The good news is that recharging your air conditioning system is a relatively simple process — but it's essential to do this regularly. It's recommended that you recharge the air conditioning in your car every two years, to keep the cooling power at its highest. This keeps the refrigerant loss to around 14%.
One of the most obvious signs that your vehicle needs a Freon recharge is that your vehicle will be blowing warm air, even after your vehicle has been running for some time. If your refrigerant gets too low, there will simply not be enough “coolant” to cool the air as it is passed through your evaporator coil.
An AC leak will lead to warmer air from your vents over time. In most cases this can be fixed with a proven stop leak additive to seal up any leaks. When it's time for an AC recharge, turn to AutoZone.
The average cost of a car AC recharge can range from $100 to $300, depending on the vehicle and location.
Refrigerant can leak slowly from your car's air conditioning system over time, but recharging your car's air conditioning system so it once again blows cold air is an easy DIY task and takes just about 15 minutes.
Before releasing the refrigerant into the port, turn on the vehicle and turn the AC on to its max temperature.
Your vehicle's air-conditioning not working is likely caused by a failing compressor or a freon leak. While these are the most obvious reasons for your air-conditioning not working inside your vehicle, it might be anything as simple as a bad belt or a dirty cabin air filter.
Freon is contained within your vehicle's AC system, as in completely confined within, so Freon's loss isn't through consumption but through leaks that eventually develop within hoses and connections.
Warm Air from the Vents
If the compressor is fine, it will push cold air into the cabin of your vehicle. If you begin to notice warm or even hot air coming out of the vents, this is a clear indication that the compressor is not functioning properly.
Take note of the strength of the air that blows out of your AC vents. If you notice weak or low airflow, this could likely mean you're running low on refrigerant. Be sure to rule out any other potential causes before recharging your refrigerant.
Recharge kits often leave behind water in the lines that can deteriorate parts of your air conditioning system. It corrodes metal and can fill the system with sludge. Many recharge kits act as a stop-leak sealer. The sealer can interfere with your AC system components like the compressor and the hoses.
If your car's air conditioner is blowing hot air, it could be caused by a few different things. The most common culprits are low refrigerant levels or blocked vents. Low refrigerant can be due to a leak in the system that needs to be repaired, or the system simply not being charged properly.
The cost of recharging your car's AC can vary based on whether you choose a DIY approach or professional service. A professional AC recharge typically ranges from $150 to $300. This cost reflects the expertise required and the equipment used to ensure a proper recharge.
One of the most obvious symptoms of low Freon levels is if your air conditioner is blowing warm or room temperature air. As we discussed, the air conditioning system in your vehicle operates by circulating this pressurized refrigerant. When the amount drops too low, it eventually affects performance.
There are a number of reasons why your air conditioner might be running but not cooling. It could be an issue with the thermostat, the compressor, or the evaporator coils. Or, it could simply be clogged with dust and debris, which is preventing it from working properly.
How long does an air-con recharge take? The Car Air Conditioning recharge process takes about 45-60 minutes to completely remove the old gas and refill with fresh refrigerant.
Your car heater and AC can drain your battery too. But that doesn't mean you shouldn't use them. Make sure they're turned off while the engine isn't running.
We offer an air conditioning regas service from £69.95. The vast majority of cars on the road in the UK use one of two types of refrigerant - R134A and R1234YF. If your air conditioning system requires R134A gas the cost to recharge £69.95.
If the loss of refrigerant is a chronic, ongoing issue, have your car's AC system serviced by a professional technician at a dealership or repair shop. Keeping your vehicle in solid working order helps retain its value. By maintaining your vehicle, it helps if you ever need to sell or trade it in for a new one.
Freon removes heat from a car's cabin, whereas coolant removes heat from the engine. Freon switches between being in a gaseous and liquid state, whereas coolant remains a liquid throughout its process. Coolant will not affect your A/C temperature. Freon will not cool your engine.