Air Conditioner & Heater

DIY + AC Repair Hacks to Help You

Auto Air Conditioning Repair San Clemente CA

Auto Care 101 is where we assist you in knowing more about fixing your car, truck, SUV, or van. Read on for auto AC repair cost insights and a bit about this awesome air conditioner repair shop!ο»Ώ

Car's Air Conditioning System

If you're experiencing problems with the heating or cooling of your car, you've come to the right place. Welcome to RSC in Orange County!


Our technicians are the local experts for air conditioning repair San Juan Capistrano and all the way up thru Santa Ana. RSC Automotive Repair Center LLC is the place to find refreshing cool air from that annoying hot car!

DIY + AirCon Basics

DIY DIFFICULTY is high for diagnosis, repair & waste disposal of most A/C issues.


The trouble could be a condenser, drier, compressor, evaporator case, or as simple as a blower motor. Most of these repairs involve a dangerous refrigerant that is prone to leaking so using a professional for this service or recharge is advised.

Leaders in Car AC Service

We all want a strong air conditioning system for passenger comfort.... especially with the hot weather we enjoy down here🌑️ Our team of techs have the skills to diagnose and repair all types of AC problems.


Juan, Luis, and the whole awesome South Orange County crew are ready and waiting to meet you!

Parts & Services for Car AC System


Your car's air conditioning system has a variety of components:

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  • Engine & cabin filter for clean, odorless & allergen-free air flow.
  • Air conditioning compressor and pressure test for o rings.
  • Proper refrigerant levels and the expertise to prevent leaks.
  • AC recharge for leak detection and improved cool air flow.
  • Cooling fans to blow cold air instead of warm air in your hot car.


How Does Car Air Conditioning Work?

Auto A/C is a compact version of our home unit and it doesn’t actually create cold air... but, instead, removes our hot air. The compressor rotates with the engine to circulate refrigerant. A condenser cools it into a liquid. Then it flows to the evaporator picking up heat on the way. In the process it becomes a gas before repeating the cycle over and over again.


Wear and tear on the belts, valves, seals, evaporator, or other components can diminish the cooling of this amazing unit over time. That means RSC Automotive Repair Center LLC should evaluate the AC performance of your vehicle's system regularly ♨️

Common Problems & Car AC Repair Cost

The air conditioning system is not only for your comfort, but the defrost/defog setting is also important for visibility and safety. To keep your ride enjoyable, we want to discuss some common problems and the pricing you'll be facing for replacement.


What symptoms to watch out for:

  • AC SYSTEM IS LEAKING. Refrigerant is dangerous to breathe and toxic for our environment. We  do all the leak detection for you.
  • NOISY AIR CONDITIONER. This could be a compressor or evaporator core going bad and should be checked for pressure leaks.
  • NO COOL AIR. Recharging the refrigerant is often the solution. But it could also be a compressor, condenser, or belt issue.
  • MOISTURE IN CABIN. Debris in the air filter is a common cause of this situation and the service is an easy replacement.
  • AIR SMELLS BAD. If it's not a stinky passenger or pet :-) then it could be a gas leak, cabin air filter, or mold in the vents.


Car AC troubleshooting is important. Identifying if it's a leak, mold, or mechanical A/C repair is the first step. We, then, provide a full quote with the parts and labor costs before starting your air conditioner service work.


*** Find more about cost in the Do-It-Yourself (DIY) section too.

"RSC Auto Repair Center

Is Your Car Care Doctor

& Local AC Specialist!"

Best AC Repair Shop In OC

"Best" is a small word with BIG expectations for us! This incredible team of certified technicians is here for one purpose. To brighten your day even though you're dealing with a pesky car repair issue.


Tips to keep you cool in San Clemente heat: 

  • Use a front shade & try to park out of the sun.
  • Crack the windows & get a solar powered fan.
  • Cover the dash, seats & steering wheel if possible.


Despite these efforts, you might need to get your AC system checked, recharged, or repaired. Especially during our hot summers when you want a little extra cool air!

Car Air Conditioning Repair


Whatever you're dealing with, our topnotch technicians are all about AC repair San Clemente, San Juan, Dana Point, Mission Viejo... and all of Orange County.


The RSC team will make it as easy as possible for you!


We’ll run the proper diagnostics, figure out what's going on, and explain the pricing of your AC repairs. Come on in so we can visually inspect your vehicle, run all of the right tests, and provide the exact service for any possible problems!

DIY Auto Air Condition Repair San Clemente CA

RSC is the premier SoCal air conditioning expert and our team of skilled technicians are always here to help with possible problems. This section, however, is for those of us who are serious about doing some of our own car repairs. 


Do-It-Yourself Topics include:

πŸ’₯ A history on Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning.

πŸ’₯ Understanding your vehicle HVAC system. 

