Does Your AC Need a Refrigerant Top-Up?
A correctly installed and leak-free AC system should retain its full refrigerant charge indefinitely — refrigerant is not consumed in normal operation. If the system is low, it means there is a leak somewhere in the circuit. Adding gas without fixing the leak is both illegal under F-Gas Regulations and a waste of money.
Signs Your AC May Be Low on Refrigerant
- Reduced cooling performance — system runs but the room stays warm
- Ice forming on the indoor or outdoor unit coils
- Hissing or bubbling sounds near the pipework
- System cycling more frequently than usual
Legal Requirements for AC Top-Ups
Under UK F-Gas Regulations, only certified engineers can handle refrigerants including R32 and R410A. Before topping up, the engineer must locate and repair the leak. Logbook records are required for systems at or above 5 tonnes CO2e.
What a Professional AC Top-Up Involves
- Check system pressures on both high and low sides
- Carry out electronic or UV leak detection
- Locate and repair the leak
- Re-vacuum and charge to manufacturer specification by weight
- Verify performance — superheat, subcooling and airflow
Engineers can order all common UK AC refrigerants from our refrigerant gas range with fast UK delivery.