How aircon refrigerant refills actually work
Your air conditioner operates in a closed loop. Learn how proper manifold pressure testing, leak isolation, and weight-based charging restore real cooling without damaging your compressor.
The 3-stage charging protocol
Why simply adding gas without diagnosis leads to repeat failures.
Pressure & temperature diagnostic
120 – 140 PSI (R410A)Technicians connect a digital manifold gauge to check low and high-side operating pressures against manufacturer specifications.
Electronic leak test
Zero undetected leaksRefrigerant does not naturally run out. We inspect flare joints, evaporator coils, and service valves before adding any gas.
Controlled weight charge
Accurate to +/- 5gGas is weighed to exact factory gram specs using digital charging scales, preventing compressor overload or icing.
The closed-loop principle
Refrigerant is never consumed like petrol. If gas levels are down, there is a mechanical leak in copper piping, flare nuts, or the cooling coil. Top-ups without repair only provide temporary relief.
R32 Refrigerant
Current standard- Higher efficiency
- 675 GWP (Low climate impact)
- Best for: Modern inverter split units
R410A Refrigerant
Prevalent in older systems- Standard high-pressure blend
- 2,088 GWP
- Best for: Older residential multi-split setups
Unsure if you need gas?
Get an on-site pressure reading before committing.
Calibrated manifold tools
Accurate pressure bars preventing overcharge stress on valves.
EPA-aligned safety
Environmentally responsible recovery and venting protocols.
Full diagnostic report
Written PSI and temperature differential recorded on invoice.
Transparent pricing
No hidden top-up fees without confirmed leak inspection.
How aircon refrigerant works, and when you need a top-up
Air conditioning systems operate in a completely sealed, closed loop. Refrigerant never gets used up like fuel; pressure drops only happen when there is a mechanical leak.
The 4-stage cooling cycle
Refrigerant continuously alternates between liquid and gas states, carrying indoor heat outdoors through phase changes.
Cold liquid refrigerant passes through indoor coils, drawing hot air out of your living space and turning into gas.
The outdoor compressor pumps and squeezes the vapor, raising both its temperature and internal pressure.
Outdoor fan units vent the collected heat into the outside air as refrigerant condenses back to liquid form.
A precision valve rapidly drops the pressure, chilling the liquid before it recirculates to the indoor unit.
Why does gas leak in a closed system?
Because aircon systems are pressurized closed circuits, refrigerant does not evaporate into thin air on its own. If your gas level is low, one of these three mechanical issues is the root cause.
Copper joint vibration
Years of compressor vibration can loosen flare joints and flare nuts along the copper piping network.
Pinhole pipe corrosion
High humidity and formicary corrosion can create microscopic pinholes in thinner aluminum or copper fins.
Faulty service valves
Rubber seals and Schrader valves on outdoor condenser units can degrade under direct tropical sun exposure.
Topping up without finding the leak is only a temporary fix.
EZ Aircon technicians always perform a pressure gauge test to confirm leak locations before refilling.
Correct gas matching matters
Aircon compressors and expansion valves are calibrated for specific operating pressures and lubricant oils. Mixing or using incorrect gas damages equipment and creates safety hazards.
Standard in newer inverter units. Highest energy efficiency and one-third the global warming impact of older gases.
Found in units installed between 2010 and 2021. Blended refrigerant requiring exact liquid-phase charging.
Older non-inverter models. Production strictly restricted; system conversions or upgrades recommended.
Unsure which refrigerant your aircon model uses?
Our Singapore technicians inspect outdoor unit nameplates and conduct electronic manifold checks before any gas top-up.
Find the right refrigerant for your aircon
Using the correct gas maintains cooling pressure, protects the compressor from breakdown, and meets Singapore NEA environmental regulations.
Cooling Efficiency
Moderate (High Energy Loss)
Ozone Impact
Contains HCFCs (Damages Ozone)
Global Warming Potential
1,810 (High GWP)
Market Status
Restricted supply, higher refill cost
Technician Note: Consider retrofitting or upgrading to modern inverter systems.
Cooling Efficiency
High cooling capacity
Ozone Impact
Zero Ozone Depletion
Global Warming Potential
2,088 (Standard GWP)
Market Status
Widely available across Singapore
Technician Note: Standard choice for most non-inverter and early inverter units.
Cooling Efficiency
Highest efficiency (Uses 30% less gas)
Ozone Impact
Zero Ozone Depletion
Global Warming Potential
675 (68% Lower GWP)
Market Status
Standard for new installations
Technician Note: Recommended for modern energy savings and lower carbon footprint.
How to confirm your aircon gas type
Follow these three simple steps before requesting a gas top-up service.
Check outdoor condenser label
Look at the silver metal rating plate on your outdoor unit compressor. It clearly lists refrigerant type and weight.
Review indoor model sticker
Lift the front cover of your indoor fan coil unit. A sticker on the bottom or side details the factory gas specification.
Check installation manual
Your original warranty booklet or user manual specifies the exact gas type required for optimal pressure.
Better refrigerants for your home and planet
Singapore regulations favor lower-GWP refrigerants. Learn how clean refrigerant choices lower environmental impact, maintain indoor air safety, and reduce energy consumption.
Modern split units in Singapore widely adopt R32. It carries one-third the global warming potential of legacy blends and requires less volume per charge.
Common across existing installations. While safe for the ozone layer, its higher global warming potential is driving an industry shift toward R32.
Banned for import in Singapore due to ozone-depleting properties. Older systems using R22 should be scheduled for replacement rather than top-ups.
Our safety and handling standards
EZ Aircon strictly adheres to local National Environment Agency (NEA) guidelines for refrigerant handling, preventing atmospheric venting during every service.
Precision leak testing
We test copper joints and valves before gas charging to avoid accidental gas release into the atmosphere.
Responsible gas recovery
Certified technicians capture existing refrigerant with dedicated recovery units during overhaul or decommissioning.
Exact factory charge
We use digital scales to charge the exact manufacturer-specified weight, maximizing cooling performance and compressor lifespan.
Eco-efficiency guidance
We inspect your system's overall health and provide honest advice on when retrofitting is more cost-effective than continuous top-ups.
Unsure which refrigerant your aircon uses?
Our technicians verify your outdoor condenser data plate during regular maintenance.
Clear gas top-up rates with a proven testing process
Restore cold airflow with authentic refrigerants and comprehensive pressure checks. We diagnose first so you only pay for what your unit truly needs.
Included in this package
- Operating pressure diagnosis
- Standard valve and joint check
- Gas topped up to factory PSI
- Airflow temperature test
- 30-day workmanship assurance
Included in this package
- Digital dual-gauge pressure analysis
- Electronic joint leak inspection
- High-grade R410A / R32 gas refill
- Current amp draw verification
- 60-day service warranty
Our 4-step gas top-up and testing workflow
Every appointment follows a strict technical checklist to avoid overcharging and protect your aircon compressor.
Operating pressure check
We attach precision manifold gauges to assess your compressor pressure and cooling delta.
Leak and valve inspection
Our technicians inspect flare joints and service ports to confirm there are no active refrigerant leaks.
Exact gas replenishment
We charge your system with pure refrigerant matched strictly to manufacturer specifications.
Final cooling test
We verify coil temperature, airflow output, and electrical amp draw to ensure peak cooling efficiency.
No hidden charges
Transparent rates quoted before any work starts.
Qualified technicians
Trained specialists handling high-pressure refrigerants safely.
Workmanship warranty
Every gas top-up comes with a standard service guarantee.
Not sure which refrigerant type your aircon unit uses?
Our technicians carry both R22 and R410A/R32 cylinders to every on-site service call.