drove around today for a while and did some testing. when i put the temp dial to 60 it actually stops blowing hot air (not sure if just heat is off and cold outside air is blowing or actual a/c). however, beyond 4 clicks above 60 it starts blowing hot air and gets uncomfortably hot.
then i start to notice a slight burning smell.
definitely not the clutch burning (i learned that smell all too well in my first manual car
).