Why It's Time To Get Your Air Con recharged

There are few better feelings than cool, crisp air conditioning on a hot day. But, if your car’s air con is blowing warm or taking ages to cool down, you might have a problem with your system.

Over time, your car’s air con naturally loses refrigerant, and can start to perform at a lower standard. If you’re noticing unpleasant smells or strange noises coming from your AC when it’s running, it’s likely time to book in for an air con recharge (or “regas”).

But recharging your air con doesn’t just help keep your cabin cool and comfortable - it can also improve your fuel economy, and extend the lifespan of your air con components. Read on to learn more about when it’s time to get your air con recharged, and the benefits a regas will bring.

When should you get your air con recharged?

You should consider booking your car in for an air con regas or free air con health check with a trusted expert like Kwik Fit if …

• Your air isn’t blowing cold. You notice a significant drop in how cool your air con feels, and how long it takes to reach a cool temperature. 
• It’s been over two years since your last recharge. Typically, air con systems require a regas every two years to stay in good working order. 
• Demisting your windows takes longer than usual. Your air con can be used to demist your windscreen and windows; if this takes longer, your aircon is likely experiencing reduced performance. 
• You notice a musty smell. Any unpleasant smells coming from your air con may indicate reduced performance or low refrigerant levels, signalling the need for an air con debug.
• The air flow feels weaker. A blower that feels weaker than usual might be working overtime in the background to compensate for low refrigerant.
• You can’t remember the last time you recharged your air con. Air con maintenance is often overlooked, but vital.

Why get your air con recharged?

Topping up your car’s air con with new refrigerant not only benefits you and your passengers in the form of strong, cool airflow, but it can also have a positive effect on other areas of your car too.

Cool air and comfort when you need it most

Many drivers only discover that their air conditioning isn’t up to scratch when they need it the most — be it stuck in traffic on a scorching day or heading off on a road trip when it’s warm out.  Avoid this discomfort and the shock of warm air coming from your vents by getting your air con regassed well before the heat waves hit. 

Air conditioning is not a standard part of the MOT or Service

Many drivers assume that their air con is checked during their annual MOT or Service — but this is not the case. The MOT test ensures your vehicle is in a roadworthy condition but does not cover the air con system, since this is not critical to the safe running of the vehicle. 

While you can opt for an air conditioning recharge during your annual service, our research shows that only 1 in 10 drivers opt for this additional extra. As such, air conditioning systems in cars everywhere are neglected from regular checkups and maintenance, providing all the more reason to book in for a regular air con regas.

Aire con is only effective for around two years

In-car air con systems need refrigerant, also referred to as gas, to continue working effectively, but around 10% of air con gas permeates through the system each year. Over time, you’ll start to feel the effects of this loss of gas, and your air conditioning won’t be blowing as cold as it used to. That’s why vehicle manufacturers recommend recharging your air con system with gas and lubricant every two years.

Regassing increases fuel efficiency

When your air con refrigerant is low, your air conditioning system will start to blow warmer air into the cabin. As it struggles to cool the air, your car’s air con system will be working harder in an attempt to produce cold air. This extra effort places greater strain on the vehicle’s engine, causing it to use more fuel in the process. 

Recharging your air con and replenishing refrigerant levels helps take the strain off the engine, bringing down your fuel consumption levels.

Year-round value

Air conditioning isn’t just for hot, sunny days. As we explain in our blog ‘Can I Use My Car’s Air Con In Winter’, there are plenty of uses for air con beyond just keeping you cool from May to September.

Your air con can be used to rapidly demist your windscreen by producing dry, warm air. So, if you’re struggling to see where you’re going, using your air con is the quickest way to clear your windscreen and ensure maximum visibility. Turning your air conditioning on during winter also ensures the system doesn’t dry out, and will continue to work effectively when you need it most the following summer.

Protects your air con components

Making sure your air con system is topped up with the correct levels of refrigerant is critical for protecting your air con components against wear and tear. Vital parts like the compressor can get worn over the time if internal pressures are incorrect and the system is not well-lubricated. A simple regas avoids costly future repairs.

Retain your car's resale value

Having an air con system that’s fully functioning and in good working order not only improves your comfort, but can help maintain your vehicle’s resale value. Many buyers will ask about the condition of a car’s air con system, so keeping yours functioning at a high quality may help to add a few pounds to your car’s value when it comes to selling or trading it in.

Car air con recharge at Kwik Fit

At Kwik Fit, we offer a complete car air conditioning recharge service at more than 600 centres across the UK. No appointment is usually necessary, but you can book your air con recharge online beforehand too for ease.

Recharge or no charge at Kwik Fit

Unfortunately, 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 Kwik Fit, 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 staff can also help to diagnose problems with your air con system should your system not hold its charge.

*Please note if the ambient temperature around 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%.

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