A Tampines customer had their gas topped up twice in six months. Both times, the unit stayed cold for about three weeks, then went warm again. When they contacted us, they expected another top-up. That's not what we recommended. If your unit follows the same pattern, get a second-opinion assessment on WhatsApp before paying for another refill.
When we arrived, the unit was running but blowing room-temperature air. Instead of topping up gas immediately, we checked the pressure. Refrigerant pressure was significantly below normal range. That confirmed gas was low. But we needed to find out why.
We found it:
The pipe connection wasn't sealed properly - likely from the original installation 5 years ago, or from a previous service where it was disturbed. At this rate of loss, the system would gradually deplete over a few months. Each top-up was just refilling a leaking system. The refrigerant wasn't being 'used up' - it was escaping through the faulty connection.
Slow leak
ISSUE FOUND
Detected via pressure test
Well below normal
PRESSURE STATUS
Confirmed refrigerant loss
2-3 weeks
PATTERN
Cold period after each top-up
8 months
RUNNING SINCE FIX
Zero issues, no top-ups
Fix the connection properly, test it holds pressure, remove moisture and air from the system, recharge with the correct amount, then test again. The alternative was to keep topping up every few months indefinitely. One proper fix versus repeated payments every 10-12 weeks.
Band-aid approach
Approach
Repeated gas top-ups
Timeline
Every 10-12 weeks
Cost
Repeated spend every 10-12 weeks
Permanent fix
Approach
Proper leak repair
Timeline
Fixed within the week
Cost
One-time leak-repair scope after verification
Customer chose the permanent fix. We completed it within the week. Unit has been running cold for 8 months since, with no further issues. No more top-ups needed.
March
First gas top-up by previous contractor
June
Second gas top-up - unit cold for 2-3 weeks, then warm again
August (Day 1)
Snowflake assessment: Applied pressure test, left gauges to monitor overnight
August (Day 2)
Returned - pressure dropped, confirming leak. Located faulty pipe connection
August (Day 3)
Repaired connection, pressure tested, recharged system
Present
8 months running cold, zero top-ups needed
Topping up gas without finding the leak is like refilling a car tire without fixing the puncture. It works temporarily, but you'll keep paying. In this case, earlier work focused on symptom relief, not root-cause verification.
We don't start with the fix. We start with 'why is this happening?' Sometimes it's low gas with no leak. Sometimes it's a leak that needs repair. Sometimes it's not a gas issue at all. Assessment first means we find the actual problem, not guess at solutions. If the issue keeps returning, share your timeline on WhatsApp and we will map one clear next step.
Tell us what's happening. We'll assess your unit and give you one clear recommendation.
Get an Assessment