Repair Advice

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How Much Does It Cost To Regas Car Aircon?

November 15, 2024

Quick Summary:

Regassing your car’s air conditioning system typically costs between $200-$250 for a mobile service, depending on the size of your vehicle, with higher costs for trucks or older models using rare refrigerants. This price often includes a full inspection, leak detection, and complimentary gas refill if needed. Factors like car size, refrigerant type, and optional add-ons such as AC sanitisation or cabin filter replacement can influence the final cost.

Keeping your car’s air conditioning in top shape is a must, especially during the scorching Aussie summers. But if your aircon’s suddenly not blowing as cool as it should, it might be time for a regas. An aircon regas not only restores that refreshing cold air but also keeps your system working efficiently.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about air con regassing – what to expect, why prices vary, and what we charge here at ASAP Roadworthys for different vehicle types. Whether you’re driving a compact car or a large truck, we’ll explain the factors that can influence the price, from vehicle size to refrigerant quality, so you’ll know exactly what to budget for.

So, How Much Can You Expect To Pay For An AC Regas?

So, if you suspect your aircon is low on gas we recommend you book in a mobile aircon inspection. This will range from $200-$250 depending on the size of your car (or more for a truck). During the inspection, we’ll take a look at your system and work out exactly what the issue is. Topping up gas without first checking if there’s a leak is not just bad practice, it’s also against the law in Australia because it is so bad for the environment.

Sometimes, the fix is as simple as a quick top-up of gas. Other times, low gas might signal a leak or another issue in the system. The cost to fix aircon can vary depending on what we find, so it’s helpful to keep that in mind. We always make sure we understand the root problem before we start regassing, so we know any repair we do will last.

Here’s the good news: if all you need is a regas, we include complimentary gas in the inspection cost, so there’s no extra fee for the gas itself.

Now, if we do find a problem that needs repairs, these are usually best handled at the workshop.

Once everything’s sorted, if you’re ready for a mobile regas, we’ll only charge an $88 flat fee, with complimentary gas included. Easy and convenient!

Summary of Aircon Regas Cost at ASAP Roadworthys

Here’s a detailed breakdown of our prices to make it easier for you.

Mobile Aircon Inspection

Includes call-out fee and Ac inspection (complimentary gas)

Small car: $200
Medium car: $225
Large car (e.g., van): $250
Truck: $330

Mobile Aircon Regas

If you required repairs on your first AC Diagnostic inspection and it is now ready for the technician to regas (complimentary gas)

Flat fee of $88

Breakdown Of The Cost Of AC Regas

To help you understand the cost of your AC regas, it helps to think about everything that price includes.

Labour: Regassing an AC system involves more than just topping up the gas—it includes checking for leaks, vacuuming out any old refrigerant, and refilling the system to the correct levels.
- Labour costs reflect not just the time spent, but also the expertise and experience of the technician. When you pay for a regas, you’re not only covering the hours worked but also the skill and knowledge of a professional who can complete the task efficiently.

Refrigerant cost: The refrigerant itself makes up a significant part of the cost. R134a, commonly used in older cars, is less expensive, while R1234yf (for most cars made after 2017) is pricier due to its more eco-friendly formulation and complex production process. R22 or Freon (for cars pre-1995) is the most expensive.
Equipment and overheads: Specialised equipment is required to safely handle refrigerants and ensure your AC system is properly sealed and pressurised. This includes the tools and diagnostics to check for leaks and measure the exact amount of refrigerant needed.
Callout costs: As a mechanic mobile service, our fees include the time and petrol it takes for the inspector to get to you.

The cost of regassing an aircon may seem expensive at first glance, but when you consider everything it includes its actually a very fair price. And don’t forget, the regas can last you anywhere from a year to five years, so you’re going to get a lot of bang for your buck.

What Factors Change The Cost Of An AC Regas?

You might notice that aircon regas prices can vary quite a bit depending on the mechanic you go to and even from one customer to the next. There are a few reasons why these prices aren’t always the same, and understanding these can help you get the best value for your service.

Here’s a breakdown of the main factors that influence the cost of an aircon regas.

