“Regas” is a term used informally to describe topping up the refrigerant in an air conditioning system that has lost charge through a leak. Here is what it actually involves, the legal requirements around refrigerant handling, and what it costs.
What Is a Regas?
Air conditioning systems operate with a fixed charge of refrigerant sealed within the system. Unlike a car which burns fuel, a properly functioning air conditioning system does not consume refrigerant — the same charge circulates indefinitely. If refrigerant level drops, it is because the system has developed a leak somewhere in the circuit.
“Regassing” — adding refrigerant to a depleted system — is a symptomatic fix rather than a root cause fix. If the leak is not found and repaired, the added refrigerant will simply leak out again over weeks or months. A genuine fix requires: finding the leak, repairing it, then recharging the system to the correct level.
Signs You May Need a Regas
- The system is running but cooling performance has gradually declined over weeks or months
- Ice forming on the indoor unit or on the refrigerant pipework near the indoor unit
- The outdoor unit running for long periods without the indoor unit reaching target temperature
- Hissing sounds near refrigerant pipe connections
The Legal Position — F-Gas Regulations
Refrigerant handling is tightly regulated under F-Gas regulations. Only F-Gas certified engineers may handle, add or recover refrigerant from air conditioning systems. Using an uncertified individual to top up your refrigerant is illegal and voids equipment warranties.
Under F-Gas regulations, engineers are also required to leak-test any system that has lost refrigerant before recharging. Simply topping up without finding and fixing the leak is not compliant practice — and any engineer who does this without completing a leak test is not operating legally.
What the Process Involves
A proper regas visit involves:
- Measuring system pressures to confirm low refrigerant charge
- Electronic leak detection to locate the leak source
- Repairing the leak — typically at a flare joint connection using appropriate brazing or a mechanical fix
- Pressure testing the repaired joint
- Vacuuming the system to remove any air or moisture introduced during repair
- Recharging to the correct weight of refrigerant as specified on the unit nameplate
- Re-testing for leaks after recharge
- Recording the recharge in the F-Gas logbook
Cost
A regas including leak detection and repair of a standard flare joint leak: typically £200-400 depending on refrigerant type and quantity required. R32 refrigerant is currently more readily available and lower cost than R410A. Systems requiring more complex leak repairs (compressor valve leaks, coil leaks) cost more. Call 07833 053749 or contact us.