A typical AC repair service usually lasts three to four hours. However, it may take longer if the damage seems severe or if a particular AC component needs to be replaced. During the service, the mechanic has to do several procedures, such as: Removing the residual gas from the AC system.
Low refrigerant in the unit can be completed in just a couple hours. However, other issues can take much longer. For example, a broken compressor can take most of the day for a technician to fix. If there is broken ductwork, the project can actually take a few days to tackle.
The actual leak repair depends on the component that's leaking. A simple O-ring can cost just a few dollars plus labour, but a new air conditioning line or condenser can cost hundreds of dollars. All-in, you can expect to pay $150 to $1,000 or more for a leak repair.
Therefore, use a leak sealant to fix small leakage. This is a cost-effective, hassle-free and fast method to repair small and slow leakage. A leak sealant is added to the car air conditioning system and mixed with refrigerant on a low-pressure line to seal up the leakage.
If the system is still under warranty, most repairs are worth it. But if the warranty has expired or is invalid, repairing a leak can be very expensive. Plus, if it's out-of-warranty, chances are the unit has either been neglected or is too old to consider repairing.
Q: Can I drive my car if the AC is leaking refrigerant? A: While you can, it's not advised due to environmental concerns and potential damage to your AC system.
Freon Leak
A lack of cold air blowing through your vents could have a number of culprits, but the simplest and most common explanation is a lack of refrigerant. Many times, this is caused by a Freon leak due to a failed O-ring, seal or hose. Discovering these leaks early is important.
These can be costly to fix due to being challenging to get to and expensive to purchase. Refrigerant recovery is time-consuming, typically requiring three hours or more to service. All these things make servicing an automotive air conditioner something that is beyond the skill level of the average car owner.
Visit Your Local Jiffy Lube for All Your A/C Needs
Jiffy Lube uses parts that meet Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) specifications, so you can rest assured you're receiving quality service and parts.
AC repair costs can vary widely, depending on the cause of the problem and the type of vehicle. On average, car AC repair costs run between about $430 and $520.
It entails removing and disposing of any remaining refrigerant, disconnecting and removing the old compressor, installing the new one with proper fittings, and recharging with refrigerant. Add it all up and it typically takes four to six hours.
Rising Utility Bills
A year's worth of operation takes its toll on an air conditioner. This results in a decrease in efficiency of about 5% a year. And that will just keep adding up. So if you don't have maintenance done this year, by the end of the summer your AC unit will be running less efficiently.
If your car is old and broken down, and the price to fix it is towards the higher end of its value, then no. However, if your vehicle is still running well and you have no intention of trading it in for several years, replacing the compressor can breathe new life into your AC system and your ride as well.
While the refrigerant in your vehicle can escape even without a leak, it's often not enough to cause significant issues unless you've failed to top up the refrigerant for years. When the lack of refrigerant becomes significant though, it can cause a number of problems, including an overheating driver in the summer sun.
You see moisture or oil stains
Another sign that the AC in your car might be leaking is if you notice stains or moisture around the air conditioner. For instance, if you find oily-looking stains near the compressor, condenser, or hoses, you likely have a refrigerant leak on your hands. Refrigerants often appear oily.
The average cost of car A/C repair is between $384 and $445.
The most expensive part of an AC unit to replace and repair is the air compressor. Today, our AC Techs discuss everything you need to know about air compressors and why they are so expensive to repair!
Driving with a broken A/C compressor isn't ideal and can become unsafe if ignored. Every mechanism within your car is essential to your vehicle's overall efficacy and safety.
If you hear dripping near the air conditioner or see moisture around the HVAC unit, the AC may be in need of air conditioner repair. Although most leaks are easy to fix, they are not always easy to find. Consequently, you may not know the leak is happening until you notice water damage on the floor or in the walls.
A professional mechanic can identify the cause of the leak and perform the necessary repairs to get your AC system back to optimal performance. To prevent AC leaks from happening, it is crucial to have your AC system regularly serviced and maintained.
Most leaks begin as a “pinhole” leak, or a “champagne” leak. Many air conditioning experts call it a “champagne” leak because the freon begins to bubble at the source of the hole. Normally, this occurs at the location of the evaporator coil, but is not the only place a leak can stem from.
Can I still use my AC if it's leaking water? If your AC is leaking water, definitely turn it off.
If you own a brand new vehicle your refrigerant gas will last 3-5 years without you running into any major issues as long as you maintain a yearly car aircon service such as a 24-point diagnosis and Performance Check.
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.