5 Reasons To Get An Air Con Recharge: Cost + Advantages

Depending on your vehicle, the air conditioning system in place, and the coolant you need, an air con recharge cost may vary between £30 and £200. With cold winters, and reasonably mild autumn and spring seasons, you may wonder if it's worth skipping an AC recharge for summer. After all, that would save time and money, wouldn't it?

In truth, there are advantages to regassing your air con beyond the simple change in temperature. From lowering your fuel costs to lengthening your AC's lifespan and improving your driving abilities, investing in a regass every 1-2 years can pay off in the long-run.

Here are 5 reasons why you should get your air con recharged – and how the benefits can impact you year-round.

Regassing Increases Fuel Efficiency

When refrigerant is low, the air conditioning system will start to blow warmer air into the cabin. This goes against its primary function, however, so it will still endeavour to cool down this air.

As it struggles to do so, it will draw more power from the engine to compensate, and the engine will then burn more fuel to accommodate that. This means less fuel efficiency overall, and a greater price tag at the pump.

Air Con Improves Windscreen Visibility In The Winter

Air conditioning isn't just for hot, sunny days; it has uses on the coldest days of winter. Your AC can be used to rapidly demist your windscreen by producing warmer, dry air.

This clears the windscreen and maintains your visibility on foggy or icy days, so you can drive safely. Likewise, it can also save you time defrosting the car in the morning before you take it out.

As a bonus, turning your air con on during winter ensures the system doesn't dry out and will continue to work effectively when you need it the following summer.

Regular Recharging Improves The AC's Lifespan

An air con system loses its refrigerant over time, which can dampen its effectiveness. If you wait too long to recharge it, this can lead to the system overworking and potentially burning itself out. That can reduce its overall lifespan from decades to just a few years.

In this situation, when you do have it regassed, it may require additional repairs or even replacements in order to function properly again.

Regular maintenance not only keeps your air con at peak performance; it also saves you money in upkeep. That's why vehicle manufacturers recommend recharging your air con system with gas and lubricant every two years.

Quality Air Conditioning Improves The Value Of Your Car

An air con system that is faulty, in disrepair, or non-functional will bring down the overall value of your car. Buyers may insist on paying less for a car that needs repairs or replacements on the AC, especially with summers getting hotter each year.

At the minimum, you may need to have the AC serviced before you can sell it at an appropriate markup, and the less maintained the air con is, the more expensive this will be. Visiting a garage like Autofusion on a routine basis for a regas ensures that your AC is checked over and maintained properly with each visit. This not only improves its lifespan, but ensures your car is kept in better condition overall.

Cooler Temperatures Mean Better Focus And Comfort During Hot Summers

A hot car is uncomfortable for drivers and passengers alike, but it can also be a hazard to road safety. Depending on the intensity of the summer, and the amount of heat trapped in the car, the rising temperatures can negatively affect the driver's concentration.

Dizziness, headaches, delayed reaction times, and lack of focus are all symptoms of heat exposure. Even drivers who feel they can tolerate the uncomfortable temperatures may still have their driving abilities impacted. The hotter it gets, the more dangerous this becomes.

A functioning air con system will bring the temperatures down to a manageable degree, even if you don't use the AC to make it chilly and welcoming. Regassing the system yearly can ensure it does this quickly and efficiently, so pleasant cabin temperatures are easier to maintain.

Recharge Or No Charge At Autofusion

Air conditioning systems are prone to leaks, and if you're unlucky enough to have one, the refrigerant will escape and your air conditioning won't stay cold, even when recharged. That's why at Autofusion, we offer a "recharge or no charge" guarantee.

If we can't improve the coolest vent temperature from your car by more than 10% when measured in degrees Celsius, then you pay nothing at all or receive a full refund for prepaid bookings*. Our centre's staff can also diagnose problems with your air con system, should it not hold its charge.

At Autofusion, we offer a complete AC recharge service at our centres across the U.K. No appointment is necessary, and you can book your air con recharge online.

*Please note that if the ambient temperature in the car is less than 9 degrees Celsius, it may affect the results of the air con recharge test results. In these circumstances, it is at the manager's discretion whether to offer a refund with results less than 10%.