Mobile car A/C repair and recharge

Drivers who want a fix without leaving the car at a shop, small fleets, tradespeople with work vans and independent garages that don't do A/C work.

Fixed price for a leak test and recharge, plus parts and labour for repairs. Demand peaks in late spring and summer, so plan for a quieter winter.

• Mechanical aptitude and diagnostic thinking
• Safe handling of refrigerants and pressurized equipment
• Clear communication with customers about repair costs

• Refrigerant handling certification, which provinces generally require; check your provincial environment ministry
• Commercial general liability insurance and cover for the work you do on customers' vehicles
• Municipal rules on working from a van or on private and public parking spaces
• Newer refrigerants such as R-1234yf need different, costlier equipment than older R-134a systems
• Seasonal income, so keep some cash back for the winter months

Startup costs are estimated at typically around $8,000 to $25,000, depending on your van, your equipment and the refrigerant systems you service. Newer refrigerants such as R-1234yf need different, costlier equipment than older R-134a systems.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around $3,000 to $12,000, depending on how many jobs you take and where you work. Income is seasonal, so it helps to keep some cash back for the winter months.

Check refrigerant handling certification, which provinces generally require, with your provincial environment ministry. Also check insurance for work on customers' vehicles, plus municipal rules on working from a van or on private and public parking spaces.