I don't realy know what the average life of an AC system is before it needs to be recharged or parts replaced.

The AC on my old 95 TA that I sold still works and so does my 97's.

I was told about every two to three years is a good number. This is due to the fact that even though the systems will work after that long they still will leak R-134 out, and it is not good to run the AC system if your R-134 is low. I remember the last time that I had it serviced after about three years I did have to add about $40 bucks worth of R-134. The guys at the Car Craft Center at Fort Benning did it for me for only about $15 bucks(labor).

Not very long, mine be broketh. But not for long, thanks Alex

My 94 Z28 AC is still running strong and I have never had it serviced after 97K miles. Perhaps the under drive pulley has something to do with that? The compressor on my '92 Caprice went out 2 years ago, but before that it ran fine with no service ever! I had it switched over to R-134A since then.

I have 89,000 and it has never been serviced, it still works fine, but I believe that it has more potential then it is currently giving me? What it be a good idea to get it checked out to make sure i'am not running it low? Where's a good place to get it all checked out cheap? Whats the average recharge procedure cost/or can i do it myself??

TTT
any 4th gen AC info would be helpful....
thanks

As long as it takes for me to yank it out.
If taken care of it is like anything else, should last for at least 100k. Keeping the refrigerant with the oil in it I think would be the key to a long life.

Buy the 134A A/C charge kit at any Walmart - $24.95. DIY!

Includes gauge, filler hose, and can of 134A.

Easiest check I ever did! Just be sure to hook up to low end.

So even if my AC is still cold, should I have it serviced or recharged after a certain amount of time so nothing breaks?

The A/C system is kinda like the heating system. If left alone and not used, it will eventually "dry" out and create a leak somewhere. Most service techs will tell you to turn on your heater every now and then during the summer to keep it from causing problems. They will also tell you to run the A/C in the winter every now and then also.

I've had my 93 Z for the past 50k miles (now has 122k) and i've never had my a/c serviced and it still works. Well, it worked until i ripped it all out back this spring .

On our cars, there are no moving parts for the heater, so I don't know what it is that could fail by non-use. Coolant circulates through the core, whether you turn on the heat or not. The only thing that changes is whether the air is diverted through the heater core, before it comes out the vents.

In normal vehicle operation, the a/c system should get periodic use, since the compressor kicks on when you use the defroster.

In any event, normal driving of your car will keep all those things exercised.

I would assume that if your a/c is still blowing cold, it has enough charge to be in good order. Terrible noises from the compressor could signal an impending repair, though. I am not aware of any recommended service intervals for the a/c system.
93k for me, no service done and works very well.