Refrigerant Leak, Not Just Low Gas
A client paid for two gas top-ups in six months but their aircon still wasn't cold. We found and fixed the active leak instead of just refilling it again.
Case Details
The Assessment
The unit was running but blowing warm air. Refrigerant pressure was well below normal — gas was low, that much was clear. But low gas is a symptom, not a cause. We needed to know where it was going.
- Refrigerant pressure well below normal range
- Nitrogen pressure test applied — system pressurised and gauges left to monitor overnight
- Pressure dropped by next morning, confirming an active leak
- Leak located at indoor-side pipe connection using bubble solution
The Diagnosis
The pipe connection had not been sealed properly — likely disturbed during an earlier service visit. Refrigerant was escaping slowly through that gap. Not fast enough to notice in a day, but fast enough to drain the system over a few weeks. Each top-up put gas back in. The leak kept letting it out. The unit would feel cold briefly, then the cycle would repeat. No amount of refilling fixes a leak — it just delays the next call.
Repair the faulty connection, pressure-test it to confirm the seal holds, then purge the system and recharge with the correct amount of refrigerant. One proper repair, verified before we leave.
The Outcome
The leak is gone. The unit has been cold since. No more top-ups.
Timeline
What This Means for You
Does your timeline match this pattern?
- Top-up → cold for weeks → gradually warm again
- Multiple top-ups within a year
- Different technicians, same result
If yes, you likely have an undiagnosed leak. Another top-up will give you the same temporary relief.