5 Signs Your Split AC Needs a Gas Refill Before Summer
Bengaluru summer tests every AC to its limit. Before you call a technician for poor cooling, check these five warning signs — they almost always point to low refrigerant or a leak in the system.
1. Warm air from the vent
If the air coming out of your AC feels merely cool — not cold — even at 16°C, the refrigerant charge is likely low. A healthy split AC should deliver a 10–12°C temperature drop between room and vent. Our technicians measure this ΔT with a probe and log it on your job sheet.
2. Ice on the copper pipes
Frost or ice building up on the thicker (suction) copper pipe outside is a classic sign of low gas. The evaporator coil is getting too cold because there isn't enough refrigerant absorbing heat. Left unchecked, the ice blocks airflow and the compressor ices over.
3. Hissing or bubbling sounds
A faint hiss near the indoor unit or a bubbling from the outdoor unit can indicate a refrigerant leak at a flared joint or a pinhole in the copper line. Refrigerant leaks don't fix themselves — the system will only get worse until the leak is brazed shut and the gas is recharged.
4. Higher electricity bills
A low-on-gas AC runs the compressor longer to reach your set temperature, pulling more current every cycle. If your summer bill jumps without a tariff change, the AC is a prime suspect. A gas top-up and coil clean can cut consumption by 20–30%.
5. The compressor runs non-stop
When refrigerant is low, the AC never satisfies the thermostat and the compressor never cycles off. Continuous running overheats the compressor and shortens its life — a ₹499 service now can save a ₹15,000 compressor later.
Not sure if it's a gas issue or a compressor fault? Book a ₹499 doorstep diagnosis — our manifold gauge reading tells you in 30 minutes, and the charge is adjusted into your repair bill.