Air conditioners are essential for maintaining a cool and comfortable environment in homes and offices, but many people have misunderstandings about aircon gas top up. Some believe it’s never needed, while others think it’s a regular part of servicing.
These misconceptions can result in unnecessary costs, costly repairs, and inefficient cooling. In this guide, we’ll address six myths about aircon gas top-ups and provide tips on how to properly maintain your air conditioner.
What Is an Aircon Gas Top Up?
Before we dive into the myths, let’s first understand what an aircon gas top up is and why it matters.
Air conditioners rely on refrigerant gas to absorb heat from the air in your room and release it outdoors, keeping your space cool. This gas circulates within a sealed system, so it should remain inside unless there’s a leak.
If the gas leaks then the aircon loses efficiency and struggles to cool properly. Here are some common warning signs that your gas level may be too low:
- Warm air comes out instead of cold.
- Ice builds up on the coils.
- Electricity bills go up due to higher energy use.
- Cooling takes much longer than usual.
However, low gas isn’t always the cause of poor cooling. Dirty filters, faulty thermostats, or electrical issues can also affect performance. Always get a professional inspection before assuming a gas top-up is needed.
Misconception #1 – Aircon Gas Never Runs Out
The Truth: Gas Can Leak Over Time
Some people think aircon gas stays forever inside the machine. That only happens if there’s no leak at all. But over time, small holes can form in the pipes.
Why Does Gas Leak?
Gas seeps out of air conditioners because of:
- Pipes wearing out after years of use.
- Rust eating through metal parts.
- Loose joints can’t stop gas from leaking.
- Rough handling damages the pipes.
If the gas leaks, the aircon won’t cool well. An expert can find the leak, fix it and refill the gas.
Misconception #2 – Aircon Gas Needs Regular Refilling
The Truth: Top-Ups Are Needed Only When There’s a Leak
Many people think that the gas needs to be refilled every year, but that’s a misconception. If the air conditioner doesn’t have any leaks, the gas should remain inside indefinitely.
What Maintenance Does Your Aircon Need?
Instead of unnecessary gas refills, do these things:
- Wash air filters to keep air flowing smoothly.
- Check for dust-blocking air vents.
- Wipe the coils so they don’t trap heat.
- Inspecting wires to stop electrical failures.
- Make sure the fan spins correctly.
Experts test for leaks before topping up gas. That way, you only pay for what’s really needed.
Misconception #3 – A Gas Top-Up Fixes All Cooling Problems
The Truth: Other Issues Can Make the Aircon Stop Cooling
If an aircon blows warm air, it doesn’t always mean the gas is low. Many things affect cooling power.
What Else Causes Cooling Problems?
- Dusty air filters block cold air from spreading.
- A broken thermostat sends the wrong signals to the aircon.
- Dirty condenser coils trap heat inside the unit.
- Loose wires cause weak airflow.
If the aircon stops cooling, don’t rush to refill the gas. Call an expert to check for the issue.
Misconception #4 – You Can Refill Aircon Gas Yourself
The Truth: Gas Refilling Requires Special Training
Some people try to refill aircon gas by themselves. That can cause damage.
Why Should Only Experts Refill Gas?
- Check for leaks first. If gas is leaking, refilling won’t solve the problem.
- Different aircons need different gases. Using the wrong one damages the machine.
- Too much or too little gas makes the aircon work poorly.
- Refrigerant gas is dangerous if inhaled or spilled.
A professional technician should seal any leaks, choose the correct refrigerant gas for your system, and refill it properly.
Misconception #5 – A Gas Top-Up Costs Too Much
The Truth: It’s Cheaper Than Running a Weak Aircon
Many think aircon gas top up cost too much. But low gas makes the aircon use more electricity. That leads to higher bills every month.
What Affects the Cost of a Gas Top-Up?
- Type of gas: Some refrigerants cost more than others.
- Gas amount needed: A small refill costs less than a full refill.
- Repair needs: Fixing leaks adds to the cost.
- Technician fees: Prices vary by company and location.
How a Gas Top-Up Saves Money
- Lowers electricity use by making cooling faster.
- Prevents expensive breakdowns later.
- Keeps the aircon running longer so you don’t need a new one soon.
If cooling gets weak and bills increase, a gas check-up might help.
Misconception #6 – A Bigger Gas Refill Cools Faster
The Truth: Too Much Gas Can Harm the Aircon
Some people think that adding extra gas will make their aircon cool faster. But air conditioners need the right gas level to work properly. Overfilling the gas can cause more harm than good.
What Happens If There’s Too Much Gas?
- Increased pressure – Too much gas strains the compressor which leads to damage.
- Inefficient cooling – Instead of cooling faster, the aircon may overheat or stop working properly.
- Higher electricity bills – The unit works hard and uses more energy than needed.
- Possible gas leaks – Excess pressure can lead to leaks, wasting gas and causing safety risks.
A professional technician measures the correct gas level to ensure your aircon runs smoothly without overloading the system.
Conclusion
Gas top-ups are only needed when leaks occur since refrigerants should not naturally deplete under normal conditions. If you’re experiencing poor cooling, it’s not always due to low gas levels—issues like dirty filters, faulty thermostats, or blocked coils can also affect performance.
Attempting a DIY gas refill can cause damage to your air conditioner. Incorrect handling may result in overfilling, underfilling, or using the wrong refrigerant, which can harm the system.
At Aircon Express, we offer fast, professional, and affordable aircon servicing, leak detection, and gas top-ups across Singapore. Keep your aircon running smoothly—book a service with us today!