It’s one of the most common and frustrating problems in Singapore. You call a technician because your aircon isn’t cold, they perform a “gas top-up,” and for a few blissful weeks, everything is fine. Then, slowly but surely, the air gets warmer again. Before you know it, you’re back where you started, having wasted time and money.
If this sounds familiar, it’s because you’ve likely been treating a symptom, not the root cause. At Vedha, our experienced technicians know the truth: an aircon is a sealed system, just like your refrigerator. You never “top up gas” in your fridge because it doesn’t get “used up.”
If your aircon is low on refrigerant, it means there is a leak. Topping it up without fixing the leak is like continuously pumping air into a punctured tyre. This guide will explain the professional solution: the aircon pressure test.
What is an Aircon Pressure Test? (Your System’s “X-Ray”)
When a gas leak is suspected, a pressure test is the single most important diagnostic procedure a technician can perform. It’s not a repair; it’s a detailed health check-up for your aircon’s circulatory system.
Think of it this way: a simple gas top-up is like putting a Band-Aid on a wound you can’t see. An aircon pressure test is like getting an X-ray. It gives a clear, internal view, allowing a technician to find the exact location and size of the “fracture” in your system’s piping.
The process involves safely recovering any remaining refrigerant and pressurizing the pipes with Oxygen-Free Nitrogen. Nitrogen is a safe, dry, inert gas that won’t harm your system. The technician then uses a pressure gauge to see if the pressure drops over time, which confirms a leak.
How Long Does a Pressure Test Take in Singapore?
This is a critical question, because a proper test requires patience. A thorough pressure test is not a 30-minute job.
- For large, obvious leaks: The process might take a few hours as the hissing sound of escaping nitrogen can be found quickly.
- For tiny “pinhole” leaks: This is where professionalism matters. A technician may need to leave the system pressurized for
several hours, overnight, or even a few days to detect a very slow drop in pressure.
A rushed test can easily miss a tiny leak, meaning the problem will just happen again. A technician who recommends a longer observation period is being diligent, ensuring they find the problem and fix it right the first time.
The Verdict: To Repair or Replace?
Once the test is complete, the solution depends on where the leak is found and your property type.
Scenario 1: A Leak is Found
- In an HDB Flat: If your aircon is over 7 years old and the leak is in the piping, it’s often more cost-effective to replace the whole system. The cost of re-piping is high, and you can use the
S$400 Climate Vouchers to help purchase a new, 5-tick energy-efficient model that will lower your bills. - In a Condo or Landed Property: Here, aircon pipes are often concealed in walls. Hacking open walls to replace pipes can cost thousands in renovation fees. In this case, a targeted
repair (welding) of the leaking pipe is almost always the smarter, more cost-effective choice.
Scenario 2: No Leak is Found If the pressure holds steady, the problem isn’t a gas leak. It’s likely one of these issues:
- Extremely Dirty Coils: The unit can’t transfer heat effectively. The solution is a thorough
Aircon Chemical Wash. - Faulty Electronics (PCB): The aircon’s “brain” is malfunctioning. This requires an
Aircon Repair. - Failing Compressor: The “heart” of the system is weak and needs Compressor Repair.
The Vedha Promise: An Honest Diagnosis, A Permanent Fix
Tired of paying for gas top-ups that don’t last? It’s time to stop treating the symptom and fix the root cause.
At Vedha, we believe in honest work. We don’t sell temporary fixes. Our Aircon Repair service includes professional pressure testing to give you a definitive diagnosis. Our experienced technicians will find the exact source of the problem and recommend the most cost-effective, long-term solution for your home, whether it’s a precise repair or a smart, government-subsidized upgrade.
Stop wasting money on temporary top-ups. Call Vedha Construction at 96540044 today for an expert diagnosis and a permanent solution to your aircon problems.
We specialize in Aircon installation, repair, and service. We have all type & model of recon compressor, full set & fancoil. Our technicians are highly proficient in their respective field and repairs and fixes aircon of various brands.
