AC/climate service

AC/climate service in Sandefjord

A well-functioning AC system is essential for comfort in the car, especially on hot summer days or when condensation builds up on the windows. The AC also improves cabin air quality by reducing humidity, pollen and dust.

At Din Firmabil AS we offer complete service for all types of AC systems in all car brands. Our technicians are certified to handle both R134a and R1234yf, and we have specialized equipment to perform all types of service and repairs on AC systems — including newer cars with the modern refrigerant R1234yf.

Our standard AC service includes:

• Identification of refrigerant type (R134a or R1234yf)
• Leak test of the AC system
• Inspection of compressor and components
• Recovery and recycling of old refrigerant
• Vacuuming the system
• Refilling with the correct amount of new refrigerant
• Adding compressor oil as needed
• Functional test of the AC
• Inspection of cabin filter with replacement recommendations

We recommend an AC service every 2 years or whenever you notice reduced cooling or unusual smells from the system. Regular maintenance prevents larger faults and ensures optimal performance. A typical AC service takes 45–60 minutes.

Signs that your AC needs service

An AC system naturally loses 10–15% of its refrigerant per year through diffusion, even without a leak. Contact us if you experience one or more of these signs:

• The air no longer gets cold enough, or takes longer to cool down
• Bad or musty odor from the vents
• Unusual noises from the compressor when the AC turns on
• The AC turns on and off by itself
• Condensation on the inside of the windows that won't go away
• Visible moisture or oil under the car near the AC components

Refrigerants: R134a vs R1234yf

The car's AC uses a refrigerant that circulates through the system and transfers heat out of the cabin. Today there are two main types in use on Norwegian roads, and which one your car uses determines both the service procedure and the equipment that must be used.

R134a (1990–2017)

R134a was the standard in nearly all cars produced between 1990 and 2017. It is non-flammable and easy to handle, but has a GWP (global warming potential) of 1430 — that is 1430 times more potent than CO₂ as a greenhouse gas. Because of this, R134a was phased out for new cars in the EU and Norway from 1 January 2017 through the EU MAC Directive (2006/40/EC). Older cars can still be serviced with R134a, and the refrigerant is still legal to top up in existing systems.

R1234yf (2017 and newer)

R1234yf is the new standard for all new cars sold in the EU and Norway. It has a GWP of just 4 — over 360 times less climate impact than R134a. The downside is that R1234yf is mildly flammable (classified as A2L), costs significantly more per kilo, and requires certified equipment and procedures. Workshops that haven't invested in R1234yf equipment cannot legally service newer cars.

Which car uses what?

You'll find the refrigerant type on a sticker under the hood — usually at the condenser or on the underside of the hood panel. The sticker indicates both the type ("R-134a" or "R-1234yf") and the correct amount in grams. As a rule of thumb:

• Cars before 2017: typically use R134a
• Cars from 2017 and newer: typically use R1234yf
• Imported cars: may differ — check the sticker or ask us

If you are unsure, we always identify the refrigerant type before starting the service. We use specialized equipment that verifies which refrigerant is actually in the system so we avoid mis-charging — which can damage both the system and the service station.

Why is R1234yf service more expensive?

Service on an R1234yf vehicle typically costs more than on an R134a vehicle. This is not a markup from the workshop but reflects real differences in materials and procedure:

• The refrigerant itself costs more — R1234yf is around 5–10 times more expensive per kilo than R134a
• Specialized equipment is required — dedicated service stations certified for flammable refrigerant
• Stricter safety procedures — due to A2L flammability classification
• Certification requirements — only technicians with an F-gas certificate can legally handle the refrigerant

Certification and environment

Refrigerant handling is regulated by the F-gas Regulation (Regulation 517/2014) in the EU and Norway. Only technicians with a valid F-gas certificate may legally perform service involving filling, recovering or repairing AC systems. At Din Firmabil AS all relevant technicians are certified, and all refrigerant recovery is done in closed systems so nothing is released into the atmosphere.

Remember that you don't only need the AC in summer heat. In winter it is used to dehumidify the air and prevent fogging on the windows — and regular operation keeps the seals lubricated so the system lasts longer.