What are the signs of a refrigerant gas pipe leak in my air conditioner?

Common signs include decreased cooling efficiency after 1 to 3 days of the gas top-up, hissing or bubbling noises, ice formation on the refrigerant line, and an oily residue on or around the Aircon condenser unit.

What causes refrigerant gas pipe leaks in air conditioners?

Refrigerant gas pipe leaks in air conditioners can stem from several factors. Over time, wear and tear can compromise the integrity of the pipes, leading to leaks. Refrigerant gas pipe leaks can result from improper chemical washing of air conditioners. Harsh or incorrect cleaning agents can corrode the pipes and connections, leading to leaks. Additionally, inadequate rinsing can leave residues that accelerate wear and tear. Factory defects and improper installation can result in weak points that eventually give way. Physical damage to the refrigerant lines, whether from accidental impacts or environmental factors, can also cause leaks. Additionally, the constant vibration of the air conditioner can gradually loosen joints, creating gaps through which the refrigerant gas can escape.

Can I fix aircon gas leak myself?

It is not recommended to fix a refrigerant leak yourself. Refrigerant handling requires special tools (eg., pressure gauge, refrigerant scale, etc) and certification due to the hazardous nature of the chemicals. It’s best to contact a BCA Trained Installer.

How can I prevent refrigerant leaks in my air conditioner?

Proper Chemical Washing: Use appropriate, mild cleaning agents and ensure thorough rinsing to prevent corrosion and residue build-up that can damage refrigerant pipes and connections. Regular Maintenance: Schedule regular professional maintenance to check and clean all components, ensuring no build-up or damage that could lead to leaks.

How much does it cost to repair a refrigerant gas pipe leak?

The cost to repair a refrigerant gas pipe leak varies depending on the leak’s severity, location, and refrigerant type. Typically, it ranges from $350 to $600, including our BCA-licensed installers’ fees and refrigerant refill. Our pricing covers all necessary submissions, ensuring repairs are conducted by certified air-conditioning unit installers as mandated by the Building and Construction Authority.

How long does it take to repair a refrigerant leak?

The time required to repair a refrigerant leak can vary depending on the location and severity of the leak. Minor leaks might take 2 hours to fix, while more severe or difficult-to-access leaks could take 4 hours.

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28 Aug 2024

Aircon Pipe Replacement: Mitsubishi System 3 at Fortune View on 16 Aug 2024

The owner of Fortune View encountered a problem with their air conditioning unit, which had stopped cooling effectively. After a handyman’s attempt to top up the gas, the issue persisted. Seeking a more dependable solution, they reached out to us.

Our technicians swiftly conducted a comprehensive site assessment of the air conditioning system. They identified low gas pressure, suggesting a potential leak. Despite a thorough visual inspection of both the Condenser Unit (CU) and Fan Coil Units (FCU), no visible leak was found. To ensure accuracy, we used a Refrigerant Leak Detector, which pinpointed a hidden gas leak in the FCU piping within the wall.

Following this, our Homeone office team discussed the best solution with the customer. We recommended installing new, exposed air conditioning piping to address the leak effectively. Our installation was carried out with strict adherence to BCA air conditioning regulations, ensuring a reliable and compliant fix.

Project location
Eight Riversuites
Property type
Condominium

Table of Contents

Aircon Pipe Replacement: Mitsubishi System 3

Existing Aircon CU: Mitsubishi MXY-3G28VA2
Existing Aircon FCU: Mitsubishi MSY-GE13VA

This aircon pipe replacement meets the following job scope;

1. Site Assessment and Leak Detection

Pressure Gauge Test: Begin with a pressure gauge test to assess the system’s refrigerant levels and identify any significant drops that might indicate a leak.
Visual Inspection: Conduct a detailed visual inspection of the Condenser Unit (CU) and Fan Coil Unit (FCU), checking for any visible signs of wear, damage, or leaks in the piping.
Refrigerant Leak Detection: Use a Refrigerant Leak Detector to accurately pinpoint any hidden leaks within the system, particularly in concealed or hard-to-reach areas.

2. Planning for New Piping Installation

Develop a detailed plan for rerouting the aircon piping, ensuring the new path is optimal for performance and accessibility.
Consider factors such as the layout of the space, potential obstacles, and the most efficient route for the exposed trunking.

3. Material Preparation and Site Readiness

Material Preparation: Gather all necessary materials, including copper piping, insulation, trunking, and fittings, ensuring they meet the required specifications for the job.
Measuring and Cutting: Accurately measure and cut the trunking and aircon piping to the exact lengths needed, ensuring a perfect fit for the installation.
Wall Drilling: Execute precise drilling along the planned route for the aircon piping, making sure the pathway is clear and ready for the new installation.

4. Wall Reinstatement and Trunking Installation

Wall Reinstatement: Carefully reinstate the drilled wall areas, ensuring that any holes or damage from the drilling are properly repaired and restored to their original condition.
Trunking Installation: Securely install the trunking along the designated path, ensuring it is properly fastened and aligned, providing a neat and durable enclosure for the new aircon piping.

5. Installation of Exposed Aircon Piping

Copper Pipe Installation: Install the copper piping within the trunking, using flaring techniques for the joints to ensure a secure and leak-free connection.
Insulation Application: Apply high-quality insulation around the copper piping to maintain energy efficiency and prevent condensation, protecting both the piping and the surrounding area.

6. Refrigerant Recharging

Vacuuming the Refrigerant Piping: Perform a vacuum process on the newly installed refrigerant piping to remove any air or moisture, ensuring optimal system performance.
Refrigerant Charging: Accurately charge the system with the required amount of refrigerant, based on the specifications of the existing Mitsubishi System 1, MXY-3G28VA2 model.
Specifically, top up with 2.7 kg of R410A refrigerant to achieve the necessary cooling efficiency.

7. Testing and System Analysis

Refrigerant Leak Detection: Recheck the system with a Refrigerant Leak Detector to confirm that the installation is entirely leak-free and ready for operation.
Cooling Performance Check: After addressing any detected gas leaks, perform a comprehensive temperature analysis to evaluate the cooling performance of the air conditioning system.
This involves measuring the temperature differential between the air entering and exiting the FCU to ensure it meets the expected cooling range.

8. Space Clean-up and Tidy Up

Thoroughly clean the work area, removing any debris, dust, or materials used during the installation.
Ensure the space is left tidy and presentable, restoring it to its original condition or better.

Aircon Pipe Replacement: Mitsubishi System 3 at Fortune View on 16 Aug 2024

Project location

Property type

Aircon Pipe Replacement: Mitsubishi System 3