The average cost of a car AC recharge can range from $100 to $300, depending on the vehicle and location. How often should a car's AC system be recharged? A car's AC system should only be recharged if it is leaking or experiencing a loss of refrigerant.

But how often should you get your car AC serviced, you ask? It is often recommended by certified car AC repair technicians to have an inspection at least twice a year—in the fall following summer's hot temperatures, and in the spring to get your car ready for summer.

These can be costly to fix due to being challenging to get to and expensive to purchase. Refrigerant recovery is time-consuming, typically requiring three hours or more to service. All these things make servicing an automotive air conditioner something that is beyond the skill level of the average car owner.

Total car A/C replacement is often unnecessary, even for older cars. Purchasing an entirely new air conditioning system can be very expensive, especially if your old car requires unique compatible parts. While complete replacement may seem like the only option, that's not necessarily true.