Air Conditioner Re-Gas & Leak Repairs

Quick answer: An air conditioner is a sealed system, so it should never need topping up. If it's low on refrigerant, there is a leak. Freeze Please finds and repairs the leak, pressure tests the system, evacuates it and re-gasses it to the manufacturer's specified charge, using ARC-licensed technicians.

Signs your air conditioner is low on refrigerant

• Weak cooling or heating, even with clean filters.
• Ice forming on the indoor coil or the pipework.
• A hissing or bubbling sound near the pipes or units.
• The system running constantly without reaching the set temperature.
• Oily residue around pipe joints and fittings.

Why a top-up alone isn't a fix

Adding refrigerant without repairing the leak only delays the next breakdown, and the gas escapes into the atmosphere. Under Australian regulations, refrigerant may only be handled by technicians holding an Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC) licence, and it must not be released into the atmosphere.

Our leak repair and re-gas process

1. Leak detection: we locate the leak using an electronic leak detector and bubble testing.
2. Repair: we re-make the faulty joint or flare, or replace the leaking component.
3. Pressure test: we pressurise the circuit with dry nitrogen and monitor it to confirm the repair holds.
4. Evacuation: we vacuum the system to remove air and moisture.
5. Re-gas: we charge the system with the correct refrigerant by weight, as specified on the unit’s compliance plate.
6. Testing: we check operating pressures and temperatures to confirm the system is performing correctly.

What is pressure testing?

Pressure testing fills the refrigerant circuit with dry nitrogen and monitors the pressure over time. If it drops, there is still a leak. It’s carried out after any repair to refrigerant pipework, and on new installations before the system is charged.

Refrigerant types and older systems

Most modern split systems use R32, and many slightly older systems use R410A. If your system uses R22, it’s an older unit, and R22 is being phased out in Australia, so it is increasingly scarce and expensive. A significant leak in an R22 system is often a good time to consider a replacement.

Areas we service

We provide air conditioner re-gas and refrigerant leak repair across Rowville and South East Melbourne, including Rowville, Glen Waverley, Wheelers Hill and Narre Warren. See all areas we service.

Frequently asked questions

How often does an air conditioner need re-gassing?

Never under normal operation. Refrigerant circulates in a sealed system, so low refrigerant always means there’s a leak that should be found and repaired.

How do I find out which refrigerant my air conditioner uses?

It’s listed on the compliance plate, usually a label on the side of the outdoor unit.

Can anyone re-gas an air conditioner?

No. In Australia, only technicians with an ARC refrigerant handling licence can work on refrigerant circuits.

Related services

• Air conditioner repairs
• Compressor & condenser repairs
• Air conditioning servicing
• Commercial refrigeration servicing

About Freeze Please: Freeze Please is an air conditioning, heating and refrigeration business based on Eildon Parade, Rowville VIC 3178, providing installation, repairs and servicing for homes and businesses across South East Melbourne. Phone 0455 944 925.