The reason why your air conditioning blows cold is due to the system holding refrigeration gas/liquid and using it to cool the air coming through the system. The high pressure hose is what contains the refrigerant liquid which then is converted into a gas. If this hose fails, you’ll lose your refrigeration and your air conditionings cooling ability.

What is an air conditioning high-pressure hose? 

Basically it runs from your a/c condenser, where gas is condensed into liquid, and carries that gas to the receiver. At the receiver the liquid is used to move air through it - cooling it down. Without this hose, you’d lose your refrigeration and you’d be left hot and sweaty, wondering why your air isn't cold.

Why do you need an air conditioning high-pressure hose? 

Without it, you’ll be sweating and uncomfortable. Also, if you fail to notice that the hose is broken, you’ll keep topping up the refrigeration liquid and wondering why it all disappears. It’s probably the most important hose in the system. 

How to tell if you need a new air conditioning high-pressure hose

If your a/c is blowing air but it’s not cold, then you might have a leak in the hose. A more telltale way to notice is if there’s obvious cracking or tears on the hose. A mechanic may pressure test your system and deduce that the leak is coming from the hose. 

How much does an air conditioning high-pressure hose cost in Hamilton?

Depending on how hard it is to access the hose and how much the new hose costs, the prices should be around $300 to $800. 

How often do I need an air conditioning high-pressure hose replaced?

Due to the heat from the engine and the amount that the hose is used, they are known to wear out. Not anytime soon hopefully, you shouldn't expect a failure inside 120,000km. 

Is a broken air conditioning high-pressure hose unsafe?

For the environment and for your comfort. Leaking refrigeration gas or liquid is a toxic substance and one that you don’t want in your car or atmosphere. As it can also stop your a/c from working as it should, it’s worth making sure that if there’s a problem that you get a qualified mechanic to solve it.

You can find a mechanic near me with My Auto Shop.