Aircon Refrigerant Gas (R22 / R410A / R32): What It Does, Leak Risks, and What to Watch For
- thesnowflakesg
- Sep 9, 2023
- 3 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
Summary
Refrigerant gas is what powers the entire cooling process. It flows through the system, absorbing heat from your room and releasing it outside. If gas levels drop due to leaks or degradation, cooling fails — no matter how well your system runs. This guide explains what refrigerant does, why leaks happen, and what to know about R22, R410A, and R32 in Singapore.
What Refrigerant Gas Does
Refrigerant circulates between the indoor and outdoor units, alternating between liquid and gas states. As it evaporates inside the evaporator coil, it absorbs heat from indoor air. That heat is then released outside via the condenser. Without the right type and amount of refrigerant, this process breaks down — and cooling stops working.
Types of Refrigerant in Singapore
R22 — Obsolete. Harmful to the ozone layer and no longer supplied or topped up legally in Singapore. Units using R22 are considered end-of-life.
R410A — Still common in many systems. Efficient, non-flammable, but high in global warming potential (GWP). Being phased out over time due to environmental policies.
R32 —The new standard. Lower GWP, higher efficiency. Slightly flammable — requires proper installation and servicing by licensed technicians.
What Causes Refrigerant Leaks or Loss
Corrosion or pipe degradation
Over time, copper refrigerant pipes can corrode — especially in humid, unventilated trunking — leading to microscopic leaks.
Poor installation or joint failures
Bad brazing, loose flare nuts, or improper pipe routing can cause pressure drops and gas escape.
Mechanical vibration or cracking
Movement from compressors or poor bracket support stresses joints and eventually creates hairline fractures.
Age-related loss or improper top-up
Older systems may slowly lose gas over time, or experience pressure imbalance from improper charging.
⚠️ Gas loss is a symptom — not a root cause. Topping up refrigerant without fixing the leak is a temporary patch, not a fix.
Repair or Refill?
If a leak is suspected
A technician must locate and repair the leak first before refilling — otherwise, gas will escape again. Pressure testing or UV dye may be used.
If no leak is found
The system can be topped up, but it must be weighed and matched to factory specifications. Overcharging or undercharging reduces performance and stresses the compressor.
If the system uses R22
Replacement is usually advised. Retrofit or system upgrade is the only long-term path.
How to Prevent Refrigerant Issues
Schedule annual checks
Technicians can detect pressure drops or early signs of leakage before cooling fails.
Use only licensed technicians
Handling refrigerant requires certification. DIY gas top-ups risk system damage or safety violations.
Watch for early symptoms
Warm air from the vents, hissing sounds, or frozen pipes are signs your system may be low on gas or leaking internally.
What Happens If You Ignore It
✖ Cooling drops off or disappears entirely
✖ Compressor may overheat or fail due to pressure imbalance
✖ Repeated gas top-ups without leak repair waste money
✖ Older R22 units become unserviceable under current regulations
Final Word
Refrigerant is the lifeblood of your aircon — and leaks aren’t just a cooling issue, they’re a compliance and safety issue too. If your system feels weak or keeps needing top-ups, stop guessing. Get the gas levels, pressure, and pipework properly tested.
Cooling weak or suspect a gas leak?