How Much Does it Cost to Repair Car AC?

This is all thanks to car heaters and air conditioning (AC) which when they are working help us really enjoy our driving experience. The trouble is though as with all things automotive parts can break and things like AC can fail us.

In this article we are looking specifically at the issues that affect air conditioning, what they are, how they are fixed and importantly how much it is going to cost. The AC doesn’t have to be working for the car to be driven but at times you will find you really need it to be comfortable.

Signs That Your Car AC Has a Problem

You probably assume that there is only one very obvious indication that your AC system may not be performing as well as it should. Well yes, there is one big indicator but there are several other signs as well that you may notice as readily.

The Cabin Does Not Cool Down

So here’s the obvious one, if your AC is not working then your cabin temperature will not cool down as fast or at all when compared to normal. A lack of cold air from the vents is an obvious indication that the unit is not cooling the air.

Strange Smells

If you smell musty or mechanical odors when you are running the AC this can be a sign of issues with the system that may if they are not already cause it to not work as well. This could indicate mold and mildew growth in the system or potential parts wearing out.

Sounds

You can sometimes actually hear sounds that indicate your AC may be struggling to function correctly. You may hear a grinding or squealing sound while running the AC which may be a sign of parts starting to fail and being in need of replacement.

Damaged Hoses

If you have the ability to recognize the hoses that are part of the AC system you may be able to physically see damage to these parts when you look under the hood. There may be other obviously broken parts that you notice as well.

Ideas for Preventative Maintenance

People overlook the concept of AC maintenance. We know about oil changes and tune ups but we seldom give thought to these comfort systems. There are a number of very easy things we can do regularly to help keep the AC system working well and avoid it breaking down on us prematurely.

Run It Regularly

As with many things in the car if we let the AC sit unused for long periods things can start to go wrong with it. It is advised that at least once a week you should run the AC system for at least 10 minutes at the highest speed and coldest setting.

This helps to maintain the gas pressure in the system and ensures that when you really need it that the system is ready for you. Although the system is effectively sealed this does not prevent leaks and the pressure can decrease making for a weaker cooling effect.

Use Defrost Mode

This may seem odd but running defrost mode for five minutes each week even when it is not cold out will help remove moisture from the AC system. This in turn helps to reduce the growth of mold and mildew.

Yes, Run It in Winter

You probably read the first suggestion in this list and thought, “Surely not in the winter?” but yes we do mean run it every week. In the winter months running the system for 10 minutes once a week helps the gas pressure and it also removes moisture from the cabin air.

Regular Recharging

Air conditioning relies on freon gas which helps to cool the air. This gas over time can leak out meaning that you need to recharge the system. This will involve adding freon back into the system. Not only does this replenish the cooling power but it helps protect the compressor.

It is suggested that every 12 – 24 months you should have the system recharged. This should be adequate to keep things working well. If it does not there may be an issue that needs to be fixed such as leak allowing you to lose freon more quickly.

How Much Does AC Repair Cost?

There are a number of elements to the AC system that may be at fault if it begins to stop working. As a result the cost of a repair can vary greatly depending on the issue. On average an AC repair can range between $10 - $1,000 depending on what the fault may be.

AC System Leak

We mentioned that AC systems can develop a leak so the issue may simply be a lack of refrigerant in the system. This is most often the cheapest and easiest repair to take care of. If you have the right gauges to test the system pressure and the ability to recharge your AC system this can be done quickly and should cost very little.

A can of freon costs less than $10 and if you are confident to perform this yourself then that is pretty much all it will cost. If however the system does not hold the recharge then there is likely a bad leak somewhere in the system which must be fixed first.

Hoses and clamps may have worn out allowing refrigerant to leak out. Generally speaking from a well closed AC system no more than an ounce of freon should be able to escape over the space of a year.

A more extensive issue will be harder to fix and may need the help of a mechanic. If you know what you are doing however you may be able to introduce a special UV dye to the system that will help you locate the leak. This may allow you to purchase and replace the broken parts yourself.

It is important to locate and repair all leaks before attempting to recharge the AC system again. This could be as simple as a cheap O-ring or may require a part that costs hundreds of dollars.

Clogged Cabin Filter

This is another cheap and easy fix which in the best case scenario may fix your issue. If your cabin's air filter is blocked it can actually prevent the cooling air from getting in as it should. As a result you may feel the AC is struggling when it actually is not.

Many oil change places check this filter and will often replace it for a small charge. You can of course buy a new one yourself and easily replace the old unit. You will find out how to do this from your owner's manual.

On average this filter should be replaced every 15,000 – 30,000 miles and the part ranges from $10 - $25 to buy depending on the vehicle you have.

Faulty AC Compressor

If it’s not a filter or a leak then one of the most common mechanical causes is the compressor. If this part fails then the system will no longer be able to produce cold air. This is not an easy repair and the average person is not going to be able to fix this issue.

A replacement part costs between $100 - $250 so after labor costs with a mechanic you may end up paying between $250 - $750 to fix this problem.

Other Mechanical Parts

There are several other mechanical parts in the AC system apart from the compressor. These parts are less likely to be the problem but they may be at fault. This can include parts such as the condenser, evaporator or blower motor to be the problem.

These mechanical elements usually need specific tools to repair or replace so most people won't be able to make these repairs at home. Depending on what is wrong and how many parts are affected this could mean a repair bill with a mechanic of over $1,000.

Conclusion

The AC system is only really important as a comfort system which helps cool your vehicle's cabin down on hot days. There are steps we can take to help keep it in good working order but when it breaks it can be an expensive repair.

Sometimes we can fix issues ourselves with a little know how but often we will need a professional with expertise with these systems.

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