How much does it cost to have the car's air conditioning filled?

Reading time 3 Min.

The filling the Air conditioning in the car is an essential part of the Vehicle maintenance, which is often underestimated. The process includes both labor time and refrigerant cost. For the old refrigerant R134a the costs are approximately 3-4 EUR per 100 grams, while the more modern R1234yf with approximately 20 EUR per 100 grams is significantly more expensive. Overall, depending on the amount to be refilled, you can expect a complete air conditioning service to cost between 80 and 200 euros calculate. However, it is important to mention that the Air conditioning does not only consist of refrigerants. In the event of leaks or defects in components such as Air conditioning compressor, condenser, dryer or evaporator additional costs may apply. It is therefore advisable to only use branded parts.

Filling the air conditioning, the costs

The Disinfection of the climate is an additional service that kills bacteria and germs to eliminate unpleasant odors. The service is usually charged separately. On topic Self-filling the Air conditioning You often come across various online instructions, but they are not recommended for various reasons. A precise measurement of the amount of refrigerant is almost impossible for laypeople and can compressors to damage. Furthermore, the addition of oil, which lubricates the bearings of the compressor shaft, is not possible with DIY filling. Such errors can lead to high repair costs. And also note that handling refrigerants after the F-Gases Regulation (EC) 517/2014 may only be carried out by certified personnel.

think about the air conditioning service

A pair of Air conditioning service should be considered at the latest when the cooling performance decreases. Regular maintenance at a fixed interval is not absolutely necessary, but the rule of thumb is that the air conditioning system should be serviced approximately every 3-4 years should be refilled. During the service, the existing refrigerant is extracted, cleaned, weighed and the missing amount is replenished. High-quality workshops also have one Seal test with UV light to identify leaks. Regarding that refrigerant However, a lot has changed in car air conditioning systems over the years. Before the ban on CFCs in 1987, mainly Dichlorodifluoromethane (R12) .

The successor was then R134a (1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane), which, however, has no longer been allowed to be used in new cars in the EU since 2012 due to the global warming potential. The current standard is R1234yf (2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene), although it is flammable. Mercedes-Benz has as an alternative in some models Carbon dioxide (R744) introduced as a refrigerant. The Air conditioning filling in the car is therefore a complex process that is best carried out by professionals. Investing in regular maintenance and using quality refrigerants can result in better performance and lower overall costs in the long term.

Filling the air conditioning and the costs:

• Duration of air conditioning filling:
  • Between 30 minutes and one hour
  • Depending on vehicle type, age of air conditioning and possible repairs
• Costs for air conditioning filling at ATU (2023):
  • 99 to 149 EUR
• Frequency of air conditioning filling:
  • All 2 years recommended
  • Annual loss of approx. 10% refrigerant
• Independent refilling of refrigerant:
  • Since 2008 verboten
  • In the event of a refrigerant leak: a specialist is required
• Operating the air conditioning in the car:
  • Regular use recommended, even in winter 5 degrees Celsius
• Shelf life of the refrigerant in the air conditioning system:
  • Annual loss of up to 15%
  • Maintenance every latest two years
• Costs for air conditioning filling with R1234yf:
  • Normal: 149,00 €, 23,68 € per 100 grams
  • Hybrid vehicles: 139,00 €, 15,35 € per 100 grams
  • Vehicles up to 2017 with R134a: 69,00 €, 15,35 € per 100 grams
• Information about the refrigerant in the car:
  • Operating instructions or repair guide
  • Information sign in the vehicle
• Duration of the air conditioning service (refrigerant replacement):
  • 30 - 45 minutes with working air conditioning
• Duration of use of R134a:
  • Used by 1995 – 2016
  • Replaced by A/C Doctor climate gas (new generation)

thematically relevant posts

In our category Tips, products, information & Co We have reviews of car or accessories manufacturers, new ones Tuning Wiki Terms or one or two leaks published.

"tuningblog.eu" the tuning magazine