AC service: Get a free quote • Fast response
AC service
Do you find that the air conditioning in your car no longer cools as efficiently? Do you notice a bad smell when you turn on the AC? Then it may be time for an AC service. It’s important to maintain your car’s AC system to maintain performance and avoid unnecessary repairs.
Here you can find out how often you should have your AC serviced and how much it costs. We can also get you a free, no-obligation quote for AC service from an auto repair shop near you.
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What does AC service mean?
AC service is a comprehensive check, cleaning and maintenance of the air conditioning system in your car. During such a service, the auto repair shop will drain the system of old refrigerant and oil before refilling it with new, fresh refrigerant and oil adapted to your car model.
In addition, they will take a closer look at all the key components of the AC system, such as the compressor, condenser, expansion valve and evaporator, and look for signs of wear, damage or leaks. If necessary, worn parts will be replaced.
Many auto repair shops also include replacement of the pollen filter as part of the service, so that the indoor air is cleaned of pollen, dust and pollution. The aim of an AC service is to ensure that your air conditioner works optimally and delivers the cooling and comfort you want on hot days.
What does AC service cost?
The price of AC service varies somewhat from auto repair shop to auto repair shop, but is typically between NOK 1.500-3.000. The main reason for the price difference is the extent of the service you need. For example, some auto repair shops include a pollen filter change in the price, while others charge extra.
The amount of refrigerant gas needed also has a lot to do with the price. The larger the AC system, the more gas is needed, and the price increases accordingly. The age and condition of the car also affects the price. Older cars may have more wear and tear and require repairs in addition to the service itself. Otherwise, the price depends on the hourly rate and costs at the individual auto repair shop.
But for a standard AC service on a newer car, you can expect to pay around NOK 2.000. If the cost of replacing the pollen filter is not included, you can expect to pay between NOK 500-2.000 for replacing the pollen filter and topping up the refrigerant, depending on how much refrigerant is needed.
What is included in an AC service?
- Leak check to uncover any problems.
- Checking the cooling effect and that the system reaches the right temperature.
- Inspection and testing of components such as the compressor, expansion valve, condenser and dryer.
- Draining old refrigerant and oil from the system.
- Charging of new refrigerant and compressor oil, adapted to the vehicle’s specifications.
- Vacuuming to remove moisture and contaminants.
- Changing the pollen filter (often included, but not always).
- Troubleshooting and possible repairs if leaks or failures are suspected.
Some auto repair shops also include an antibacterial cleaning of the evaporator to remove mold and bacteria that can cause bad odors. The main point of the service is to restore the cooling ability of the AC system so that it delivers comfortable cooling and a healthy indoor climate in the car. After a service, the AC should blow noticeably colder air, provide faster cooling and remove unpleasant odors. The service also helps to extend the life of the air conditioning system.
What affects the price of AC service?
-
The scope of the service:
Are things like pollen filters included in the price or not? -
The age and condition of the vehicle:
Older, worn systems may need more extensive service and repairs. -
The size of the AC system:
The larger the volume needed to be filled with refrigerant gas, the higher the price. -
The hourly rate at the auto repair shop:
Auto repair shops have different hourly rates for their work. -
Any repairs and replacement of parts:
In the event of damage or faults discovered during servicing. -
Whether the car has been serviced recently or not:
AC systems that have not been checked for a long time will often need a more comprehensive service. -
The price of refrigerant gas and oil:
These can vary slightly, which auto repair shops need to take into account. -
Make and model:
Some car brands have more complex or time-consuming AC systems that take longer to service.
How often should I service my car’s AC/air conditioning system?
Most car manufacturers and auto repair shops recommend AC service approximately every other year or every 30.000km, whichever comes first. This is an average, and the need may vary somewhat depending on car make, model and usage patterns. Some newer cars also have their own indicators that warn when it’s time for service.
