Top 5 Signs You Need a Home Aircon Regas Check

Spring is here, which means summer is just around the corner and we'll all likely be using our air conditioning systems a whole lot more. The humble home air conditioner is a must for climate controlled comfort. But even the best systems can lose their cooling power over time due to general wear and tear.

Unlike a car air conditioning system which typically needs a yearly replacement of refrigerant gas, a home aircon regas shouldn’t be a regular need. However, there may be certain instances where you do need an air conditioning regas to keep providing consistent, cool air to your home.

If your air conditioner is blowing warm air or taking longer to cool the room, it could be a sign that you need urgent air conditioner regas services to restore its efficiency.

Common Causes of Refrigerant Leaks

Though your air conditioner shouldn’t typically leak refrigerant gas, when it does happen, it’s usually the result of one of a small number of causes. It’s important to be aware of these causes so you can prevent unnecessary damage to your system. Here are some of the most common causes of refrigerant leaks in home air conditioners:

• Wear and tear: Parts of your air conditioner, like pipe connections, can deteriorate over time and cause a refrigerant gas leak.
• Corrosion: Exposure to moisture and chemicals can corrode the metal in your air conditioning system, creating tiny holes for gas to escape.
• Poor installation: Air conditioners that have not been installed correctly can be more susceptible to premature refrigerant leaks.
• Factory defects: Although less common, manufacturing faults in air conditioning systems can cause leaks in new units.

By keeping an eye on these potential issues, and scheduling regular maintenance, you can help prevent refrigerant leaks and the immediate need for an air conditioner regas. With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at the tell-tale signs that you do need an AC regassing ASAP.

Sign #1: Your Air Conditioner is Blowing Warm or Hot Air

If your air conditioner is blowing warm or hot air instead of the cool breeze you expect, it’s a clear sign something isn’t right.

In most instances, it can suggest that your system is running low on refrigerant gas or that there is a leak. Much like your car’s air conditioning unit, when there isn’t enough refrigerant, your home air con cannot absorb heat properly. This effectively leaves you with warm air blowing from the vents.

Ignoring this problem can potentially lead to more costly repairs down the road. Therefore, it’s important to act quickly. If your home air conditioner is not blowing cold air, it’s time to consider whether an aircon regas check is necessary.

Sign #2: Ice is Building Up on the Air Conditioner’s Pipes

Seeing ice build-up on the pipes of your air conditioner may seem odd, especially when you’re trying to cool your home. However, this icy formation can indicate that your air conditioning system may be running low on refrigerant gas.

When air conditioners don’t have enough refrigerant, they experience a drop in the system pressure which causes the evaporator coils to freeze. As a result, you might spot ice on the outdoor unit or the pipes. If you don’t fix the problem in a timely manner, it will not only affect your air conditioner’s performance, but can also lead to long-term damage.

If your air conditioner pipes start to ice up, it’s a good indication that a home aircon regas might be needed to restore proper cooling and prevent further issues.

Sign #3: You Hear Hissing Sounds from the Unit

It probably comes as no surprise, but you never want to hear hissing sounds coming from your air conditioning unit. This snaky sound often points to a refrigerant leak within your air conditioner. Bubbling sounds? Also no good.

Refrigerant gas escaping through cracks or holes in the pipes creates the distinctive hissing noise you hear. This leaking gas doesn’t simply reduce your air conditioner’s ability to cool your home, it can also harm the environment and your health.

If you hear hissing or bubbling sounds coming from your home air conditioner, it’s crucial to call a licensed technician. They’ll check it out and see if you need a home air conditioner regas to restore proper functioning.

Sign #4: Your Air Con Takes Longer to Cool Your Home

If your air conditioning system takes longer than usual to cool your home, chances are high that something is not quite right.

A drop in refrigerant gas levels is one common reason behind this, and means your air conditioner has to work harder to maintain the desired temperature. Over time, this puts extra strain on the system, increasing energy consumption and reducing efficiency.

Ignoring the problem won’t just make your home uncomfortable; it could lead to more costly repairs. If your air conditioning needs extra time to cool your home, it’s a good idea to have a professional check for leaks and see if a regas is necessary.

Sign #5: The Air Vents are Producing Less Airflow

If you notice weak airflow coming from your air vents, it’s a sign that your air conditioning system isn’t working as it should.

Diminished airflow can happen for a few reasons, but one of the most common is a lack of refrigerant gas. When levels drop, the system struggles to circulate cool air efficiently, which results in reduced airflow.

It’s important not to ignore poor airflow, as it can lead to higher energy bills and unnecessary strain on your system. If your air vents are producing less airflow, it might be time to consider a home aircon regas and get your system back to full power.

Why You Need a Licensed Technician for an Air Conditioner Regas

When it comes to an air conditioning regas service, only a licensed technician can do it for you.

Handling refrigerant gases requires expertise, as it involves potentially hazardous materials that need careful management. A professional will not only regas your air conditioning system safely but will also check for:

• refrigerant leaks
• faulty pipe connections, or
• issues from poor installation that could affect your unit’s performance

By choosing a licensed technician, for your home air conditioner regas, you guarantee that your system is in good hands. For peace of mind and long-lasting cooling, always rely on an expert for any air conditioning services.

Keep Your Home Cool and Comfortable with a Regas Check

Don’t wait until your air conditioner is struggling to keep your home cool. If you’ve noticed warm air, ice on the pipes, hissing sounds, slow cooling, or reduced airflow, it could be time for a home aircon regas.

Addressing these signs early can prevent more serious damage to your air conditioning system and save you money on energy bills.

Remember, only a licensed technician from a trusted air conditioning company can take care of refrigerant leaks and replace old refrigerant gas. It is not a DIY job. Regular maintenance is key to keeping your home air conditioner in top shape, ensuring you stay comfortable even during the hottest months.

If the air conditioner regas cost is your biggest concern, think about the cost of not regassing your air conditioning system. Insist on a home aircon regas check with your next air conditioning service.

Please note: Thanks for reading our blog “Top 5 Signs You Need a Home Aircon Regas Check”. 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 After Hours Air Conditioning’s Terms & Conditions here.