How long does an air conditioning regas take?

Around 45 minutes to an hour for a straightforward regas including leak and performance checks.

How do I know which refrigerant gas my car uses?

Call NMD with your registration and they will confirm whether your vehicle uses R134a or R1234yf.

Why is R1234yf more expensive than R134a?

R1234yf is a newer, more environmentally friendly refrigerant that costs more to manufacture and requires different handling equipment.

Car air conditioning service at NMD Automotive in Whitstable, Kent

R134a & R1234yf · Whitstable, Kent

Car air conditioning regas & repair in Whitstable & Canterbury

Air conditioning regas, leak detection and repair for all makes and models. We service both R134a and R1234yf refrigerant systems — covering everything from older vehicles to the latest models.

Call 01227 794 777 Get a quote

Why does your air conditioning need servicing?

Your vehicle’s air conditioning system loses refrigerant gradually over time — typically around 10–15% per year through seals and connections, even on a perfectly healthy system. After two or three years, there’s often not enough gas left for the system to cool effectively, even though nothing is technically broken.

A regas restores the refrigerant to the correct level, brings the cooling performance back, and gives us the opportunity to check the system for leaks, pressure issues, and component condition before a minor loss becomes an expensive repair.

Beyond comfort, your air conditioning does more than keep you cool in summer. It demists your windscreen faster in winter, removes humidity from the cabin, and filters airborne particles. A system that’s low on gas or not running properly affects all of these functions.

Air conditioning regas machine connected to vehicle at NMD Automotive

R134a and R1234yf — we handle both

There are two types of refrigerant gas used in car air conditioning systems, and they’re not interchangeable. Using the wrong one can damage the system. We service both.

Older vehicles

R134a

Used in most vehicles manufactured before 2017. Still the more common system on the road, and typically less expensive to regas.

Newer vehicles

R1234yf

Required on all new vehicles from 2017 under EU regulations. A more environmentally friendly gas, but more expensive than R134a. Not all garages carry it — we do.

Not sure which your vehicle uses? We’ll check from your registration — just call or email.

Signs your air conditioning needs attention

Air isn’t cold

The most obvious sign. The system blows air but it’s warm or lukewarm instead of cold. Usually means the refrigerant is low and a regas is needed.

Weak airflow

Air comes through but with less force than it used to. Could indicate a blocked cabin filter, a failing blower motor, or a problem with the evaporator.

Musty or unpleasant smell

Bacteria and mould build up on the evaporator over time, particularly if the system isn’t used regularly. An antibacterial treatment clears it.

Strange noises when A/C is on

Clicking, grinding or squealing when the air conditioning is switched on can indicate a failing compressor, worn clutch, or loose belt.

Windscreen slow to demist

Air conditioning removes moisture from the cabin air. If your windscreen takes a long time to clear in winter, the A/C system may not be functioning properly.

It’s been more than 2 years

Even with no symptoms, a regas every two years keeps the system performing and prevents the kind of gradual loss that leads to compressor strain and eventual failure.

What’s included in an air conditioning service

Regas (R134a or R1234yf)

The existing refrigerant is recovered from the system, measured (so we can see how much was left), and the system is recharged with the correct amount of fresh refrigerant to manufacturer specification.

Leak check

The system is pressure-tested to check for leaks in the hoses, connections, condenser and evaporator. If a leak is found, we’ll identify the source and quote for the repair before proceeding.

Performance check

Vent temperatures are measured before and after to confirm the system is cooling to the correct range. If the temperature isn’t where it should be after a regas, there’s a fault to investigate.

Compressor and component check

The compressor, condenser, drive belt and electrical connections are inspected for wear, damage or signs of failure. Catching a worn compressor early avoids a much larger bill later.

Cabin filter check

If the cabin/pollen filter is clogged, it restricts airflow regardless of how well the A/C system itself is working. We’ll check it and replace if needed.

Air conditioning system being serviced at NMD Automotive

Vehicle air conditioning service at NMD Automotive Whitstable

When should you have your air conditioning serviced?

Every 2 years as standard

Even without any symptoms, a regas every two years keeps the system performing efficiently and prevents gradual refrigerant loss from straining the compressor. Think of it as preventative maintenance — much cheaper than replacing a seized compressor.

Before summer

Spring is the most popular time for air conditioning work, and for good reason. Getting the system checked and regassed before the hot weather arrives means you’re not stuck in a queue in July when everyone else discovers theirs isn’t working.

After buying a used vehicle

Air conditioning history is rarely documented on used cars. If you’ve bought a vehicle and aren’t sure when the system was last serviced, a regas and check gives you a clean baseline and rules out any issues.

If you rarely use it

Counterintuitively, air conditioning that’s never switched on deteriorates faster than one that’s used regularly. The seals dry out, the compressor oil doesn’t circulate, and the system loses gas more quickly. If you only use yours in summer, it’s worth running it for 10 minutes every couple of weeks through winter to keep the seals lubricated.

Air conditioning questions

How much does an air conditioning regas cost?

It depends on which refrigerant your vehicle uses. R134a systems are less expensive than R1234yf. Call us on 01227 794 777 and we’ll confirm the gas type from your registration and quote accordingly.

How long does a regas take?

Around 45 minutes to an hour for a straightforward regas including the leak and performance checks. If a fault is found that needs further investigation, we’ll let you know.

How do I know which gas my car uses?

There’s usually a label under the bonnet near the air conditioning connections, but the easiest way is to call us with your registration and we’ll confirm whether it’s R134a or R1234yf.

Why is R1234yf more expensive?

R1234yf is a newer, more environmentally friendly refrigerant with a lower global warming potential. It costs more to manufacture and requires different handling equipment. The gas itself is significantly more expensive than R134a, which is reflected in the service price.

Can you repair air conditioning leaks?

Yes. We carry out leak detection and can repair or replace leaking hoses, O-rings, condensers and other components. We’ll identify the source of the leak and quote for the repair before doing any work.

Should I use my air conditioning in winter?

Yes — running the A/C for 10 minutes every couple of weeks through winter keeps the compressor seals lubricated and prevents the system from deteriorating through lack of use. It also demists your windscreen more effectively.

My air con smells bad — can you fix that?

Yes. An antibacterial treatment of the evaporator and air ducts clears the bacteria and mould that cause musty smells. We can do this alongside a regas or as a standalone service.

Related services

We carry out air conditioning regas and repair for customers across East Kent, including Whitstable, Canterbury, Herne Bay, Faversham, Tankerton, Seasalter, Blean, Sturry, Chartham, Hernhill, Boughton and surrounding areas.