Over time, the refrigerant gas in the system will gradually leak out and efficiency will decrease. The oil that lubricates the compressor also breaks down. Without regular servicing, you risk poorer cooling performance, higher fuel consumption (due to a hard-working compressor) and, in the worst case, breakdown of AC components.
If you live in a warm climate and use AC a lot, it may be a good idea to have it serviced annually. If you mostly drive short distances, you should also consider more frequent servicing, as the AC system does not have time to heat up properly and remove condensation. Signs such as poor cooling performance, foul odors or noises from the system also indicate the need for service.
But for most people, a thorough AC service every other year is enough to ensure that the cooling is at its best. Regular maintenance extends the service life and can save you from unpleasant surprises on hot days.
Why should you service your AC/air conditioning system?
- Maintain good cooling performance: Over time, refrigerant gas leaks out and efficiency decreases. During the service, new gas is added to restore the cooling capacity.
- Extend the life of the system: Regular maintenance reduces wear and tear and prevents damage to important parts such as the compressor.
- Save fuel: A system running on low gas has to work harder and draws more fuel. Service optimizes operation.
- Avoid expensive repairs: Lack of maintenance can lead to component breakdowns. Prevention is better than repair.
- Remove bacteria and bad odors: Moisture in the system provides a breeding ground for mold and bacteria. A thorough AC cleaning removes this and provides fresher air.
- Better indoor climate/air quality: Changing the pollen filter removes dust, pollen and pollution from the cabin. Important for allergy sufferers.
- Increase the car’s value: A well-functioning AC system counts positively when selling. Buyers usually want a fully functioning system.
- Avoid health problems: Poorly maintained AC can cause headaches, irritation and respiratory symptoms.
AC service is about comfort, health, fuel economy and vehicle longevity. Regular AC servicing is a small investment that brings many benefits in the long run.
How often should I change the pollen filter?
Pollen filters should be changed approximately once a year or every 15,000km, whichever comes first. In addition to the fixed intervals, there are some signs that indicate that the filter should be changed:
- Reduced air flow from the ventilation
- More dust on the dashboard and surfaces inside the car
- Bad or musty smell from the system
- Dew on the inside of the windshield that does not go away
- Increased allergy symptoms in passengers
Pollen filters effectively stop pollen, dirt, dust and pollution from entering the passenger compartment. But after a while, the filter becomes clogged and loses its effectiveness. Annual replacement helps ensure good filtration performance and fresh, clean air in the car. It also extends the life of the AC system.
Changing the pollen filter is easy and inexpensive and is often part of a larger AC service. Many people also choose to change it at the same time as other services such as oil changes. More frequent intervals may be necessary if you drive a lot in areas with a lot of air pollution.
What are typical signs that you should clean your AC/air conditioning system?
- A foul or musty smell when the AC is switched on indicates bacterial or fungal growth in the system.
- Visible mold/fungus on the exhaust valves is a sign of advanced growth inside the system.
- Poor cooling performance can be caused by dirt and bacterial growth blocking airflow and heat exchange.
- Irritated airways/allergy complaints are often caused by pollutants and microbes spread via the vehicle’s ventilation.
- Higher fuel consumption may indicate that the air conditioning system is working inefficiently due to clogging.
- Rich/white smoke from the ventilation is a sign of a high concentration of microbes in the evaporator.
If you experience any of these signs, it’s time for a proper cleaning. This removes bacteria, mold, dirt and particles from the evaporator, fans and ducts. The result is cleaner air, better cooling and a healthier environment in your car.
How do I get a quote for AC service?
To get a quote for AC service, you need to get in touch with an auto repair shop near you that offers this. There are often many auto repair shops to choose from, which can make it difficult to know which one you should actually contact.
We want to save you time and make the process of finding a good AC repair shop easier for you. We work with auto repair shops that offer AC service across the country and can easily put you in touch with an auto repair shop in your area.
Fill out the form on our site with some information and we’ll forward your inquiry to the auto repair shop that can best help you. Our service is free and non-binding. The auto repair shop in question will contact you shortly to make an appointment.
