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how much to repair air conditioner in car

by Faye Cormier Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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But on average, you can expect to pay these prices for auto AC system repairs:

  • Anywhere from $170 to $730 for minor AC compressor repairs and anywhere from $1,000 to $4,000 for major AC compressor repairs
  • Somewhere between $100 and $140 for a car AC recharge
  • About $500 for auto AC hose repair and replacement
  • Between $200 and $750 for car AC compressor clutch repair and replacement

Full Answer

How much does it cost to recharge a car air conditioner?

These costs are generally not that expensive when considering that this maintenance also extends the life of your compressor, keeping your air conditioning performing optimally season after season. A professional AC recharge cost ranges from $150 - $300 on average depending on the make and model of your vehicle.

How much does it cost to repair auto air conditioning?

This generally includes replacing a few parts like hoses, sensors, or either the compressor or condenser. CostHelper readers report paying $171-$727 for minor air conditioning repairs, at an average cost of $488. Extensive auto air conditioning repairs can cost $1,000-$4,000 or more, depending on make and model.

How do you charge a car air conditioner?

How to Recharge Your Car's Air Conditioner

  1. What You Will Need and What You Should Know. First, was your car made before 1994? ...
  2. Assemble the Dispenser. I would recommend putting on your goggles now. ...
  3. Verify That the Compressor Is Running. Locate the pulley on the compressor. ...
  4. Locate the Low Pressure Side Refrigerant Fill Port. Pop the hood. ...
  5. Attatch the Dispenser. ...
  6. Recharge the System. ...
  7. Voila! ...

How much is the average cost of car air conditioning?

The total cost to install a new car ac compressor (including labor) is about $500-$1,100. The average air conditioning system installations cost is $2750 but can range from $1,500-$4,000. According to Auto Service Costs, the average recharge car ac cost is $235 but can range from $183-$281 depending on the type of vehicles you have.

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Why is auto AC repair so expensive?

It takes a lot of training for mechanics to get the experience necessary to work on your cars. This skilled trade is one that’s in high demand, all...

How much does it cost to just replace the AC unit in the car?

There are multiple parts to an air conditioning system. If you were to replace the entire system, you would easily spend $2,000 or more, which is w...

How much does it cost to just install a new AC in the car?

A new air conditioning system requires many different parts. If you choose to replace them all, the bill will get very high. We recommend only payi...

How much does it cost to recharge the AC in a car?

If you can add Freon at home, you might spend $10-$30. However, having a professional recharge could cost you $25 to $200, depending on where you t...

How long does an AC compressor last?

But generally speaking, you should know that something like your AC compressor is going to continue working for about 8 to 10 years before it’ll need to be replaced. The same can usually be said for your AC condenser, too, which will often last as long as the compressor if not longer in some cases.

How to avoid being surprised by auto repairs?

One of the ways that vehicle owners can avoid being surprised by auto repairs is by figuring out how long certain parts in their car are going to last. A repair won’t catch you off guard when you have some general idea of how long your car’s parts are going to stick around for.

What does it mean when your car only sends out warm air when you turn on the AC?

If, for example, your car only sends out warm air when you have your AC turned on, that’s a pretty clear-cut sign that you need to schedule auto AC repairs and prepare to pay the auto AC repair costs that come along with them.

What is the compressor in an AC system?

The compressor is probably the first part that comes to mind when you think about your car’s AC system. It’s responsible for pressurizing the refrigerant in your AC system so that it’s able to cool air off for your car, and it’s also in charge of keeping the air in your system moving along. It’s a part that you’re going to have to repair ...

What parts of an AC system go bad?

There are also several other parts in your auto AC system that make it go. This includes an AC condenser, an accumulator, a thermal valve expansion valve, and an evaporator. There are also a series of hoses that are used to keep your car’s AC system ...

Should I dump money into my car to fix an AC compressor?

You shouldn’t dump hundreds of dollars into a car to fix a part like an AC compressor when there is a chance that another part of your AC system could break next week. You would be better off avoiding the auto AC repair costs and leaving your AC system alone.

Can I get a discount on my car's AC?

There isn’t much wiggle room when it comes to auto AC repair costs, either. Auto repair shops aren’t going to be able to offer you much of a discount on their AC products and services, which could very well make it difficult for you to arrange to have your car’s AC system fixed.

How much does it cost to fix an air conditioner leak?

Most problems, which will involve repairing a leak, can be $50 to $225. According to MSN, 80 percent of air conditioning problems come from a simple leak. Leaks are able to occur anywhere the refrigerant passes from part to another. If it isn’t a leak, the common repair can be anywhere from as little as $300 to more than $2,000.

