Ever looked forward to retreating from Singapore’s heat into your home, only to notice an unsettling aircon hissing sound or feel the unit blowing warm air instead of a cool breeze?
These issues may indicate low refrigerant (aircon gas) levels, which require a repair and gas top-up to remedy.
Ideally, refrigerant should last the lifespan of your aircon unit as it is not consumed during operation.
Therefore, low or no gas levels in your system imply it has been compromised. This issue is typically caused by small leaks in the unit, resulting from corrosion or long-term wear and tear on the pipes.
Here are the five most common indicators that your refrigerant levels have dropped, signalling the need for professional attention.
The primary function of refrigerant is to absorb heat from your indoor environment. As such, when levels are insufficient, the system struggles to cool effectively.
Consequently, you may notice the aircon blowing warm air or simply circulating a room-temperature breeze instead of providing a chill. This inability to lower the room’s temperature is a classic indicator that your unit lacks gas and requires immediate inspection.
Surprisingly, low refrigerant often causes the evaporator coil to overcool. This issue occurs because the system pressure drops, causing moisture from the air to freeze rapidly on the surface.
In turn, you might see visible ice or frost forming on the coils, which restricts airflow and severely hampers cooling capacity. If you spot this icy buildup, it is a strong signal that an aircon repair and gas top-up are necessary.
As ice accumulates on your evaporator coils and begins to melt, the resulting water volume can easily overwhelm the drainage pan.
This excess liquid has nowhere to go but out, leading to visible leakage from your unit. If you notice water dripping indoors, it is prudent to investigate low refrigerant levels immediately.
An aircon hissing sound is an audible warning that aircon gas is escaping from a point in the pressurised lines.
Meanwhile, a bubbling noise suggests that air or moisture has entered the system or that liquid refrigerant is leaking.
Both noises indicate your aircon has no gas pressure left to function correctly, which requires urgent repair.
You might also notice a sudden, unexplained spike in your monthly utility costs.
This is because when refrigerant levels are low, the aircon struggles to reach the set temperature, forcing the compressor to work harder and run continuously to compensate.
This excessive strain leads to significantly higher energy consumption, causing your bills to rise even without a change in usage.
If you spot any of these warning signs, it’s insufficient to simply refill the refrigerant without addressing the root cause. This is because running a compromised system may damage the compressor, resulting in higher long-term costs.
Instead, it’s essential to get a professional aircon specialist to conduct a comprehensive leak detection test. A certified technician will be able to accurately diagnose and seal the leak before performing an aircon gas top-up.
Quick action in response to these warning signs is essential to prevent further damage and costly repairs.
While dealing with a malfunctioning aircon unit is frustrating, finding a reliable solution shouldn't add to your stress.
At 81 Aircon, our BCA-certified technicians are dedicated to providing comprehensive aircon services at transparent prices, ensuring that your unit functions reliably for the long term.
So, don't let a small leak become a major headache. Book an appointment online or WhatsApp us for a professional inspection and restore your cool comfort today!
