How do I know if my car’s AC needs repair or just a recharge?
Common complaints we hear include:

• The driver’s side vent blows warmer air than the passenger side.
• The AC feels cool in the morning but warm in the afternoon.
• A faint hissing sound comes from behind the dashboard.

All of these are signs of low refrigerant. When refrigerant is low, it also means refrigerant oil isn’t circulating properly. That lack of lubrication can cause premature compressor failure, which is one of the most expensive AC repairs.

It’s never a good idea to simply “top off” a system with a known leak. Recharging without repair is costly over time, harmful to the environment, and increases the risk of compressor damage. At Boca Auto Fix, we pressure-test and vacuum-test every AC system to pinpoint whether a leak is present before recommending the right repair.

Why does my AC blow cold sometimes and warm other times?
If your AC feels cold when you first start driving in the morning but blows warm by the afternoon, that’s usually a sign of low refrigerant or weak system performance under heat load.
Other times, the system may start out cold but quickly fade because the compressor isn’t staying engaged, or the condenser isn’t removing heat properly. Our diagnostic process checks pressures, fans, refrigerant type, and compressor health so we can determine the root cause.

Can AC problems be caused by other systems in the car?
Yes. Sometimes what feels like an AC issue is actually electrical, cooling, or power-related. For example:

• A weak alternator or failing battery can prevent the compressor from engaging properly.
• Wiring or sensor faults in the electrical system can cause intermittent cooling.
• If the engine cooling system is running hotter than normal, it can reduce how effectively the AC system removes heat and keeps the cabin cool.
• Missing or damaged under-engine shields can reduce airflow across the condenser, leading to degraded AC performance.

That’s why we perform a full-system inspection — to make sure the repair addresses the real cause of your discomfort, not just the symptoms.

How long does car AC last before it needs service?
A healthy AC system can last years without issues. If refrigerant levels drop, it usually signals a problem that needs repair, not just a top-off.

How much does car AC repair cost in Boca Raton?
Costs vary depending on what service is being performed:

• Evacuate, vacuum and recharge: Evac and recharge services average $180–$475 before tax. R-134a systems are usually $180–$245; newer R-1234yf systems tend to be $300–$520 due to refrigerant cost.
• Component replacement: Repairs range from about $180 up to $2,100 before tax for components like the compressor, condenser, evaporator, and hoses. Larger jobs, such as evaporators, can exceed $2,000 depending on the vehicle and what we discover.
  
  

We provide a full digital estimate before any work begins, so there are no surprises.

Do you use the right refrigerant for my car?
Yes — we service both R-134a and R-1234yf systems using OEM-grade recovery, recycle, and recharge machines. We also use a refrigerant identifier to confirm purity above 98% before recovery or recharge, preventing cross-contamination. If contamination is found, we have a separate evacuation and disposal setup to protect your vehicle.