Air conditioning is a necessity in this day and age. Whether you live in a city or out in the country, you will rely on air conditioners at some point during hot summer days. But how often do you need to recharge the AC in your car, and how much does it typically cost?
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How Much Does It Cost to Recharge Your Car AC?
The recharging cost for your car’s AC varies depending on where you go and what car model you have, but the average price is around $150. Keep in mind, though, that it could total almost $300 total for higher-end vehicles after the mechanic’s cost of labor gets added.
Do You Need to Recharge Car AC?
To better answer that question, you need to understand what recharging an AC unit involves. It means that your car’s AC will be able to keep working properly and for more extended periods. This can help you save money because you won’t have to buy new units or change parts.
Some clear telltale signs will help you figure out whether your car’s AC needs to recharge or not. If you think you’re experiencing problems with the AC unit, keep reading for the quickest solutions.
How Often Should You Recharge Car AC?
Regassing your car’s air conditioning unit will help preserve the system’s efficiency. Cars should be serviced every year or two to avoid losing refrigerant gas in the system. This might mean replacing an old gasket on your cooling system.
Even though a car can technically go as long as five years without recharging the AC, it’s better to do it sooner to increase the longevity of the compressor. It’s better to maintain it rather than fix it later since it will cause fewer headaches and save money.
Signs Your Car AC Needs Recharging
There are a few signs which will help you determine whether or not your car needs to recharge the AC. It’s better to contact the mechanic and deal with this as soon as possible if you’re experiencing one of these signs.
There’s No Hot Air Coming Out of the AC Unit
If you notice that you can’t turn up the temperature in the car when the AC comes on, then it’s time to re-gas your car’s AC unit. The reason behind this is that the system will stop functioning if the refrigerant levels become low. You’ll also experience more frequent repairs and higher repair costs.
There’s a Bad Smell Coming Out of the Vents
The next sign is a bad smell coming from the vents, which happens because of a leaky hose or a faulty connection between the condenser coil and the evaporator coil. In both cases, you’ll have to replace the part or recharge the AC.
If There’s No Air Coming Out of the Vents
This is another sign that tells you that something is wrong with the fan motor. When the fan doesn’t work correctly, it causes the air to come out slowly. To solve this problem, you’ll need to recharge the AC.
If It’s Making a Rumbling Sound
When the AC makes a rumbling noise, it usually indicates that the compressor has failed. This is why it’s crucial to get it checked out right away. Otherwise, the device it’s not going to work as intended. It’s an easy fix that an AC recharge can help with.
If There’s Condensation
Condensation means that there’s water inside the system. Water can affect the performance of the compressor so it’s best to drain it before servicing the vehicle.
How Much Does It Cost to Recharge Car AC With Freon?
You may wonder how much it costs to recharge a car AC with Freon. Well, it depends on what type of AC you have. For example, if it’s a standard car AC, it’s going to cost around $100-$200.
How Much Does It Cost to Drain and Recharge AC in Car?
Another question you might ask yourself is, “How much does it cost to drain and recharge AC in a car?” Well, it all depends on the size of the AC. A small car AC will only cost around $50-$75, while a large AC will run you around $150-$350.
AC Recharge Cost Comparison in Popular Service Providers in 2022
| Service Provided | After Sales Service | Refill Price |
| Jiffy Lube | Warranty 12 Months | $89 – $149 |
| AutoZone | Warranty 12 Months | $200 – $280 |
| Midas | Warranty 12 Months | $175 – $330 |
| NAPA | Warranty 24 Months | $135 – $178 |
| Firestone | Warranty 12 Months | $120 – $280 |
| Pep Boys | Warranty 12 Months | $150 – $225 |
FAQs
Here are a few more quick answers regarding car AC units.
Can I recharge my car AC myself?
Yes, you can do it yourself, but it’s best to hire a professional. The reason for this is because they know exactly where everything is and how to properly connect it all together. They’re also trained to make sure that the whole process goes smoothly.
Will AutoZone recharge my AC?
AutoZone employees can recharge your AC, but the service may not be available in all locations, and not all employees may know how to perform this task. Either way, you should keep in mind that AutoZone is a retailer, so it’s going to charge you extra for this service, so it’s better to go to a local technician.
Where can I get a free AC check?
There are many places where you can get a free AC check. One place would be your local mechanic shop, or you can visit Pep Boys. Another option would be to call your insurance company and see if they offer discounts. You could also try looking online for some coupons or deals.
How long does it take for car AC to get cold after recharge?
The time required for the car AC to cool down after being recharged varies depending on the model. Some models require just a few hours, while others can take even a few days.
