Aircon Gas Doesn't Get Used Up
A car's air-conditioning is a sealed loop. If it's low on refrigerant, the gas has escaped somewhere, usually through a tired O-ring, a pinhole in the condenser or a leaking compressor seal.
That's why a top-up on its own often only lasts a few weeks. We pull the old gas out, hold the system under vacuum to see whether it leaks, and only then recharge it with the exact weight of refrigerant the manufacturer specifies.
If it doesn't hold vacuum, we find the leak first, so you're paying for a fix rather than a refill that drains away again.
ARC refrigerant trading authorisationAU068619
Is Your Aircon Trying to Tell You Something?
What a Proper Regas Involves
Recover
The old refrigerant is drawn out by the service machine and weighed, never vented into the air.
Vacuum test
The empty system is held under vacuum. If it won't hold, there's a leak to find first.
Recharge
The correct gas, R134a or the newer R1234yf, plus compressor oil, filled to the factory weight.
Test
Pressures and vent temperature checked with the engine running to confirm it's blowing cold.
When It Needs More Than Gas
Some faults can't be fixed with a regas. We repair and replace the parts that fail most often:
- Compressors and compressor clutches
- Condensers holed by stones or corrosion behind the grille
- Leaking hoses, pipes, O-rings and service valves
- Blower motors, resistors and condenser fans
- Evaporators and heater boxes, even when the whole dash has to come out
A new cabin filter is cheap and makes a big difference to airflow and smell, so we check it on every aircon job.
Aircon Jobs in the Bay
Sorted Before Summer
“After the initial inspection, everything was explained to me prior to the work being carried out. They didn't overcharge for unnecessary extras, which is a breath of fresh air in the auto service industry.”
“they did a thorough check on my car, also took time to explain everything, very professional, trustworthy and with fair prices!”
“Great service from Stephen. Great workmanship from the team. Fair pricing and and a job well done.”
Aircon FAQ
How often does a car aircon need a regas?
There's no fixed interval. A healthy system can go years without one. If it's losing cold every season, there's a leak, and finding it saves you paying for gas over and over.
Are you licensed to handle refrigerant?
Yes. Australian law requires any business that buys or handles refrigerant to hold an authorisation from the Australian Refrigeration Council. Ours is AU068619.
Which refrigerant does my car use?
Most cars built before about 2017 use R134a. Many newer cars use R1234yf. The type is on a sticker under the bonnet, and we check it before charging.
How long does an aircon regas take?
A regas with a vacuum test usually takes around an hour. Leak finding and repairs take longer, and we'll tell you before going ahead.
Why does my aircon smell?
Usually mould or bacteria on the evaporator, plus a dirty cabin filter. Replacing the filter and treating the evaporator normally clears it.
Can you fix aircon on 4WDs and European cars?
Yes. Aircon systems on 4WDs, work utes and European models all come through the workshop regularly.