πŸ’₯ And essential DIY tips you can use. 


The AC unit is so important for the comfort, safety and usability of your vehicle. Take a peek at the history and how your AC system works below. Hopefully, you enjoy the variety of extra educational resources we've provided here.

Vehicle Air Conditioning Practices From The Past πŸ•°οΈ

The car's air conditioning system was developed way back in 1933. But this luxury unit was extremely expensive and took over half the trunk space.   


1953 is when Chrysler finally offered a smaller unit. This large-capacity dashboard mounted version was much like our modern A/C system. 


The early 60’s saw auto AirCon units become affordable enough to be sold as standard equipment. In 1964, Cadillac produced the first single-switch heating and cooling system. Half our domestic models had this kind of passenger comfort controls by 1969... which also produced better automobile resale value. Blowing cold air quickly became quite popular.


Wonderful as air conditioning is, problems can occur with these components. The blower motor, evaporator core, compressor, condenser, refrigerant, seals, or hoses can all malfunction.


It's inevitable that each of us—at some point—will need  to do a vehicle AC repair. Let's expand our knowledge a bit to get better prepared.

DIY Car AC Repairs

RSC is here to provide helpful information and services to get your car or truck repaired and keep it in top working order. READ ON for additional DIY insights!


πŸ‘‰ NEW COMPRESSOR.  This costly fix could require a replacement in your vehicle's system.
πŸ‘‰  REFRIGERANT RECHARGE.  This low cost service needs to be done right for our environment.

πŸ‘‰  CABIN AIR FILTER.  This makes sure your car is blowing air to the engine as well as the passengers.

Auto AC Compressor Cost

This system is under pressure so leaks are possible and repair costs are high for this complicated service. The part cost alone can be anywhere from a few hundred dollars to a couple of thousand dollars. πŸ’² Labor costs, of course, are extra but essential to prevent a leak.


Signs you need a new compressor are:

βœ… A serious issue of burned compressor wires.

βœ… Dampness on the front window and less cooling.

βœ… Oily leaks on the compressor or blowing out a fuse.

βœ… Squealing or grinding noises from compressor or belts.


If you notice any of these, then it's time to find a specialist for this A/C repair service to diagnose the problem. There are many DIY projects we can do on our own, but auto air conditioning is NOT one.


We're talking about the safety of you and the environment here... The refrigerant gas can easily leak and is very dangerous so this is best done by a certified professionalπŸ”§πŸ‘©πŸ»‍πŸ”§

Understanding Refrigerant Leaks

Car AC Recharge Laws

The correct type of liquid refrigerant is crucial for the efficient function of our vehicle. It's equally important for our planet.


Freon R12 was replaced in the 1990s with 134a. Today, the US Environmental Protection Agency says refrigerant 1234yf is a much better option.


Our amazing technicians handle all the legalities as well as leaks to fix your AC system the right way. From pressure testing o rings and hoses to properly recharging old refrigerant, we get everything running in tiptop shape.


Bring us your A/C system because we fix you up and cool you down 🧰

Vehicle's Air Conditioning System Repair & Review

Micah Lee from 1/30/2023     β­β­β­β­β­


"We have been using RSC for our cars for the past 8+ years... They are always honest about what our cars really need and what they don’t/ what can wait. My husband is decent with minor repairs and they will even tell him when it’s a job he could do himself. We’ve never had a repair done less than exemplary. My whole family uses RSC now per our recommendation and everyone loves them. I would recommend them without hesitation to anyone and am sure you won’t be disappointed.”   


NOTE: RSC takes care of everything from low refrigerant to full auto air conditioner service for you!

AC Repair Disclaimer

The car care resources presented here are for general educational purposes only. This website is accurate to the best of our knowledge, but there could be errors or omissions. Audio, video, and written material SHOULD BE USED AT YOUR OWN RISK.


Safety is vitally important. Consult the owners manual for specific instructions on any vehicle services. And/or go to a licensed professional mechanic. βš™οΈ


Provide for everyone's personal welfare in all do-it-yourself (DIY) projects. Always work in a well-ventilated space and use proper protective equipment... including but not limited to safety glasses and gloves.

Fixing Your Car Is Our Calling!

Car Air Conditioner Repair

Even though we get cool ocean breezes down here, the warm air of our summer days can still be stifling hot inside the car! That's why we've been talking about AC air flow, but—as the top shop around—we do all your additional services too.


Whether it be refrigerant leaks, liquid recharge, or a simple cabin filter... come on in and give us a look πŸ‘€
There’s a bunch of reasons to check out RSC but the BIG 5 are honesty, integrity, quality, warranty, plus certified technicians who are both knowledgeable and friendly. Bring your vehicle in today for a quick, accurate, and comprehensive inspection.


RSC is your key πŸ”‘ to car happiness!

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