Q: Defroster and heater blows cold air while idling - 2005 Ford Escape

Hi there - the lack of heat from your HVAC system could be a couple of things: bad thermostat, heater control valve, or air in the cooling system. If the engine come up to proper temperature and stays there (i.e. center of the temp gauge), the thermostat is fine. If temp on the gauge stays low, the thermostat needs to be replaced. The gurgling sound you are hearing indicates that there is still air in the coolant system, which needs to be bled - hot air in the heater core doesn’t provide heat, only hot coolant will. The cooling system need to be thoroughly bled. Once these are done - if still no heat - check the heater control valve (and heater controls on the dash) to be sure the valve is opening, and allowing hot coolant into the heater core. For help in getting to the problem quickly, I would recommend an inspection of the heater system by a mobile, professional mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, who will come to your location, diagnose this problem, give you an accurate assessment of damage and cost estimate for repairs. The squeal you hear could be a loose serpentine belt, worn idler pulley or alternator bearing, and the "jingle" noise could be a loose belt tensioner.