Home Aircon Regassing: Is It a Thing?

As we near the closing stages of another hot Aussie summer, many of us might think about how much we've used our air conditioning unit to provide much-needed relief from the heat. If you've used it a fair bit, the topic of home aircon regassing might come up. Questions like "Do I need an air conditioner regas? Is it even a thing?" might cross your mind, especially on those particularly hot days when your air conditioning system feels like it's struggling to blow out more than warm air.

The truth is, while your car air conditioning system typically needs regassing every one or two years, your home air conditioner shouldn’t require it unless you have a leak in the system.

Understanding how your home air conditioner system works and the role of refrigerant gas can help you identify just when you need an air conditioning regas.

How Your Air Conditioner Works

The typical home air conditioning system works by circulating refrigerant gas through a closed loop. Your air conditioning needs this refrigerant gas to absorb and release heat, and create cool air for your home.

The process starts with the refrigerant gas being compressed in the outdoor unit, which increases its temperature. It then flows through coils, releasing heat outdoors. Inside, the cooled refrigerant absorbs heat from the indoor air, lowering the temperature and blowing cold air into an individual room or throughout the house.

For this cooling process to work effectively, your air conditioner needs to be mechanically sealed to prevent refrigerant leaks. Proper maintenance means your aircon keeps your home comfortable and improves cooling efficiency.

Types of Refrigerant Gases

Refrigerant gases play a vital role in the cooling process of your home air conditioning system. Over the years, different types of refrigerants have been used, each with unique properties and environmental considerations. Here are some common types of refrigerant gases:

• R-22 (Freon): An older refrigerant gas commonly used in older air conditioning units. R-22 has been phased out due to its ozone-depleting properties.
• R-410A: A popular choice for modern air conditioning systems, known for its efficiency and reduced environmental impact compared to R-22.
• R-32: A newer refrigerant gas with a lower global warming potential (GWP), making it more eco-friendly.

Choosing the right refrigerant gas depends on the type of air conditioning system and environmental regulations. Licensed technicians ensure your air conditioner uses the appropriate refrigerant safely and effectively.

Reasons Why Your Air Conditioning System Needs Regassing

We mentioned at the beginning that the need for an air conditioning regas at home is minimal at best. Over time, however, your air conditioner may experience issues that require regassing to restore its cooling efficiency. Here are some common reasons why you may need air conditioner regas services:

• Refrigerant leaks: Damage to pipe connections, service valves or the outdoor unit can cause gas leaks that diminish the performance of your system.
• Natural wear and tear: Seals within your air conditioner can gradually deteriorate, resulting in leaking gas.
• Shoddy or insufficient maintenance: Neglecting regular maintenance can allow small issues to go unnoticed, leading to bigger problems.
• Poor installation: If your air conditioner wasn’t installed correctly in the first place, it may not be sealed mechanically which means gas can escape.
• Other signs of trouble: Blowing hot air, poor cooling efficiency or uneven cooling are surefire signs you may need a thorough air conditioning service.

Addressing these issues quickly with an experienced and licensed technician helps maintain your air conditioner’s performance and reduce further damage.

Can You Top Up Refrigerant in an Air Conditioning Unit?

So if you are experiencing a loss of refrigerant from your air conditioner, surely you can just add new gas to the old refrigerant gas to top it up, right?

Not so fast…

In Australia, topping up refrigerant gas in an air conditioning system is very heavily regulated under the Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas (OPSGG) Management Legislation. These regulations mandate that:

• Only an ARCtick-licensed air conditioning specialist can handle refrigerant gases.
• Unlicensed people or everyday homeowners cannot legally purchase refrigerants.
• Due to their negative impact on the environment, it’s against the law to release refrigerants into the atmosphere.

Home aircon regassing isn’t as simple as it sounds and it is certainly not a DIY job.

The Importance of a Licensed Aircon Regas Technician

You will need a licensed aircon technician due to the environmental impact and safety risks that come with handling refrigerant. If your home aircon is losing refrigerant, it means you have a leak that needs fixing. Merely topping up the refrigerant won’t solve the problem and may even damage the system further.

A professional home aircon regas technician will perform a leak detection test either with pressure testing or UV dye testing. They will also fix any faults and if necessary, properly seal your air conditioner. Only then, once they’ve ticked all those boxes, will they recharge or replace the refrigerant gas to ensure your system cools the air effectively.

How Regular Maintenance Can Help Reduce Refrigerant Leaks

Regular maintenance is key to keeping your air conditioner in top shape. It will help to lower the risk of leaking refrigerant and the need for home aircon regassing.

Numerous factors have the potential to cause refrigerant gas leaks over time, including wear and tear on service valves, pipe connections and the outdoor unit. These leaks can significantly impact the cooling efficiency of your system. Regular checks will also spot issues early, like a manufacturing fault, poor installation or natural wear, before major problems occur.

With proper care, your air conditioner can provide cool air efficiently and reliably for years to come.

How an Air Con Regas Fits Into the Bigger Maintenance Picture

But home aircon regassing is just one minor aspect of maintaining your air conditioning system. It’s not a regular task but a response to specific issues like refrigerant leaks or poor installation.

Effective maintenance starts with regular inspections by a licensed air conditioning technician who can detect and repair problems before they escalate. Keeping service valves, pipe connections, and the outdoor unit in good condition helps reduce refrigerant leaks and improves cooling efficiency.

By arranging a thorough air conditioning service to address wear and tear and make sure the system is properly sealed, you’ll extend the lifespan of your air conditioning unit and ensure it operates effectively year-round.

Is a Home Air Conditioner Regas the Solution You Need?

Home aircon regassing isn’t something you need to do regularly but if your system is underperforming due to a refrigerant leak, it’s a must.

A properly sealed and maintained air conditioner should retain its refrigerant gas and deliver cool air. If your aircon is blowing hot air or not cooling your space efficiently, it’s time to seek professional help.

Always call a licensed aircon technician to diagnose and fix the problem safely. With proper care and maintenance, your aircon will keep your home comfortable all year round.

Please note: Thanks for reading our blog “Home Aircon Regassing: Is It a Thing?”. 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.