AC Recharge in San Mateo, CA
Vacuum-tested for leaks first, then filled to factory weight on a Robinair machine. R-134a or R-1234yf. We don't substitute. From $129.
A proper AC recharge is more than dumping refrigerant into the system. It's: vacuum, leak-check, then fill to factory weight in ounces, not "cans." Beacon Auto Care in San Mateo uses dedicated R-134a and R-1234yf machines that automate the process to OEM spec.
A recent Range Rover Evoque came in blowing warm at idle. Robinair recovered 9 oz of refrigerant from a system spec'd for 17 oz, already 47% low. Vacuum-hold test for 30 minutes held steady (no leak), so we refilled to factory weight: the display read "CHARGE IN PROGRESS / 14.7 oz / Low Side" at 5:12 PM. Vent temp dropped from 78°F to 41°F before the customer drove off.
What's Included
- Recover existing refrigerant: measure how much is in the system to identify leaks
- Vacuum the system: pull a deep vacuum to remove air and moisture
- Vacuum hold test: vacuum holds = no leak, vacuum drops = leak somewhere
- UV dye test available if leak is suspected
- Recharge to factory weight: by gram or ounce, not by "can"
- Performance test: vent temp at idle and at speed, return air, refrigerant pressures
- R-134a and R-1234yf machines on-site: both refrigerant types served
- Refrigerant filled to factory weight, not by guesswork
- Vent temperature tested before and after: proof it's working
- If a leak is found, we'll show you with photos before quoting repair
- Most recharges done in 1–2 hours: same-day, no overnight wait
If your AC was working last week and is suddenly empty, see AC leak detection. AC blowing hot air? Start here. If a recharge won't hold and the compressor is the culprit, see AC compressor replacement.
Common Questions About AC Recharge
What's included, refrigerant type, when to recharge vs repair.
Why does my AC need recharging?
Don't just recharge if there's a leak. Find the leak first.
R-134a or R-1234yf: which does my car use?
How much does an AC recharge cost in San Mateo?
Will a $30 DIY recharge can work?
Related car symptoms
Other symptom or milestone? Tap below, or walk through our triage tool .
What San Mateo Drivers Say About AC Service
“I just wanna spotlight Favio and shout him out. thank you so much for all the hard work done on my car. He and his team replaced the entire valve cover gasket kit, replaced the…”
“Hamooda is a godsend! Almost exactly one year after I visited Beacon Auto Care, I realized that my other car's front tire was loosing air because of a nail it collected on the…”
“Friendly and thorough in their attention to service.”
Chevrolet Malibu Owner
2026-07-18
“Moe was very helpful, patient, and clear on explaining all things in a used vehicle inspection. We were able to use what he told us to haggle down the price a bit, and told us…”
“Quick and intelligent online replies. I ended up booking an appointment with them for the next morning. I greatly appreciated the fast turnaround.”
Eric B
2026-09-13
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AC Not Cooling? Recharge to Factory-Spec Weight.
Vacuum, leak-check, fill to factory weight. Photos to your phone before any further work.
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