How can I get my car air conditioner recharged for less than $129 in Upstate New York?

Question

The dealerships and instant oil changes all want between $129 and $149 to recharge the freon in my car air conditioner. That is sad. I am in the Syracuse, NY region. There must be someone locally who is willing to do it for less.

Answer 1

Go to Walmart and buy the little kit to charge your own air conditioning. That's what I do, I bought the one with a gage then it takes 2 or 3 cans of Freon which is only about $6 a can.

Answer 2

Why not do it yourself? It isn't hard if all it needs is a recharge.
Most auto supply shops and even Wal-Mart sells kits and the freon to recharge your A.C.
If it blowing cool but not as cool as it used to you should only need a pound or 1 can of freon. I have to presume your system uses R134a freon. R12 hasn't been used for years.
The basic thing is to find your low pressure fitting because that is where you add the freon. It will be on the larger line that runs from your A.C. compressor towards the firewall. When your system is working right it usually will be the cooler of the 2 lines. After adding the freon the line should be cooler. If the compressor starts knocking you may have added too much freon. Just depress the schrader valve until it stops making noise. Most Auto supply stores will give you other tips in doing it or check different sites online.
Here are some web addresses to get you more info on the subject.
http://www.familycar.com/ac1.htm

http://www.epa.gov/ozone/title6/609/recharge.html

http://www.motherearthnews.com/Green-Transportation/1987-07-01/Auto-Air-Conditioning.aspx

Answer 3

I took mine to the $128.00 Upstate New York Air Conditioner recharge store. They are located in the Florida Keys.

Answer 4

The problem is not the recharge. Where did the coolant gas go? If you only recharge without fixing the problem it is a short term fix..Ok,, Go to your local auto store. I am assuming that the system is not completely drained. You can buy a do it yourself recharge kit relatively cheap and do it yourself. Get the one with the gauge. I assume this is 134A gas.
Good Luck

Answer 5

go to any automotive store auto zone,pep boys and buy the kit make sur you buy the kit for the right year since the newer cars take a different freon then the older cars

Answer 6

not sure about NY but we can D.I.Y. here in Texas.
I have a small laek in my car A/C and every two months or so I go to Wal Mart and put a can of freon myself