you can pop the d/s actuator off and then turn the knob by hand, if you can make it blow cold manually the actuator is bad.

if its still warm, the system is low for sure. but you got the a/c gauges so you can also test the line pressures.

and its been f ing hot here the last few days.

not sure what the difference its either, you got lkq parts right down the road from you, go ask them for a used one. LKQ Hunts Point Auto Parts