Cost to Have Car AC Recharged
The climate control system in your car is a complex machine that does more than just blow cool air into the cabin on hot days. Known as the HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) system it changes refrigerant from gas to liquid, then moves it through a series of hoses and components before it reaches the evaporator to cool your passenger compartment. But over time, the system is prone to leaking and will require a professional to clean out the old refrigerant and restore proper pressure before the refrigerant can be refilled.
The problem is, while you can save money by doing the recharge at home yourself, it’s not as simple as opening a can of refrigerant and following instructions on the label. In fact, these DIY recharging kits can do more harm than good. Most of these at-home recharging kits contain stop leak compounds, which are meant to plug small leaks as the refrigerant and compressor oil run through the system. But these compounds can also clog the compressor and other AC components if too much is added. Plus, hybrid and electric cars use a different type of compressor that requires a special kind of seal conditioner that is often incompatible with the chemicals found in most ac car recharge kit.
Another issue with the DIY kits is that they often overfill the AC system with refrigerant. This is not good for the ozone layer or your wallet, as you’ll be buying more refrigerant than necessary. It can also damage the AC clutch and hoses if too much is added, and it can cause corrosion on the metal components of the system. To avoid this, be sure to use a complete set of manifold gauges, which monitor both the high and low side pressures of the AC system. These are available for purchase or rent at most auto parts stores and can help you avoid overcharging the system.
How Much Does it Cost to Have Car AC Recharged?
Lastly, many DIY recharging kits don’t include the proper tools to do the job. In particular, you’ll need a manifold gauge set to correctly locate the LO (low) and HI (high) ports on the compressor. Using the wrong port can damage the compressor clutch, o-rings and other components.
A professional mechanic will first use the manifold gauges to evacuate and service your AC system, then they will fill it with fresh refrigerant at the correct rate. They will also visually inspect the cooling system for a leak, then run a fluorescent dye through the system to more easily find the location of the leak and fix it.
If you’re a competent DIYer, an at-home ac recharge kit can be an excellent way to get your car’s AC working again in no time. Just make sure that you’re using a properly formulated R-134a refrigerant and not the more dangerous R-1234yf refrigerant used in hybrids and electric vehicles. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully, and be sure to consult your owner’s manual for specifics on the AC system in your vehicle.