In the UK, the average price to recharge your car's air conditioning is around £70.  

Air conditioning is essential for drivers, especially during the summer. It keeps you cool and improves the air quality inside your car. 

However, like any vehicle part, it requires maintenance and occasionally a recharge. This post covers air conditioning recharge costs in the UK, care tips, and the benefits of a recharge.

Key takeaways

• How much does car aircon cost to fix?
• Car air con repair cost by refrigerant type
• Car air con repair cost by car make
• Car air con repair cost by location
• How long does a car air con repair take?
• How do you know if your car air con needs regassing?
• How often should you get your car air con recharged?
• Is it worth getting your car air con regassed?
• How to maintain your car's air con
• Can you regas your car's air con yourself?

Car aircon regas: How much does it cost?

The average UK aircon regas costs £60-£80 but varies by car type, aircon age, and any leaks or repairs needed. 

Regular servicing and prompt repairs help keep costs down, and you can use car repair finance to take the strain off your bank balance. 

Aircon repair cost breakdown by refrigerant type

The refrigerant is the chemical that cools the air in your car’s air conditioning system. 

Different refrigerants have varying environmental impacts, availability, and handling requirements, which affect the cost of recharging your air conditioner.

Newer refrigerants, such as R1234yf, are more eco-friendly but typically cost more than the older R134a. Here’s a quick look at the costs:

Average air-con recharge costs by car make

Your car’s make can influence the average cost of an air-con regas. Below are estimated prices for popular car brands. 

Keep in mind these are averages and actual costs may vary.

Car air-con recharge costs by location

Air-con recharge prices can also vary depending on where you live. Cities often have higher costs compared to smaller towns due to differences in living expenses and garage rates.

The prices below are estimates and may vary depending on the garage and specific vehicle requirements.

How long does it take to do an air-con regas?

An air conditioning recharge usually takes 30 to 60 minutes. Time may vary depending on your car, the age of the unit, and if any leaks or repairs are needed before recharging.

How do you know if your car air-con needs regassing?

There are a few signs to watch out for if you think your air-con unit might need recharging.

• If your car's air conditioning isn't blowing as cool as it used to
• Your car is taking longer to cool down than it used to
• A strange smell when you turn the AC on
• A weird noise that starts when you have the air-con turned on.

If you're experiencing any of these symptoms then it might be time to take your car to a garage.

How often should you get your air conditioning recharged?

It’s best to recharge your air conditioning every 2-3 years. If you spot any warning signs, have a professional check it promptly to avoid bigger issues.

Is an air-con regas the same as recharging? 

Yes, an air-con regas and an air-con recharge mean the same thing. Both terms refer to refilling your car’s air conditioning system with refrigerant to keep it working properly.

Is it worth getting air-con regassed?

Yes, it is worth it. Recharging your car’s air conditioning improves air quality, boosts fuel efficiency, and makes driving more comfortable. It also helps your engine last longer by reducing the effort needed to keep your car cool.

How to maintain your car aircon

To help your air conditioning unit last as long as possible, proper care is essential. There are three main ways to maintain it:

• Clean regularly with a damp cloth or special cleaner
• Get a professional service every 2-3 years
• Check for leaks and other issues during service

Can you regas your car air-con yourself?

While you can recharge your air conditioning unit at home, it’s not recommended unless you have plenty of car experience. 

Refrigerant gases can be hazardous and may damage your engine if handled incorrectly. It’s safest to leave aircon recharges to the professionals.

Conclusion

In short, regular care and occasional recharges keep your car’s aircon working well, so you stay cool and comfortable all summer long. You’ll thank yourself if a heatwave hits!

Split the cost with Bumper 

Need to repair your aircon? Facing a last-minute car repair?

With Bumper's car repair finance you can split the cost of repairs into monthly payments at no extra cost. 

Apply online for up to £5,000 and choose from 1,000s of trusted repairers.