How is this different from a gas top-up?

A top-up just adds refrigerant. A leak repair finds where gas is escaping, fixes that point, then recharges the system so it does not run low again.

How do contractors find the leak?

Common methods are pressurising the system with nitrogen and checking for pressure drop, using an electronic leak detector along joints and coils, or applying soap solution to suspect fittings.

Can I just keep topping up gas instead of fixing the leak?

You can, but you will pay for gas repeatedly and the compressor works harder on low refrigerant, which shortens its life.

Aircon gas leak repair when your unit is not cooling

An aircon that runs but blows warm air, ices up on the copper piping, or hisses faintly near the wall unit usually points to a refrigerant gas leak, not just low gas. Topping up gas without finding and sealing the leak point means the same problem comes back in a few months, often at the flare nut joints, the service valve, or a pinhole in the evaporator coil.

A proper leak repair job includes leak detection (nitrogen pressure test or electronic sniffer), sealing or replacing the faulty joint or coil section, then vacuuming the line before regassing to the correct pressure. This is different from a routine gas top-up, which assumes there is no leak and just refills refrigerant.

Expect the contractor to show you where the leak was found before they close up the system. If a unit needs repeat gas top-ups every few months, that is the signal to ask for leak detection rather than another top-up.

What it costs

Cost depends on where the leak is and how much dismantling is needed to reach it. A leak at an accessible flare joint is a quick fix; a leak inside the indoor coil or in concealed piping (common in ducted or trunking installations) takes longer and costs more because panels or trunking need to be opened. Gas refill quantity and refrigerant type (R22 vs R32/R410A) also affect the final price.

Top 3 by our score

Ranked from our published scoring of public Google reviews for gas top-up & chemical cleaning.

1. LM Brothers Aircond Pte Ltd
5.0★ · 458 reviews

94
2. YS A-Cool Pte Ltd
5.0★ · 284 reviews

94
3. Cool Aircon
5.0★ · 281 reviews

94

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FAQ

How is this different from a gas top-up?: A top-up just adds refrigerant. A leak repair finds where gas is escaping, fixes that point, then recharges the system so it does not run low again.
How do contractors find the leak?: Common methods are pressurising the system with nitrogen and checking for pressure drop, using an electronic leak detector along joints and coils, or applying soap solution to suspect fittings.
Can I just keep topping up gas instead of fixing the leak?: You can, but you will pay for gas repeatedly and the compressor works harder on low refrigerant, which shortens its life.

Enquiries submitted through this site's contact forms may be passed to partner providers who can carry out the work. We may receive a referral fee for these introductions, but our rankings and scores are based solely on our published scoring method and are never influenced by referral fees.