Maintaining your air conditioner is quite an important act, especially for a country like Singapore, which sometimes can be scorching hot. Amongst the maintenance services done for an aircon, topping up the gas in it is a must. Without this service, its cooling performance suffers and puts you in a state of discomfort and high utility bills. In this blog, we shall see the impact of delaying an aircon gas top-up and why timely aircon maintenance is the key.
What Is Aircon Gas and Why Is It Important?
The house becomes cooler due to an air conditioner because it uses refrigerant gas. It absorbs heat from the room and releases it outside. Due to the extended usage or severe wear and tear, the gas depletes due to leaks, etc. They will experience difficulties in cooling down when the gas level is low. You may even notice that the room temperature is increasing despite running the aircon. Thus, there is a likelihood that you will require an aircon gas top-up to ensure that your system works efficiently.
Indications That You Require an Aircon Gas Top-Up
However, before telling you what happens when you delay an aircon gas top-up, it is rather important to know the signs that your aircon needs a top-up. Here are several things to look out for:
- Less Efficient Cooling
Your low-gas aircon will not cool your space as well as it used to. Chances are that the room will take more time to cool. - Higher Energy Bills
A unit with a low refrigerant supply will gulp much power to achieve the set temperature, resulting in increased electricity costs. - Continuous On-and-Off Cycling
The air conditioner would turn on and off quite often because it failed to maintain the set temperature. - Formation of Ice on Coils
Low refrigerant can cause ice formation on the aircon coils. This could, if left, be a disastrous menace to the system. - Strange Sounds
Your aircon will make hissing or gurgling sounds, which means that your gas is leaking or its quantity is low.
What Happens If You Delay an Aircon Gas Top-Up?
Delaying an aircon gas top-up can lead to various problems. Let’s explore the consequences of neglecting this essential part of aircon maintenance.
Reduced Cooling Performance and Higher Utility Bills
- Reduced Cooling Performance
The most immediate effect of delaying a gas top-up is a reduction in cooling performance. The aircon will not be able to maintain the set temperature, making your home uncomfortable, especially during Singapore’s hot and humid months. Moreover, the system will have to work harder, which puts additional strain on other components. - Higher Utility Bills
A unit low on refrigerant will consume more energy to maintain the temperature. Consequently, you may notice a sharp increase in your electricity bills. The longer you delay an aircon gas top-up, the more you will have to pay for energy. So, acting sooner rather than later can save you from hefty bills.
Increased Wear and Tear, Damage to the Compressor, and Other Issues
- Increased Wear and Tear
Delaying an aircon gas top-up doesn’t only impact cooling. When the refrigerant is insufficient, your air conditioner must run for more extended periods, which increases wear and tear on the system. This can shorten the lifespan of your air conditioner. Eventually, this could lead to frequent aircon repair Singapore, which could have been avoided with regular maintenance. - Damage to the Compressor
One of the most significant risks of delaying an aircon gas top-up is damaging the compressor. The compressor is the heart of the air conditioning system. When gas levels are low, the compressor has to work harder to circulate the remaining refrigerant. Over time, this can lead to overheating and, ultimately, compressor failure. Once the compressor is damaged, repair costs can be exorbitant, making it more cost-effective to replace the entire aircon unit. - Leakage Issues
Delaying a gas top-up can also exacerbate any existing leaks in your system. As the gas levels drop further, the pressure inside the system decreases, leading to further leakage. Over time, small leaks can grow, and the cost to repair them can be much higher than simply topping up the gas. - Uncomfortable Indoor Climate
Delaying an aircon gas top-up will result in inefficient cooling, leading to an uncomfortable indoor environment. This is especially true in Singapore, where temperatures remain high year-round. You might find it hard to sleep or relax in your home due to the lack of adequate cooling. - Frequent Aircon Breakdowns
A system running low on refrigerant will experience more breakdowns. As the system works harder and longer to cool your space, it becomes more susceptible to mechanical failures. This could lead to more frequent calls for aircon repair in Singapore, which can be costly and inconvenient.
Why Maintenance Should Be Done on Time
Having talked to you about the negative effects of delayed aircon gas top-up in Singapore, we can assert now why it’s so important to maintain your aircon on time. Here is why it should become a top priority:
- Prevents Major Repairs
Using merely a gas top-up and ensuring the system is working perfectly, a lot worse functions like compressor failure, coil freezing, or some mechanical breakdown could be avoided. - Saves Money
Prevent costly repairs and expensive electricity bills by performing regular maintenance. Adding gas may be a small price to pay for the crisis of having to replace a bad compressor or having to spend so much money on frequent repairs. - Indoor Comfort
With an efficient working aircon, you get consistent cooling, creating an indoor comfort that livens up the quality of your life. - Increases Lifespan
When your aircon is working efficiently, it takes a long time before you might need to replace it. It can be ensured that long periods are spent with your aircon only through frequent servicing and on-time top-ups. Provided the right aircon unit is fully serviced and works fine, it will cool your space for many years without successive repair or replacement.
How Often Should One Top Up His Aircon Gas?
In Singapore where air conditioning is daily, it is recommended to check the aircon gas levels every six months up to a year. But then again, that may vary according to your air conditioner’s model and the rate of usage and age of the equipment. If you see any of the ones mentioned above, then better take action, have your aircon repaired in Singapore or have a gas top-up done.
Conclusion
But it is one such under-maintained thing to require the aircon gas top-up since it may delay losing cooling, increasing energy bills, and causing critical parts like the compressor to be ruined. Ensure the maintenance of your air conditioner to avoid high repair costs and to maintain your indoor environment comfortably. It is a wise decision to become financially prudent, especially when an extension in the lifespan of an air conditioner is very crucial.
Thus, do not procrastinate. Book your aircon gas top-up today to prevent the long-run effects of neglecting such essential service work.
Also read: Beat the Heat Anywhere: Your Guide to Portable Aircon Units
