Knowing The 8 Common misconceptions surrounding aircon gas topping – how often should you do it

Last Updated on 28/11/2020

Did you know that refrigerant gas is integral to the functioning of air condition systems? Without refrigerant gas, aircon units would be circulating the same hot air throughout the room. But with occasional usage over time, there will be a need to top it up in order to make sure that the aircon stays in top operating condition.

Aircon specialists refer to this process of gas replenishment as aircon gas topping. It plays a crucial role when it comes to ascertaining overall effectiveness, and it is something that experts recommend doing annually. There are several misconceptions and myths surrounding aircon gas topping – and how often to do it. This article aims at elaborating and debunking some of these myths.

1. Aircon Gas Topping isn’t A Must

Some people believe that just because aircon units utilize a closed-loop system, the original aircon gas won’t need replacement. For those unfamiliar with this sort of system, a closed-loop system is basically a control system where the gas produced is relayed back as an input to produce more output. It’s a recurring process that usually doesn’t need any intervention.

Over time, the metal used to make the unit will eventually get eroded due to the formic acid formed in the aircon unit. The corroded parts will create small holes that will enable the refrigerant gas to escape.

If these holes in the aircon machines are left unattended, they will only get bigger and bigger. Before you know it, there won’t be any coolant remaining to cool down your home. At the very most, you’ll have an aircon unit that blows your home with the same hot air you are trying to avoid.

2. Aircon Gas Topping Isn’t Maintenance

This misconception is mainly because most people don’t really fully understand what aircon maintenance involves. However, the good news is that this myth was way long before the advent of the Internet. These days, many aircon professional check-up services know the value of fully stating what this sort of service involves. A quick search on Google will indicate what other service providers are offering.

As a matter of fact, because of how Aircon units are made, among the first things a technician should do is check and top up the gas. Initially, the professional technician will examine the aircon to ascertain that there are no leaks. This is essentially done by flushing the entire system first before the gas supply is replenished.

3. It Can Easily Be Done

Contrary to popular notions, servicing an aircon unit isn’t something you can do using DIY methods. Even though some individuals with the knowledge and mechanical skills might have an idea of what to do, a professional technician is still required to make sure that all safety protocols and requirements are upheld. Furthermore, there’s just so much maintenance an unqualified person can do. S/he may get bored, not know what to do, and bolts and nuts may start going missing.

Aircon units consist of different parts. The filter, for instance, is easy to reach, and anybody can clean it. When the aircon unit has been disconnected, dust it off and wipe with soapy water later. It’s important to note that when cleaning, make sure not to alter this part’s initial shape.

However, when it comes to the electrostatic and central units, they are a bit difficult for just anyone to maintain. Any damage caused to the electrostatic unit can result in the entire aircon unit going out of commission. Assessing how tight the circuit is and the gas coolant pressure levels are something most aircon owners can’t perform. When doing your own DIY maintenance, the very last thing you want is damaging something or overlooking some part and resume to use your unit. That’s just a recipe for disaster. When things go south, the repair costs will really be a hard hit for your pocket.

4. It Isn’t Energy-Efficient

The thinking behind this misconception is, “can a properly-maintained unit save on power consumption?” This meaning, what impact will inadequate aircon servicing have on energy consumption? The energy cost should stay the same when the unit’s in use, regardless if the refrigerant gas is low or not. This is where this particular misconception errors:

When the gas gets low, it will take more time for your aircon to cool down its surrounding space. If a well-maintained unit was taking 30 minutes to cool down your room to breathable levels but is now taking 2 hours, it is evident that your power consumption will rise. With gas topping, your aircon will get back to cooling the room faster, hence minimizing your overall energy consumption. When your gas is low, just don’t switch it on if you want to save on energy. A low gas level is nothing to fuss about; enlist the services of an aircon expert to replenish your gas.

5. Not Doing Aircon Gas Topping Isn’t Costly

Ever heard that ostriches usually bury their heads in the ground in the hopes that their problems will go away? Well, this isn’t applicable when it comes to aircon. Not topping your aircon gas will only cause you problems as well as your wallet.

6. It Can Easily Be Done Without Professional Assistance

If you a lot of time on your hands, try to do DIY aircon maintenance may seem appealing because you won’t have to pay for anything. But if you don’t employ the right maintenance measures, your DIY project can spiral and cost you even more than the original problem.

Importantly, it would help if you were thinking about safety. If the air conditioning is positioned in an accident-prone area, it may be best to hire professionals. Experts have the right equipment needed to safely get to such locations and are also well-trained in dealing with those sorts of situations.

7. Your Unit Will Work Fine Without It

This is yet another prevalent aircon myth. The unit may work in the first days, but with occasional use and lack of service, it will inevitably begin to falter and need your attention – and worse, your cash.

8. It’s Doesn’t Influence The Overall Performance

From the aforementioned information provided, this is just incorrect. Aircon gas topping is meant to act as a preventative measure, not incur unwanted costs and a decreased lifespan. Learn more about the sign of low refrigerant here.