Can a small service-port leak really cause recurring cooling loss?

Yes. A small leak can still reduce cooling over time. It may be missed in quick checks, which is why the same top-up cycle can repeat.

Why did previous top-ups seem to work at first?

A top-up restores cooling temporarily, but the improvement will not last if the leak path is still there. The leak must be found and corrected.

What should I send before asking for a second opinion?

Share how many times cooling loss returned and what was done each visit. The repeat pattern helps us narrow the likely leak path.

Hidden Leak At Schrader Valve Core

Repeated cooling loss can continue even after several checks when the leak path is small and easy to miss. This was not a major leak, but it was enough to keep the top-up cycle going.

Case Details

LocationYishun, Singapore

BrandMidea

Unit age9 yrs

ComplaintCooling improved after each top-up but faded again later. The client had paid for repeat visits and still did not get a clear leak source.

CauseHidden leak at the service-port Schrader valve core

The Assessment

When the issue repeats, we do not restart from the same assumption. We narrow the leak path and check the small service-port points that are often skipped.

Repeat cooling-loss history matched a leak pattern
Wider circuit checks did not explain the repeat cycle
Leak signs appeared at the service-port valve core area
The leak path was small but consistent

The Diagnosis

The refrigerant was escaping at the service-port valve core. The leak was small. It was easy to miss during quick checks. It was still enough to keep the cooling-loss cycle returning. Top-ups improved cooling for a while, but they did not remove the leak path.

Repair the service-port leak path at the valve core area, then confirm the system holds and cooling performance returns before discussing any larger circuit work.

The Outcome

After the valve-core leak path was corrected and the system was rechecked, cooling stabilized and the repeat top-up cycle stopped.

Timeline

Earlier visitsCooling loss returned after repeat top-ups

Before second opinionNo leak source was confirmed

Snowflake visitLeak path narrowed to service-port valve core area

After repairCooling stabilized without repeat loss

What This Means for You

Repeat top-ups without a leak source usually mean the diagnosis is incomplete.

Cooling improves after top-up but fades again later
You were asked to monitor without a confirmed leak path
No clear source was shown after repeat visits

Ask for a leak-path diagnosis, not another repeat top-up, before spending again.