The sensation of hot air blowing on your face as you switch on your car’s air conditioning unit is one of the worst possible feelings. If the A/C in your car isn’t keeping you as cool as you’d like it to, it might be time to top up your A/C refrigerant. The average cost of professional A/C recharge services ranges from $100 to $350, and this does not include taxes or service fees. However, your car’s A/C recharge cost can vary depending on the following three factors:
Your Vehicle’s Model and Make
The type of vehicle you drive will have a significant impact on the repair cost, just as with any fluid you utilize in your automobile. A small car will not require as much refrigerant as a van or a big truck. Also, if you hire someone to work on your car, the labor fee will be higher if it is difficult to recharge. The process of recharging a car’s A/C is not always simple, and some vehicles demand more time and effort than others.
Extra Repairs
Recharging the system while the new refrigerant continues to leak out is ineffective and costly. As the A/C system is a closed unit, the refrigerant should not need to be replenished until a problem occurs. However, if you observe that the recharges occur frequently, something else could be happening. It’s possible that the rubber seals dried out, causing the refrigerant to flow out. Additionally, leaks may be occurring due to lines, hoses, or other components that are deteriorating.
Professional vs. DIY
If you can recharge the system unit yourself, you just need to purchase refrigerant. Also, when you have all the required tools, gauges, and knowledge, you won’t need to waste cash on other things. However, it will cost significantly more to hire an expert to recharge. If you decide to go with a local repair shop or lube station rather than a dealership, you’ll probably still be able to save money.
How Frequently Should a Car’s A/C Be Recharged?
There is no specific time limit for recharging your automobile’s air conditioning unit. It is not part of the suggested maintenance because the idea is that you should not need to recharge it because the system is closed. That’s only a pipedream, though, as even a small flaw might result in a refrigerant leak and require a recharge. Ideally, you need to recharge the refrigerant once every few years. If you need to recharge the air conditioner more frequently, there is certainly a problem that needs to be looked at by a professional.
Working on a vehicle’s air conditioning system without the appropriate tools and certificates is illegal in many countries. You should think about hiring a professional to top up your refrigerant because doing it incorrectly may harm both you and your car’s A/C system, as well as the environment.
If you need assistance with your car’s air conditioning recharge, we can help. R & Y A/C Compressors provide all of the necessary tools and refrigerant to service your vehicle. Get in touch with us today!