Age of the car

Average cost of AC regas for vintage cars

So, the thing with vintage cars is that they usually run on a special type of gas that costs a lot more, so expect to pay a premium for the gas. But the good news is that the inspection price should always stay the same.

To help you understand why your gas might cost more, it’s important to know that if your car was manufactured before 1995, it’s likely the aircon system operates using Freon gas (also called R22). The importation of Freon gas into Australia is actually being severely limited as it is very bad for the environment.

Nowadays, most modern air con systems run on a new substitute called Puron. The issue is that you can’t just replace one with the other, you actually need to fit a whole new system to make the switch to Puron.

So, when a vintage car needs a regas, the cost of sourcing the Freon from the scarce supply can cost a fortune, and in the long run you may be better off just replacing the system. This will be especially true in a few years time, as Australian Freon imports will be banned entirely in 2030.

Mobile or in mechanic workshop

Convenience often comes with a small added cost. If you’re opting for a mobile aircon regas service (like we offer at ASAP Roadworthys), there may be a slight surcharge, especially if we’re travelling a fair distance.

That said, many of our customers appreciate the convenience of having us come to them, especially when it saves the hassle of heading to a workshop. You can go about your normal routine, and we’ll meet you at home or work to get the work done.

Size of car

Like I mentioned at the start, at ASAP we charge for aircon regas based on the size of your car. Larger vehicles naturally require more refrigerant, making them a bit more costly to service. Here’s a recap of our pricing based on vehicle size:

Small car ($200): Compact cars like hatchbacks and small sedans.
Medium car ($225): Midsize sedans, small SUVs, and crossover vehicles
Large car ($250): Bigger vehicles like full-sized SUVs, 4WDs, and vans
Truck: $330

Ease of access to the system

Some air conditioning systems are tricky to service, especially older, european or luxury ones. That means they require additional work to remove panels or components to access the system.

For these vehicles, the extra labour can mean a slight increase in cost, but it ensures the job is done right without causing any damage to the surrounding components.

Experience of the inspector

Just like any service, the expertise of the technician plays a big role. The biggest risk when regassing an aircon is that if the inspector doesn’t use the correct gas, your whole system will need to be replaced.

An experienced inspector will not only handle the regas efficiently but also identify any potential issues with the system – like minor leaks or worn parts – that could cost you more if left unaddressed.

Our team at ASAP Roadworthys has years of hands-on experience, meaning you’re in good hands with technicians who know what they’re looking for and get it right the first time.

Add-ons

When getting an AC regas, there are a few add-ons that can also change the cost. These optional services are designed to keep your air conditioning system running at its best and can improve air quality and efficiency.

AC sanitisation

AC sanitisation is an additional service that involves cleaning and disinfecting your air conditioning system. Over time, dust, bacteria, and mould can build up in the system, which can affect air quality and cause unpleasant odours.

Sanitising your AC helps to remove these contaminants, ensuring clean, fresh air and preventing any potential health issues. This service can be added during the regas for a more thorough maintenance process.

Cabin filter replacement

The cabin filter is responsible for trapping dust, dirt, and allergens from entering the cabin of your car. A clogged or dirty cabin filter can reduce airflow and lead to unpleasant odours or even strain the AC system.

Replacing the cabin filter during your regas helps keeps the air clean in your car. If your filter hasn’t been replaced in a while, this is something I’d recommend you.

AC stop leak

If your AC system has a refrigerant leak, the gas will continue to drain out until you get it fixed (and your aircon will stay warm, sadly). If you can’t get the repair done right away, AC stop leak is an additive that can help seal small leaks in the system temporarily.

While it doesn’t replace the need for professional repair, it can be a quick fix to get your system running properly again and extend its life until you can get a proper fix.

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Key Points

Hopefully this has cleared up any confusion you had about your aircon issues. Just remember that the general price for a mobile inspection is around $200-$300 and should include a full diagnostic on the system to work out if low gas is the actual problem. The price can depend on your type of car, your location and the quality of the gas.

If you’re wanting to book a mobile aircon inspection, just get in touch with us!