A/C & Heating Service:
Everything You Need to Know
Quick Facts
A/C recharge from: $195
Professional refrigerant service with leak detection + labor
Time Needed
90-120 Minutes
Same-day service
Stay comfortable today
Peace of Mind
Comprehensive warranty because quality work should last.
Bonus
Complete climate system inspection with photos included ($95 value)
Honest service
Repairs you need. Nothing you don't.
Our standards
At Clarity Auto Care, we do A/C and heating service right. We use professional refrigerant recovery and charging equipment with manufacturer-specified procedures to diagnose the entire climate system, not just add refrigerant. Our certified techs provide complete system analysis with clear explanations and photos. No shortcuts, no temporary fixes—just proper service to keep you comfortable year-round.
Why your climate system matters
California weather means you rely on your A/C and heating system almost year-round. Whether it's a hot summer day in the Valley or a chilly morning fog rolling in from the Bay, your comfort depends on this complex system working properly.
Your climate control system does more than just cool or heat the air—it removes humidity, filters outside air, and defogs your windows for safe driving. When it's not working right, driving becomes uncomfortable and sometimes unsafe.
Modern A/C systems are precision-engineered with exact refrigerant amounts, specific pressures, and electronic controls. Small problems can quickly become expensive repairs if not addressed properly.
Long story short: proper climate system maintenance = comfortable, safe driving.
Catch issues early, and you'll stay comfortable without breaking the bank.
Why Professional Service Beats Quick Fixes
Many shops just add refrigerant and call it fixed. But if your A/C is low on refrigerant, there's always a reason—and simply adding more without finding the leak means you'll be back in a few weeks.
What affects your climate system performance:
- Refrigerant level: Must be exact amount specified by manufacturer—too little or too much both cause problems
- System pressure: High and low side pressures reveal compressor, expansion valve, and leak issues
- Component condition: Compressor, condenser, evaporator, and expansion valve must all work together
- Electrical operation: Sensors, switches, and control modules affect system operation
The cost of quick fixes:
- Adding refrigerant to a leaking system—problem returns quickly and gets worse
- Missing electrical issues that cause compressor damage
- Ignoring filter problems that reduce airflow and efficiency
- Using wrong refrigerant type that damages seals and components
Remember:
Your A/C system is a closed loop. If refrigerant is low, it's leaking somewhere. Professional diagnosis finds the leak and fixes it properly, saving you money and preventing system damage.
At Clarity Auto Care:
We're committed to providing honest service, fair pricing, and quality repairs.
Quality Takes Time
We take the time your car needs, because rushing through maintenance puts your engine at risk.
Right Oil, Right Part, Right Car
We use manufacturer-approved parts and fluids - not generic alternatives. It's what your car was engineered for.
Guaranteed Repairs
12-month or 12,000-mile warranty on most services. Read the warranty terms
Expert Care
Our technicians aren't just trained - they follow detailed manufacturer guides for every make and model. They spot potential issues before they become expensive problems.
See Everything
After each service, you get a complete digital inspection with clear photos of your car's condition. No guessing what's happening under the hood.
Honest Service
We do exactly what your car needs - nothing more, nothing less. No pressure, no surprise add-ons. Just straightforward maintenance to protect your investment.
SAVE UP TO 30%*
with Clarity auto care
Repairs your car need and nothing you don't
*compared to the local dealer's price
Complete Climate System vs Refrigerant-Only Service
Not all A/C problems are solved by adding refrigerant. Professional climate system diagnosis examines the entire system to find the root cause of cooling or heating issues.
