine or A/C belt
  • Loose belt tensioner
  • Damaged drive pulleys
  • Failing A/C compressor
  • Avoid using the A/C when hearing these noises to prevent further damage.
  • If the noise continues with the A/C off, it may indicate a more serious issue requiring immediate inspection.