I have just booked my car in for its second service (very low mileage). I was offered a re-gas of the a/c system which is apparently recommended by LR (£99). Alternatively I could have the system deoderised (£20). I declined both but I wonder if anyone has differing thoughts?

Depends really on the importance you attach to the aircon.

There's no denying that the system naturally loses its gas over time so although it may work, its not as efficient as it was when new. Also the gas has lubricating qualities to help ensure the seals stay in good condition which is why it pays to use fairly regularly, as once the seals degrade the loss of gas will be quicker.

If you think it is cooling and demisting as efficiently as it was two years ago then I would leave it for another year. Regarding the 'deodorising', if it smells then I would attempt to rid the system of the bacteria growth as it could affect you and your passengers.

I certainly wouldn't pay LR £99 to do it, when there are any number of independents doing it for between 30 and 40 quid. Steve

2008 TD4 HSE Auto, Zermatt Silver

Yes, forgot to add, get someone like a proper independent not like Halfords or Kwikfit who has only been taught which valve to operate and where the needle should be on the gauge. Get a guy who knows how the system works and can fault find if necessary.

Had mine done recently, had no problems with it but prettty sure its had never been looked at before so just a as a matter of preventative maintenance. I used a mobile operator who came and did it in the work carpark. Cost about £60.

http://www.ac4cars.co.uk/ 
Hung like Einstein, smart as a horse.

Thanks all - checking around the various websites it seems that the general recommendation is to have the system re-gassed at 3 years unless it is not operating correctly. Deodorising is clearly a sales gimmick unless the system has not been regularly used ( regular use seems to be the key - switching it off appears to be terminal!)

Yep, sold my 12 year old 158,000 mile BMW a couple of weeks back - still on the original gas. Never had any problems with it but then it was never ever switched off ! I'm sure at that age it would have benefitted from a re-gas but I just never got round to having it done and it still dried and chilled enough for me. FL2 HSE Auto Galway Green
Evoque SD4 Auto Blue.
FL1 HSE TD4 Manual Black - Gone.
RR Classic V8 EFI - Gone

Never switch my AC off either and still OK in 4th year.

Bill Life Honorary Member of Wallasey Motor Club.
Licenced MSA Radio Operator for 35+ years.
Rallying is the only sport.

clearly forum members are not 'friends of the earth'!!!

No we are friends of Land Rover

Bill Life Honorary Member of Wallasey Motor Club.
Licenced MSA Radio Operator for 35+ years.
Rallying is the only sport.

is that different?

I hardly have mine on in the winter, any estimates as to how much extra fuel it uses while the air con is on? Black MY2013 SD4 GS Auto, Wood Company Armrest, Freel2 sticker.
Gone MY2010 Freelander 2 Manual TD4.e S, Alaska White.

FA, haven't noticed any difference, if there is any saving it is so minuscule that it's immeasurable, you meet a couple of heavies going the other way, the backdraft from them will cost you any saving.
Last summer we ran two identical vehicles up the M74 from Carlisle to Glasgow, both empty, travelling three minutes apart, 60mph one with Air Con on and one off, both returned identical mpg.

Mine needs a re-gas. I've got some quotes. There's a garage just round the corner from work quoting 35 quid, local Indy says 50, next works bonus I think I will get it done then leave it on and see if it affects mpg. Black MY2013 SD4 GS Auto, Wood Company Armrest, Freel2 sticker.
Gone MY2010 Freelander 2 Manual TD4.e S, Alaska White.

The usual recommendation is to use it once a month to stop the seals drying out, its useful in the winter to help with demisting. The impact on fuel consumption is most noticeable on small engine cars, a 1litre engine doesn't have a lot of spare capacity, not sure how much impact it would have on a 2.2l diesel, not that much I wouldn't have thought. 
Hung like Einstein, smart as a horse.