How much does an A/C Pro cost?

This product will cost less than $35 and is a great first step to see if it gets rid of the problem. Advertising Disclosure: This content may include referral links.

What are the components of an air conditioner?

A car’s air conditioner will have five main components: the refrigerant, which is designed to carry the heat; the compressor, which draws in and compresses the refrigerant, moving it along; the condenser, which expels the heat; the expansion valve, which regulates the refrigerant flow; and the evaporator, ...

How much does it cost to recharge an AC?

Recharge Car AC Cost. According to Auto Service Costs, the average recharge car ac cost is $235 but can range from $183-$281 depending on the type of vehicles you have.

How much does it cost to install an AC compressor?

The average cost of a new ac compressor is about $400 but can range from $200-$600. The labor cost to install an ac compressor is about $300-$500. The total cost to install a new car ac compressor (including labor) is about $500-$1,100.

Where is the Bridwell AC repair shop in Scottsdale?

Stop by our AC Repair Shop In Scottsdale located at 7171 E Lincoln Dr. Scottsdale, Arizona 85253 or by giving Bridwell Automotive Center a call today (480) 948-4781.

How much does it cost to fix an air conditioner compressor?

Minor compressor repairs average around $300-$500. However, compressor damage often ends up requiring a complete replacement.

How long do car air conditioners last?

Your car’s air conditioning units are designed to last a long time. Most of its parts won’t require much attention for up to 10 years, if cared for properly. However, problems can crop up eventually, as it with usual wear and tear.

What is the most important part of an air conditioner?

Another key part, and perhaps the most important within any air conditioning unit is the compressor. The compressor is responsible for moving refrigerant between the two heat exchangers – the evaporator, and condenser. Therefore, it’s safe to say that the compressor is the heart of a car’s AC system, and is responsible for ensuring that cold air is supplied when needed. Meanwhile, the clutch is what connects the compressor to the engine to supply power to the AC.

What is the belt on a car AC?

Your car’s AC belt is what connects the air conditioning unit’s compressor clutch to the engine’s crankshaft.

Why is refrigerant important?

Otherwise known as Freon, refrigerant is important in making sure your car’s air conditioning unit is able to blow cool air. As per the aforementioned symptoms, leaking refrigerant will cause you to suffer having warm, or air that isn’t as cold as it used to be.

Why does my car AC run amok?

Another potential for causing your car’s AC unit to run amok is a damaged, or clogged expansion valve. This failure would correspond to your air conditioning unit blowing cold air, and then suddenly turning warm. A broken or blocked expansion valve might also cause you to not feel that the AC is running as cool as before. The expansion valve is necessary to regulate the right amount of refrigerant that is distributed to the evaporator.

What is the heart of a car's AC system?

Therefore, it’s safe to say that the compressor is the heart of a car’s AC system, and is responsible for ensuring that cold air is supplied when needed. Meanwhile, the clutch is what connects the compressor to the engine to supply power to the AC. The compressor clutch can seize, or break.

What is the most common repair to be done to a car's air conditioner?

The most common repair that needs to be done to a car's air conditioner is to have the freon or coolant refilled. The refrigerant in an air conditioning unit is what allows the air conditioner to actually blow cold air. It changes its state from a gas to a liquid inside of the compressor of your air conditioner.

How much does it cost to replace an air conditioner compressor?

If your entire air conditioner needs to be swapped out and replaced with a new unit you may have to pay anywhere between $1,500 and nearly $4,000.

How does coolant move?

The coolant then moves into the condenser where cool air circulates through to remove the heat that has been built up in the coolant when it changes state from gas to a liquid the condenser then moves the coolant over to an expansion valve where it returns from its liquid state back into a gas. This causes the cooling reaction ...

How much does it cost to replace coolant in a car?

If you need to get the coolant level replaced in your car it will likely cost somewhere between $150 and $300 to get the job done. This is definitely a job that you would be better off getting a mechanic to do than trying to handle it on your own. That's not to say you can't do it on your own, but it's very dangerous to handle refrigerants.

Why does my AC make a grinding noise?

This generally indicates something has slipped loose or is misaligned somewhere in the system .

What are the parts of an air conditioner?

Your air conditioner is made up of a lot of different parts. The main parts are the compressor, the evaporator, and the condenser. However, within the whole system you're also dealing with a number of valves, tubes, and hoses. As everything circulates through the system you have a lot of potential for something to go wrong.

Why does my AC blow hot?

If you turn on your AC and the air blows warm or even hot, then you know you definitely have a problem with something in your air conditioner. The most likely problem here is the compressor which is essentially like the engine of your air conditioner.

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