How much does it Cost to Regas Car Air Conditioning?
Car air conditioning is an essential feature for drivers, especially during summer months when temperatures can reach sweltering levels. Over time, car air conditioning systems can lose their effectiveness and require recharging, commonly referred to as a regas.
While a regular car service will check for obvious faults which may be associated with the air conditioning system, such as drive belt tension, visible leaks, loose or faulty compressor, and condensers, it is good practice to have a comprehensive air conditioning service
Car air conditioners not only keep you cool during Summer, but they also remove humidity from the cabin, which can be handy in the winter to counteract a foggy windscreen. In this article, we will discuss how much car air conditioning regas costs, including the options of workshop and mobile services.
Table of Contents
What is a Car Air Conditioning Regas?
Before we delve into the cost of car air conditioning regas, it’s important to understand what a regas is. Air conditioning systems in cars use refrigerant gas to cool the air that’s circulated through the cabin. Over time, the refrigerant can leak or evaporate, leading to a decrease in the effectiveness of the air conditioning system.
A car air conditioning regas involves replenishing the refrigerant gas in the system to restore the system’s cooling power.
Cost of Car Air Conditioning Regas
The cost of a car air conditioning regas can vary depending on several factors, including location, the type of service provider, and the type of refrigerant gas used. Below are the average costs of a car air conditioning regas:
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Workshop Regas Services:
Workshops are a common option for car air conditioning regas. The average cost for a workshop regas ranges from $180 to $254. This price includes a full diagnostic & inspection check and a recharge of the refrigerant gas.
If further repairs and replacements are needed you will receive a quote to fix the problem.
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Mobile Regas Services:
Mobile car air conditioning regas services are becoming more popular as they provide added convenience for drivers. The average cost for mobile services ranges from $225 to $290. This price includes a full diagnostic check, recharge of the refrigerant gas, and the convenience of having the service provider come to your location.
However, mobile services may charge extra for travel expenses depending on your location.
These prices may vary throughout regions, towns, and cities so it’s always best to call your local car air conditioning expert to receive up-to-date costings for car ac regas.
Note: If the service provider doesn’t offer a full inspection and diagnosis of the system first, DO NOT use them. It’s illegal to regas a system if it has a potential leak, so a full inspection is mandatory.
Can I get a Cheap Regas?
It’s possible that you’ve come across advertisements offering a regas for just $99, but don’t let yourself be deceived. While these prices may have been reasonable 5-10 years ago, the quality of service associated with such prices has declined significantly today. Opting for a cheap car air conditioning regassing service may appear appealing, but it’s crucial to exercise caution when selecting a service provider based solely on price.
There are several reasons why it’s advisable to avoid cheap car air con regassing services, which are as follows:
1. Quality of Service:
Cheap service providers may not have the necessary skills, experience, or equipment to provide a quality service. This could result in ineffective air conditioning, which can lead to discomfort and frustration while driving.
2. Use of Cheap or Substandard Refrigerant Gas:
Some cheap service providers may use cheaper, lower-quality refrigerant gas to cut costs. This can result in decreased performance and even damage to your car’s air conditioning system. It’s important to ensure that the refrigerant gas used is of the correct type and quality for your car’s system.
3. Lack of Diagnostic Checks:
Cheap service providers may skip important diagnostic checks before performing the regas, which can lead to bigger problems down the road. It’s important to have a full diagnostic check performed to identify any underlying issues before proceeding with a regas.
4. Lack of Warranty:
Cheap service providers may not offer a warranty or guarantee for their services, which can leave you vulnerable if any issues arise after the regas.
Check out our article “why you should avoid cheap car aircon regas service providers“, which goes into much more depth.
Conclusion
Car air conditioning regas is essential for keeping your car cool during hot weather. The cost of a regas can vary depending on the type of service provider and location. It’s important to research and compares prices before choosing a service provider to ensure you’re getting a fair price. Regular maintenance of your car’s air conditioning system can also prevent the need for a regas.
Whether you choose a workshop or mobile service, regassing your car’s air conditioning is a necessary expense for keeping comfortable on the road.