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.
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%.
Typically, your car's AC system will require freon replacement every 3 to 5 years, depending on usage and maintenance. Understanding Freon replacement and its lifespan is important for maintaining your vehicle's cooling efficiency and your comfort during drives.
Automotive air conditioning systems are closed refrigerant systems. Unlike engine oil, coolant, or brake fluid, automotive refrigerant gas doesn't ``wear out'' or ``go bad;'' it does not need to be replaced unless there is a leak, or one of the components fails (usually accompanied by a leak) and requires replacement.
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.
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.
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. On the other hand, a DIY recharge kit costs between $40 and $60. While this is a more affordable option, it requires careful handling to avoid issues.
One of the only problems that affects your unused AC is a buildup of dust in your system or an accumulation of debris outside.
Freon (which is really just a particular brand of refrigerant) lasts forever. It's not like gas in car; it does not get “used up.” You see, your air conditioner's refrigerant system is a “closed/sealed system,” meaning that it does not allow refrigerant to escape in any way.
R-12 Freon: Vehicles Manufactured Before 1995
The 1987 Montreal Protocol required automotive manufacturers to discontinue their use of this refrigerant by the end of the 1994 model year—though the phase-out officially began in 1993.
The answer is that Freon should last forever unless you have a leaking system. Contrary to popular belief, units shouldn't need to be recharged every year. Many customers call our office because their AC system isn't working as it should.
Over time, These Pressurized Systems Begin To Leak!
As with any mechanical system, time is an enemy. As leaks begin to develop in the air conditioning system, the refrigerant (Freon) and/or the pressure levels of the system begin to drop.
Residential Air Conditioner Freon Refill Cost
Most homeowners will pay in the range of $200 to $400 for a refill, depending on the type and size of their HVAC unit. If you own a larger r22 unit, you may have to spend $600 or more. To break this down for you, a 25lbs unit of r410A costs anything between $100 and $175.
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.
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.
Depending on the age and make of your vehicle, it can leak refrigerant at a rate of half an ounce to two ounces a year. A typical vehicle holds about 28 to 32 ounces of refrigerant so it'll take some time for this loss to result in significant problems for your A/C.
In this case the answer is mostly good news for homeowners. Modern air conditioners are meant to run for years, often running daily for months at a time. As long as the AC receives regular seasonal maintenance and is in good working condition when it's shut down, you should have no trouble when you turn it back on.
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 recharge is the process of adding refrigerant to your car's air conditioning system. Most auto manufacturers suggest getting an AC recharge every two years – at least for older vehicles that use the refrigerant Freon.
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. However, if you need a new compressor, you can expect to spend $1,300 to $2,500 or more.
If all that's needed is to have your system charged, the team at Jiffy Lube® can perform this service for you. They will remove the old refrigerant, vacuum test the system, and recharge your air conditioner with the right refrigerant.
Before releasing the refrigerant into the port, turn on the vehicle and turn the AC on to its max temperature.
Most cars hold between 28 and 32 ounces of refrigerant (or about 2—3 12oz cans), however larger vehicles and those with rear A/C will likely hold more. Check your vehicle manual for the system capacity for your specific vehicle.