If it needs re-gassing you may have a leak. The seals can perish quite easily on aircon apparently, especially over periods of not being used (winter, so 10 months of the year here!)
I used a local specialist firm a couple of years ago for a Saab I had, they came to the house, leak tested etc and practically rebuilt the system from the ground up after finding a couple of leaks due to perished O-rings.
Cost £120 all in, and they were at the house all day.
Well i know aircon leaks about 10% a year and the car is a 1999 plate and has not been done since i've had it. The refrigerant is also used to lube the compressor so its important to keep the level up or the compressor can sieze. Most aircon companies say it should be serviced every year!