mechanics.trade
Air conditioning regas and repair
Air conditioning slowly loses refrigerant gas through its seals, about a tenth a year even when nothing is wrong.
What air con regas means
A regas empties what is left, vacuum tests the system for leaks and refills it to the right weight. It also dries the air, which is why it clears a misted windscreen faster than heat alone.
What the job covers
- R134a and R1234yf regas
- Leak detection with UV dye or nitrogen
- Compressor and condenser replacement
- Pollen filter replacement
- Antibacterial cleanse of the system
When you might need it
- The air is not as cold as it used to be, or takes longer to cool the car.
- A musty smell when you first switch it on, which is usually the pollen filter or bacteria on the evaporator.
- The system takes a long time to clear a misted screen.
What it costs, and what changes the price
Typically £60 to £180.
- Which gas the car uses matters. Cars made from about 2017 use R1234yf, which costs several times more than the older R134a.
- A regas is a fixed job. Finding and fixing a leak is extra, and a garage should tell you if the system will not hold gas.
- An antibacterial clean is usually offered alongside and priced separately.
How long it takes
About an hour, including the vacuum test.
Common questions
How often should I have it regassed?
Every two years or so is typical. There is no legal requirement and no warning light, so it tends to be noticed only when it stops being cold.
Should I run the air conditioning in winter?
Running it now and then keeps the seals lubricated and the system healthy, and it clears a misted screen quickly.
Why does mine smell?
Damp collects on the evaporator behind the dashboard and bacteria grow on it. A clean and a new pollen filter usually sort it.