Do You Have to Regas Your Home Aircon?

Have you noticed your air conditioner isn't cooling like it used to? You might be wondering if it’s time to regas your home aircon.

Regassing refers to the process of replenishing the refrigerant that helps your air conditioner cool your home. While it’s usually associated with car air conditioners and not something most people think about for home systems, it can become necessary if your AC isn’t working as efficiently as before.

In this article, we’ll break down what aircon regassing is, why your aircon might need it, and how often it should be done. You’ll also learn to spot the signs that indicate a refrigerant issue and why fixing leaks is crucial before considering regassing.

By the end, you’ll know whether or not regassing is required to keep your home cool and comfortable. Let’s get started.

How Does Your AC Use Refrigerant?

Your air conditioning system relies on refrigerant to cool your home. Refrigerant is a special fluid that moves through your air conditioning system in a closed loop, constantly changing between gas and liquid to absorb and release heat.

Here’s how it works: as warm air from your home passes over the evaporator coil, the refrigerant inside absorbs the heat, cooling the air. The refrigerant then travels to the compressor, where it’s pressurised and sent to the condenser coil outside your home. At this point, the heat is released, and the refrigerant cools down again, ready to repeat the process.

This cycle continues, allowing your aircon to pump cool air into your home. Ideally, the refrigerant should never need to be replaced or topped up unless there’s a leak or a problem with the system. If your aircon isn’t cooling efficiently, it could be a sign that there’s an issue with the refrigerant, possibly a leak that needs attention.

Signs Your AC Might Need Regassing

If your air conditioner isn’t performing like it used to, it could be a sign that it needs regassing. While it’s not a routine task, there are some key indicators that can help you spot when something’s off.

Here are the common signs to look out for:

• Warm air instead of cool: If your aircon is blowing warm or lukewarm air, it’s a red flag that your refrigerant levels may be low.
• Longer cooling times: Notice your aircon taking much longer to cool your home? It might be struggling due to insufficient refrigerant.
• Higher energy bills: An air conditioner low on refrigerant has to work harder to cool your home, leading to a spike in your energy bills.
• Hissing or bubbling sounds: These noises can indicate a refrigerant leak in the system, which requires immediate attention.
• Frozen evaporator coils: Low refrigerant can cause the evaporator coils to freeze, affecting the cooling process.

If you notice any of these signs, it’s worth having your air conditioning unit inspected by a professional.

How Often Should You Regas Your Home Aircon?

An air conditioner regas isn’t something that should happen regularly. In fact, most home air conditioning systems are designed to work with the same refrigerant throughout their entire lifespan. Unlike a car air conditioning system, it is stable and doesn’t move around.

So, if your system is working properly and hasn’t developed any leaks, you might never need to regas it. However, if your air conditioner isn’t cooling as effectively as it used to, or if you notice it running longer to reach the desired temperature, it could be due to a refrigerant gas leak.

Refrigerant doesn’t “run out” like fuel; instead, it stays in a closed loop. If you’re finding that your aircon needs regassing frequently, it’s likely a sign of a leak that needs to be fixed before adding more refrigerant. It’s always best to consult a professional HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) technician if you’re unsure.

They can inspect your system, repair any leaks and regas the air conditioning unit if necessary, ensuring your aircon works efficiently without wasting energy.

Why Refrigerant Leaks are a Bigger Concern

Refrigerant gas leaks are more than just a nuisance − they can lead to bigger problems for both your air conditioner and your environment.

Here’s why refrigerant leaks shouldn’t be ignored:

• Damage to your air conditioner: When refrigerant levels drop, your air conditioner has to work much harder to cool your home. This strain can lead to more wear and tear, reducing the lifespan of your unit and leading to costly repairs.
• Increased energy bills: A leaking system will consume more electricity as it struggles to maintain the desired temperature, which means you’ll see a rise in your energy bills.
• Environmental impact: Many refrigerants contain chemicals that are harmful to the environment, contributing to ozone depletion or climate change when released into the atmosphere.
• Health risks: Exposure to refrigerant can be hazardous to your health, especially in confined spaces. It can cause dizziness, headaches, or respiratory issues if inhaled.
• Temporary fixes don’t work: Simply regassing the system without fixing the leak won’t solve the problem. The refrigerant will continue to escape, leading to repeated issues.

Addressing leaks promptly can save you time, money and protect the environment. Remember, only a qualified HVAC technician can handle refrigerants.

Preventative Maintenance to Avoid Regassing

Preventing the need for frequent regassing starts with regular maintenance of your air conditioner. By taking a few simple steps, you can keep your system running efficiently and avoid the hassle of dealing with refrigerant issues.

Here’s what you can do:

1. Schedule annual professional inspections: Having a technician inspect your system annually can catch small issues before they become bigger problems. They’ll check for leaks, clean components and ensure your aircon is running smoothly.
2. Keep your air filters clean: Dirty filters can reduce airflow, causing your air conditioner to work harder, which could lead to strain on the system. Make sure to clean or replace filters regularly to keep things running efficiently.
3. Inspect for obvious signs of leaks: Keep an eye out for signs of refrigerant leaks, like ice on the evaporator coils or unusual hissing sounds. Catching a leak early can save you from costly repairs.
4. Clean the outdoor unit: Dust and debris around the outdoor unit can restrict airflow. Cleaning it regularly helps maintain your aircon’s efficiency.

Following these steps can prolong the life of your air conditioning unit and reduce the chances of needing an air conditioner regas.

Stay Proactive and Keep Your Cool

Regassing your air conditioner isn’t something you should need to do regularly, but it may become necessary if there’s a refrigerant leak or if your system isn’t cooling efficiently.

The key to avoiding frequent regassing is regular maintenance and prompt attention to any warning signs, like warm air, long cooling times, or rising energy bills. Remember, refrigerant leaks can cause serious damage to your aircon, drive up your electricity costs and even harm the environment.

If you suspect your AC might need regassing, it’s important to get a professional in air conditioner regas services to inspect the system. They can identify the root cause, fix any leaks and ensure that your aircon is operating at peak efficiency.

By staying proactive with maintenance and addressing any issues early, you’ll keep your home cool without the headache of constant regassing.

Please note: This information is provided for advice purposes only. Regulations differ from state to state, so please consult your local authorities or an industry professional before proceeding with any work. See our Terms & Conditions here.