Yesterday, it was over 90F and I discovered that the A/C in the '96 Saturn was barely blowing cold air. The A/C has not been working well for a few years-- the air coming out of the vents is only slightly cold.
The system has never been recharged by a professional. Earlier this year, I purchased a DIY A/C recharge kit and attempted to recharge the system. However, the included low-pressure gauge showed that the system was at 29 psi. I went ahead and added 5-6 ounces, but the pressure did not change much. Strangely, the A/C did work a bit better. Nevertheless, after considering the potential consequences, I decided that it wasn't worth the risk to recharge the system myself.
I called my local Pep Boys, which is a shop that I trust, and I was quoted $145 for an A/C evacuation, recharge and leak check. Sears wants $125.
What is a reasonable price for this service? Please keep in mind that I live in CA and shops average between $100-$150/hr for labor.
Thanks!
The system has never been recharged by a professional. Earlier this year, I purchased a DIY A/C recharge kit and attempted to recharge the system. However, the included low-pressure gauge showed that the system was at 29 psi. I went ahead and added 5-6 ounces, but the pressure did not change much. Strangely, the A/C did work a bit better. Nevertheless, after considering the potential consequences, I decided that it wasn't worth the risk to recharge the system myself.
I called my local Pep Boys, which is a shop that I trust, and I was quoted $145 for an A/C evacuation, recharge and leak check. Sears wants $125.
What is a reasonable price for this service? Please keep in mind that I live in CA and shops average between $100-$150/hr for labor.
Thanks!