Why Different Cars Need Different Approaches:
- BMW and Mercedes use R-1234yf refrigerant that requires specialized equipment and procedures
- Toyota and Honda hybrids have electric A/C compressors that need different diagnostic approaches
- Audi and VW vehicles have complex automatic climate control systems with multiple sensors
- Ford and Nissan trucks often have rear A/C systems that require separate diagnosis
- Luxury vehicles may have multi-zone climate control with individual temperature controls
Our complete climate system service includes:
- Refrigerant recovery and vacuum testing to check for leaks
- System pressure testing at idle and high RPM
- Compressor performance and electrical testing
- Condenser and evaporator inspection
- Cabin air filter inspection and replacement if needed
- Temperature output verification at all vents
At Clarity, we test your entire climate system and identify all issues before recommending repairs. Sometimes it's just low refrigerant, sometimes it's a failed compressor, sometimes it's multiple small leaks—we'll show you exactly what needs attention.
Modern Refrigerant Systems
Today's A/C systems use different refrigerants that require specialized equipment and procedures.
R-134a vs R-1234yf Systems:
- R-134a: Used in most vehicles 2016 and older
- R-1234yf: Newer refrigerant used in 2017+ vehicles, requires specialized equipment
- Contamination issues: Mixing refrigerants destroys the entire system and requires expensive repairs
Modern A/C systems operate at higher pressures and tighter tolerances than older systems. Using incorrect procedures can introduce contaminants, create leaks, or trigger fault codes in computer-controlled systems.
At Clarity, we use the correct refrigerant type for your vehicle and follow all manufacturer procedures.
Common A/C and Heating Problems:
- Simple fixes: Clogged cabin filter, low refrigerant, dirty condenser
- Moderate repairs: Faulty blend door actuator, leaking hoses, bad pressure switch
- Complex issues: Compressor failure, evaporator leaks, control module problems
Most climate problems develop gradually and give you signs before complete failure.
When Do you need A/C and heating service?
Climate systems should be checked annually, but some issues need immediate attention:
Schedule service soon if:
- A/C performance seems weaker than last year
- Cabin filter hasn't been changed in over a year
- Strange smells occasionally come from vents
- Preparing for summer and want to ensure reliable cooling
Get service immediately if:
- No cooling on hot days—especially important for safety
- No heating when temperatures drop
- Refrigerant leaks visible under the vehicle
- Warning lights related to engine temperature
Remember:
A/C problems are most frustrating when you need the system most. Schedule service before the hottest days of summer or coldest days of winter to stay comfortable.
Quality service at fair prices
Complete auto care: from oil changes to engine swaps.
What Our Customers Are Saying:
These reviews come from trusted third-party platforms like Google and Yelp — real feedback from real customers. Click any review to verify authenticity
Elie
view at
I went to Clarity Auto Care for a 30-point inspection before making a car purchase on a Saturday afternoon. The service was great and efficient. Sergei and his team took the time to fully explain all the repairs that needed to be done. They provided a clear inspection report with pictures and answered all my questions! I highly recommend them and will certainly come back for repairs. Thanks, Sergei!
Lauri D.
view at
When I found Clarity via Yelp business leads, I was in a serious bind trying to find an available mechanic with an available replacement radiator for my 2013 Nissan in between my multiple jobs (all of which require driving). Huge thank you to Sergei at Clarity Auto Care for his thorough, prompt service and communication! As a car novice, I'm always nervous to try a new repair shop but Sergei's calm, confident demeanor made me feel more at ease. The front lobby/waiting area is surprisingly spacious and relaxing (not something typical or expected in my experience with auto repair shops). I also noted a Carfax care certificate on display in the lobby which gave me further peace of mind that this business is recognized for its quality of service. The estimate process was simple and included detailed notes as well as pictures. Before beginning the repairs, Sergei answered all questions without hesitation or annoyance (something I've experienced before at other places). After the repairs were completed, Sergei further demonstrated his abilities & attention to details with helpful notes about the car's overall performance and potential repair needs for the future. He spoke candidly with me about the car's long term performance given its age and without trying to upsell me unnecessarily. I'm so grateful to have found Clarity and Sergei and would definitely return! PS This is also located less than a 10 minute walk from Belmont Caltrain which makes for much easier transportation while your car is in the shop!