Gas leaks are one of the most common issues in air conditioners that are often overlooked. If left unchecked, aircon gas leaks can have dangerous consequences, especially in Singapore’s hot and humid weather. However, fixing aircon gas leaks by yourself is not recommended and should be done by a professional technician. This guide will help you understand the common causes of aircon gas leaks and what to do to prevent further damage.
Signs Your Aircon Has a Gas Leak
Here are the signs to look for that may confirm whether your aircon has a gas leak.
- Strange odour coming from your aircon
- Unusual noises such as hissing or whistling, are due to air escaping the system
- Air conditioner not cooling as it attempts to compensate for insufficient refrigerant
- Any signs of condensation or moisture around your aircon
- An unexplainable rise in electricity bills
7 Common Causes of Aircon Gas Leaks
Understanding the root cause of a gas leak can help you get timely help and avoid more complex issues. Here are some of the most common reasons behind aircon gas leaks:
Poor Installation
Poor installation of your aircon unit, especially at the joints or pipe connections, can create gaps where gas may slowly escape. This may also happen if installers fail to tighten the fittings securely. Vibrations from the compressor or physical impact may also cause the joints to loosen, increasing the chances of a leak.
Corroded Pipes
In older aircon units, exposure to moisture and chemicals may cause the pipes that carry refrigerant between your indoor and outdoor units to corrode. This results in cracks through which gas can also escape.
Faulty Compressor
The compressor is a crucial part of your aircon system that circulates refrigerant through the system, absorbing indoor heat and releasing it outdoors. Normal wear and tear, electrical issues, or overheating may cause the compressor to fail, leading to gas leaks.
Damaged Evaporator or Condenser Coils
Your aircon has an evaporator coil in the indoor unit and a condenser coil in the outdoor unit with thin aluminium or copper fins. Improper cleaning and corrosion from accumulated dirt may damage these coils and cause gas leaks.
Valve Problems
Valves that are not properly sealed, due to prolonged wear or debris that may have caused the refrigerant to leak out. Some technicians may also forget to seal the service valves after maintenance work.
Physical Damage from Accidents
External damage from falling objects, renovation work, or strong winds may cause pipes to be cracked, causing gas leaks. Indoor units can also be affected by water damage.
Manufacturing Defects
In some cases, brand new aircon units may have manufacturing defects such as faulty or improperly assembled components. Although not immediately apparent, they can cause leaks in the first few months or years of using the aircon.
Why DIY Gas Leak Repair Is Dangerous
Upon suspecting that a gas leak has occurred, you may think about repairing it yourself to save time and costs. However, DIY gas leak repairs can be extremely harmful. The most common aircon gas, Freon, can harm both the environment and the people exposed to it. Qualified technicians are equipped with the necessary tools such as electronic sniffers, UV dyes, and pressure tests, to detect and identify the cause of the leaks accurately, preventing further exposure to the leaked gas. They can also safely perform an aircon gas top up if needed.
In addition, your aircon unit has a considerable amount of piping, electrical components, and other parts that must be inspected carefully by a qualified technician. These technicians have undergone dedicated training and strict safety precautions to perform the repair safely. In attempting a DIY repair, you may unintentionally cause further damage to your aircon unit. If this happens, you may end up having to pay for more costly repairs. Getting in touch with a professional technician is a safer, more cost-effective decision in the long run.
What to Do If You Suspect a Gas Leak
Instead of attempting to fix an aircon gas leak or doing an aircon gas refill yourself, here are the steps you should take:
- Switch off your aircon unit immediately to prevent further damage, especially to the compressor.
- Call a professional technician to schedule a repair as soon as possible.
How Professionals Detect and Repair Gas Leaks
Professional technicians use a variety of methods to detect and address aircon gas leaks, which are:
Electronic Detectors
Electronic leak detectors or “sniffers” are highly sensitive handheld devices that are able to detect refrigerant gas in the air. The technician will move the detector’s probe along your aircon’s joints and coils, sampling the air around it to detect the presence of unique chemical compounds present in refrigerants.
UV Dyes
The UV dye leak detection method can be used to detect leaks hidden inside coils or hard-to-reach areas. The technician will inject fluorescent dye into your aircon’s refrigerant circuit. The dye mixes with the refrigerant and circulates together with it throughout your aircon system. If there is a leak, the refrigerant gas escapes along with the dye. The technician will use UV light and special goggles to detect any escaped dye due to the leak.
Once your technician confirms that your aircon gas is leaking, they will seal the leak by securing any loose connections and welding broken joints. They may also replace damaged coils or pipes if needed. They will also perform an aircon gas top up according to the suitable type and amount of refrigerant indicated by your aircon manufacturer. This procedure helps replenish the refrigerant levels that have been lost due to the leak in your system so that your aircon can go back to operating optimally.
How to Prevent Future Gas Leaks
Although gas leaks in your aircon unit need to be repaired immediately once they occur, there are certain steps you can take to prevent this issue from happening again.
Schedule Regular Maintenance
Regular services for your aircon unit keep it running efficiently. Professional technicians can identify early signs of loose connections or minor issues before they worsen.
Request Leak Tests
During your routine checks, you can ask your technician to conduct a basic leak check to ensure everything is working well. This simple step can go a long way to save you from unexpected expenses.
Choose a Trusted Aircon Servicing Company
Attempting to fix any issues in your aircon yourself or hiring unqualified technicians may cause further problems for your unit. Booking regular checks from a reputable aircon servicing company ensures that your aircon unit can be handled properly without damaging the components, with maintenance and repair methods that complies with industry standards.
Keep Your Aircon Unit Running Safely and Efficiently with Our Professional Service
Aircon gas leak is a serious issue that needs to be addressed by a professional technician. If you suspect that your aircon is leaking, get in touch with Cool-Aire immediately. We offer routine maintenance, washing, and aircon gas top up in Singapore for you to enjoy a safer, more comfortable home. Book our services at Cool-Aire today!