How often should I regas my air con?

Most systems benefit from a regas every two years or so, as they slowly lose refrigerant over time even when working normally.

Why does my air con smell musty?

That's usually bacteria building up in the system. An antibacterial treatment clears it so the air smells fresh again — we can do this alongside a regas.

Is a regas the same as a repair?

No. A regas refills the refrigerant. If there's a leak or a faulty part, that's a separate repair — a regas alone won't hold if the system is leaking.

How Much Does an Air-Con Regas Cost?

9 June 2026 5 min read

A standard car air-conditioning regas usually costs between £50 and £90. The main thing that changes the price is which refrigerant your car uses — older systems use R134a (cheaper), while cars from around 2017 onward use R1234yf, which is more expensive. A regas alone won't fix a leak or a faulty part, so if your air con keeps losing its chill, the underlying cause needs diagnosing too.

What does an air-con regas actually do?

Over time, every air-conditioning system slowly loses refrigerant — even a perfectly healthy one. A regas removes the old refrigerant and oil, vacuum-tests the system, and refills it to the correct level so it blows properly cold again. Most manufacturers suggest a regas roughly every two years.

What affects the cost?

▸Refrigerant type — R134a (pre-2017 cars) is cheaper than R1234yf (newer cars)
▸How much refrigerant your system holds
▸Whether any leak detection or repair is needed
▸Any antibacterial treatment to clear musty smells

For most cars a straightforward regas sits in the £50–£90 range. If your car uses the newer R1234yf gas, expect to be at the higher end. We'll always confirm the price for your specific vehicle before doing anything.

Why is my air con not blowing cold?

The most common reason is simply low refrigerant from gradual loss — which a regas fixes. But if it keeps going warm soon after a regas, that points to a leak or a faulty component such as the compressor or condenser. In that case the leak needs finding and repairing first, otherwise you'll just be paying to refill a system that empties itself again.

Should you run air con in winter?

Yes. Running your air con occasionally in colder months keeps the system's seals lubricated and healthy, and it demists your windows far faster than heating alone — handy on frosty Black Country mornings.

We carry out air-con regas and repair from our Brierley Hill workshop. If your air con isn't performing, bring it in and we'll check the level, find any leaks, and get it blowing cold again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Need a Hand With Your Car?

John Downes Garage has looked after Black Country drivers since 1973. Give us a call or pop into the workshop on Stamford Road.

01384 78504