Is your car’s air conditioning blowing hot air in July, or is your heater leaving you cold in January? Don’t suffer through another uncomfortable drive. At Whetzel’s Automotive, we provide expert car heating and AC repair services to keep you comfortable all year long. From our central location in West Columbia, we are the trusted choice for drivers from Columbia, Lexington, Irmo, and beyond who need fast, reliable climate control service.
We don’t just guess what’s wrong. We use a precise, step-by-step process to ensure we find and fix the root cause of the problem.
We start by measuring your system’s pressure levels and vent temperature to assess its overall performance, for both heating and cooling.
Using advanced UV dye and electronic leak detectors, we pinpoint the exact location of any leaks in the system—a common culprit for poor performance.
Whether it’s a simple fix like a thermostat or a major component like a compressor, heater core, or condenser, we provide a clear estimate before any work begins.
Once the repair is complete, we recharge the system with the correct type and amount of refrigerant (including modern R1234yf systems) and perform a final test to ensure your heating and cooling systems are working perfectly.
If you’re experiencing issues with your vehicle’s heating or air conditioning, it’s more than just an inconvenience—it could be a sign of a larger problem. Common issues we see include:
3–4 Hours, Complex repairs may take several days.
Mon – Fri: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Get fast, reliable, and honest heating & cooling service & repair from a team that treats you like family. Stay cool in Columbia, Lexington, and Cayce with Whetzel’s Automotive.
The most common causes are low refrigerant (often due to a leak), a faulty compressor, or electrical issues. A proper diagnosis will identify the exact cause.
It could be a number of issues, from a bad thermostat to a clogged heater core. Our technicians can diagnose the problem quickly.
We recommend having your AC system inspected annually, ideally in spring before the summer heat arrives. Regular inspections catch small issues before they become major repairs. Complex repairs may take several days, especially when needing to order parts.
Most manufacturers recommend replacing your cabin air filter every 15,000 to 30,000 miles, but here in the Midlands of South Carolina, we recommend checking it every 12,000 to 15,000 miles. Our hot, humid summers and heavy pollen seasons put extra strain on your cabin filtration system. A dirty or clogged cabin air filter restricts airflow to your AC and heating system, which can lead to reduced cooling performance, musty odors inside the vehicle, and increased strain on the blower motor. If you notice weak airflow from your vents, a stale or unpleasant smell when you turn on the AC, or more dust and allergens in the cabin than usual, it's likely time for a replacement. At Whetzel's Automotive, a cabin air filter check is part of our AC service inspection, and we'll always show you the condition of your filter before recommending a replacement.
Simple repairs like refrigerant recharges can often be completed in an hour or less. More complex repairs may take several hours or require ordering parts.
While DIY recharge kits exist, they don’t address underlying leaks and can actually damage your system if overcharged. Professional service ensures proper diagnosis and repair.
The cost can vary depending on your vehicle’s refrigerant type and capacity, but we always provide a transparent quote upfront.
Get fast, reliable, and honest heating and AC repair from a team that treats you like family. Stay comfortable in Columbia, Lexington, and Cayce with Whetzel’s Automotive.
