How often does my air conditioning need "re-gassing"?

A common misconception is that air conditioning units need regular re-gassing when a service takes place. We get many customers asking us why we haven't "re-gassed" their systems during a service.

You may find you are re-gassing the air conditioning in your car annually before the summer months and assume the same is necessary for a fixed air conditioning system.

Although there are occasions when an air conditioning system may need re-gassing, generally you should expect a system to last the duration of its running life without the need to be re-gassed.

It is important that your air conditioning installation is carried out by an experienced and competent engineer. Please also ensure that the engineer, or company, holds an F-Gas certification (this allows them to legally and safely handle the refrigerant found within air conditioning systems).

This will ensure that the system is installed correctly and the engineer will have both the knowledge and the tools to carry out all the necessary procedures during the installation - including a pressure/leak test.

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What is a pressure/leak test?

Once an engineer has finished an installation they will carry out a pressure test on the system. This involves forcing oxygen-free nitrogen into the system to raise the pressure inside to a higher pressure than the refrigerant inside would ordinarily run at. This helps the engineer be confident that all mechanical and brazed joints are strong enough to hold the pressure and this will not allow a leak to take place.

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With all the above considered we can now see how we should expect (if installed correctly) your system to last it's entire lifetime without being re-gassed.

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Exceptions

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As with everything, there are exceptions, and leaks can occur. If you have a leak on your system, the following is likely to be one of the reasons why:

• Installation Error - as mentioned before, if the system was not pressure tested for long enough (or at all), then a leak could have been missed during the installation process.

• Manufacturer Error - sometimes the parts in the indoor or outdoor units can fail over time, whether it be a mechanical or brazed joint, or a leaking valve.

• Accidental Damage - accidents can happen and occasionally people can accidentally damage the system during building alteration or other works taking place.

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To summarise, although air conditioning systems shouldn't leak if they have been correctly installed, there are exceptions to this as described above. Regular servicing is the best way to be assured there are no leaks on your systems, and if one is found it can be repaired quickly so there is no disruption to the use of your system.

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