How much does it cost to refuel the air conditioner?

An air conditioning system is not only about comfort in the passenger compartment, but also about the safety of the driver and passengers in hot weather. Over time, the level of refrigerant decreases, so the air conditioner should be refilled periodically to ensure effective air cooling. Many drivers ask how much it costs to refill the air conditioning in a car and how much it will cost to refill the air conditioning in 2025. The cost of this service depends on several factors — the type of refrigerant, the volume of the system, the car model, and even the city where the service is performed.

How to recognise that your air conditioner needs to be refilled with refrigerant

Regular maintenance of your air conditioner helps to avoid unpleasant surprises on the hottest days. However, even a serviceable system loses some of its refrigerant over time through micro-pores or seals. Here are the main signs that indicate the need for refilling:

• the air from the vents has become noticeably warmer than before;
• the air conditioning compressor turns on less often or works intermittently;
• unpleasant odours have appeared in the passenger compartment, indicating the accumulation of mould and bacteria;
• oily stains are visible on the fittings or pipes, indicating a loss of system tightness;
• A visual inspection reveals rust or damage to the connections.

If you notice at least one of these symptoms, do not delay your visit to the service centre to avoid compressor failure and expensive repairs.

What affects the price of air conditioning refill in 2025

This year, the cost of air conditioning refill in Poland may vary depending on several factors. The main ones are as follows:

• Type of refrigerant. The most commonly used refrigerants are R134a, the more modern R1234yf or the even more modern R744 (CO₂). The latter is more expensive but more environmentally friendly. It is still not very common.
• System capacity. The larger the volume, the more refrigerant is required, so the price of the service increases.
• Car model. The system design varies between different car models, so the amount of refrigerant can vary significantly.
• Type of service. If you order a comprehensive service that includes disinfection and replacement of the cabin filter, the cost of this service will be slightly higher.
• Location. In large cities, prices are usually 10-15% higher than in smaller towns.

In addition, the final price is influenced by factors such as the presence of leaks or the need for additional inspection of the compressor.

Prices for air conditioning refills in major Polish cities

Below are the average prices for car air conditioning refills in 2025. The data is based on open market offers and services, in particular STS in Warsaw.

How much does it cost to refill an air conditioner with new refrigerant?

Modern cars, especially those manufactured after 2017, use the more environmentally friendly refrigerant R1234yf, which has a different cost and requires special equipment for refilling.
For clarity, here are the average prices for refilling different types of systems:

Why it is important to refill your air conditioner only at professional service centres

Refilling an air conditioner seems like a simple procedure, but in fact it is a precise technical process that requires experience and special equipment. An incorrect ratio of gas and oil can damage the compressor. It is important to remember that the refrigerant contains oil, which lubricates the moving parts of the system. If there is too little or too much oil, the compressor will wear out quickly.

It is dangerous to refill your air conditioner at random workshops that do not have qualified specialists. Professional centres, such as STS Warsaw, use precision equipment for vacuuming, leak testing and refrigerant dosing. This ensures the correct operation of the system and the longevity of the compressor.

How long does it take to professionally refill an air conditioner?

Professional refilling does not take long — the process usually takes 30 to 60 minutes. During this time, STS technicians check for leaks, remove the old refrigerant, vacuum the system and add the exact amount of fresh refrigerant recommended for the vehicle. Qualified specialists work with the appropriate tools, which guarantees the accuracy and safety of the service.

Comprehensive air conditioning inspection — what the service includes

The STS Warsaw service offers customers not only standard refilling, but also complete system maintenance. The procedure includes:

• diagnostics of the car's air conditioning system
• air conditioning maintenance with compressor, filter, seal and pressure checks;
• cleaning the system of moisture and dirt;
• disinfection and ozonation to destroy bacteria and fungi;
• replacement of the cabin filter (if necessary);
• refilling the system with R134a or R1234yf refrigerant in the required amount.

Such comprehensive maintenance allows you to take care of the air quality in the cabin and ensure maximum driving comfort at any time of the year.

How to care for your air conditioner to avoid frequent refills

To ensure that your air conditioner lasts a long time and does not require frequent service visits, follow these simple rules:

1. Service your air conditioner at least once a year, preferably before the summer season.
2. Regularly disinfect the evaporator and filters to prevent the growth of microorganisms.
3. Ozone the interior after a long break in using the air conditioner.
4. Replace the cabin filter twice a year or more often if the car is used in large cities.
5. Do not turn on the air conditioner in winter unnecessarily — it is better to run it briefly once a month to keep the seals elastic.

Following these tips will help prevent leaks and extend the life of the compressor.

Conclusion

Incorrect refilling can damage the compressor or contaminate the system. Often, untested workshops use old refrigerant or add gas without checking the oil. This leads to wear and tear on parts and expensive repairs.

At STS (Warsaw), all work is carried out with precision, using certified equipment and the right materials. Here, they know how to service different car models, maintaining a balance between efficiency and safety. Our specialists carry out diagnostics, cleaning, vacuuming and refilling with high-quality R134a or R1234yf refrigerants using modern equipment, in compliance with environmental safety standards.

The cost of refilling an air conditioner depends on the type of refrigerant, the condition of the system and the level of service. Professional performance of this service is not only a restoration of cooling, but also a guarantee of compressor durability, clean air and stable driving comfort.

Customers appreciate STS for its accuracy, speed and professional approach — here, every air conditioner regains its efficiency, and the owner receives a guarantee of service quality and confidence in comfort even on the hottest days.

STS — technical competence proven by practice.