Aircon Gas Top-up: Things to Know

We have taken the aircon gas top service at least once, especially in Singapore with the older units. Gas top-up relates to refilling of the refrigerant found in the aircon system. This refrigerant, commonly known as gas, is the element in an air conditioning unit that cools the air it circulates. Eventually, these refrigerants are lost due to leakage or underusage of a unit, affecting the cooling of that unit. Knowing the right time to determine when a gas top-up is done is paramount in ensuring the aircon usually operates.

What Is Aircon Refrigerant?

Refrigerants are chemicals used to remove heat in the indoor air and exhaust it to the exterior to cool down the interior environment. When refrigerant gets low, your aircon begins to cool insufficiently, resulting in poor operating efficiency and increased electricity costs. Air conditioners use various refrigerants, including R22, R410A, and R32. Environmental and efficiency consequences depend on which type is used, so the right one must be used with the system. You can book our service if you are needing one at https://www.airconservicing.org/aircon-gas-top-up/. 

When Gas Top-up Is Required?

In good condition, an air conditioner is supposed to have a closed-loop system and, hence, does not require gas top-ups unless there is a leakage. Nevertheless, as the air-con gets older, tiny leaks may develop after some time. If the aircon has not cooled as well as it used to, or if the ducts are spitting out hot air, it is probably time to have your aircon checked gas level to determine the refrigerant level. Given Singapore’s heat, where aircon is run almost all day, periodic gas top-ups may be necessary every few years, especially if this gas top-up system is old or has not been maintained in a long time.

Here below are some of the common indications that your aircon needs it:

• Warm air is blowing out of the aircon, which should be the other way with cool air blowing out.
• The aircon takes longer than it usually takes to ice up a room.
• There is ice on the refrigerator lines.
• The aircon is producing hissing and bubbling noises, which may be signs of a leakage.

Who Should Perform a Gas Top-Up?

A gas top-up is a filling that is otherwise referred to and recommended to be broken by a professional like https://www.airconservicing.org/. They will first check the aircon sinks for any refrigerant leaks. If a leak exists, it should be fixed before gas topping. For example, refilling the refrigerant alone without repairing the leak will only be a temporary solution, resulting in a recurring problem.

When this is done, and the system is barred from any possible leaks, the technician will record the amount of refrigerant within the system and add more if necessary. This ensures that the aircon will function as it should, bringing back the capacity to cool down the room. In Singapore, it is illegal for contractors to allow end-users to consume refrigerants due to the potential environmental risks if misused.

What Are the Benefits of Regular Maintenance

Regular servicing of the aircon comprising monitoring of insulating gas amounts gives comfort to the aircon unit. Because aircon devices that have been thoroughly serviced do not tend to experience leakages or run on low gasses, it means very few gas top-ups. It also helps you stay away from expensive repairs, which in turn prolong the lifespan of your aircon unit. In the case of Singapore, it is said that to avoid the issues of refrigerants, providing a professional aircon servicing service within a year is exemplary.