COST GUIDES
How much does a car air conditioning service or regas cost in 2026?
Updated 03/26
When the temperature climbs and a heatwave has us praying for rain, a working aircon system in your car is a must-have. If you think your aircon needs maintenance, it's best not to leave it to the scorching summer months.
Fast Facts
The average cost of a car aircon regas is £100
For car aircon servicing, expect to pay between £30 - £50 per hour for labour
A car without a working aircon can be unbearable in summer. Getting the gas level checked and recharged regularly will ensure it's working properly when you need it the most.
But roughly how much does car aircon regas cost? We've put together a practical guide for the average aircon service cost to help you budget.
Car aircon regas and service cost breakdown
| Unit | Ballpark cost |
|---|---|
| Aircon regas and check | £65 - £130 |
| R134A regas | £65 |
| R1234YF regas | £130 |
| Aircon anti bacterial clean | £20 - £30 |
| Aircon performance test | Free |
| Last updated: March 2026 Our costs are ballpark averages - get a local tradesperson to quote now | |
The average car aircon regas cost is typically £100.
Ultimately, the car aircon service cost will depend on the type of refrigerant gas your car uses. Most cars use one of two types of refrigerant gas: 'R134A' and 'R1234YF'.
If your air conditioning system requires R134A gas, the aircon regas cost is around £65. This is usually the gas used in cars manufactured before 2014.
For vehicles that require R1234YF gas, the car aircon regas cost is £130. R1234YF gas is the most environmentally friendly of the two and is typically the gas used in cars made after 1st January 2017.
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How much does it cost to service a car AC system?
If you're looking to get your car air conditioning serviced or regassed, or get a broken car air conditioner fixed, it'll typically cost between £30 - £50 per hour for the labour.
The variance in the figures is due to the make and model of your vehicle.
You'll also need to pay:
A charge for the refrigerant required, which could be between £35 - £100
A call-out fee, if necessary, which averages £80 on a weekday or £100+ on a weekend
It’s worth asking your car garage for an aircon service at the same time as other work, e.g. an oil service, because you’re likely to get a lower price overall.
What affects the cost of a car aircon regas or service?
When getting your car aircon serviced or regassed, the total cost will be dependent on:
The labour charge plus any call-out fee
The cost of any new refrigerant
Any new parts that may be required to bring your aircon back to full working order
Location - for instance, if you're based in London or the South East you can expect to pay a higher rate
You may also need to pay for any additional services including cleaning or antibacterial treatment which can cost in the region of £20 - £30.
Most manufacturers recommend getting your car's aircon recharged at least every two years.
Car aircon regas and service cost calculator
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Your checklist to get the best car aircon service quote
To make sure you're getting the best possible quote on your car aircon service or regas, follow this simple checklist.
Car aircon service cost checklist
Car aircon service and regas quotes
Don't get caught out by broken air conditioning in your car during the hot summer months.
If your aircon is in need of a service then it's time to get a quote! It is a good idea to get a few quotes for any job or service. This means you can compare what's included as well as the price.
Type your postcode into our search feature, below to find a list of professional air conditioning services in your local area.
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FAQs
If your car's aircon needs a regas, you'll usually know by the lack of cool airflow in the car. Manufacturers recommend getting the car's aircon recharged at least every two years.
Aircon regas is not part of your MOT or car service, so it is something you need to ask your mechanic to check for you.
To find out what kind of refrigerant gas your car AC uses, take a look at your vehicle handbook.
Most vehicles manufactured before 2014 use R134A gas, while most manufactured from 2017 onwards use R1234YF.
Yes, absolutely! Air conditioning is great for the winter as it can help you to de-mist and de-ice your car on those frosty early mornings.
A regas involves removing old refrigerant gas and oil from your air con system. This is then replaced with the right amount of new refrigerant and lubricant as per your vehicle manufacturer’s recommendation.
A vacuum test will also be done to make sure there are no cracks or damage in your vehicle's air conditioning system that could cause a gas leak.
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