What a regas and leak check covers
Our regas and leak check service is for domestic and commercial systems that have lost gas, are cooling poorly, or keep needing topping up. We do not just add refrigerant and move on. First we test for leaks, then we confirm why the gas escaped, and only then do we recharge the system to the correct operating charge.
This matters in Clairwood and the wider eThekwini area because coastal moisture, vibration, and older pipework can all cause small leaks that grow over time. A system that is undercharged can draw more power, struggle in peak summer, and ice up at the indoor coil. In some cases the compressor starts working harder than it should, which can shorten its life.
- Leak testing on visible pipework, valves, flares, evaporator coil, and condenser connections
- Refrigerant recharge to suit the unit type and manufacturer charge requirements
- Pressure and temperature checks before and after gas top-up
- Basic fault finding where low gas is linked to poor airflow or control issues
How we carry out the job on site
We start with a short inspection of the unit, the symptom history, and the recent service record if there is one. Then our technician checks pressures, looks for oil traces, listens for hissing or intermittent loss, and tests likely leak points. On many jobs we can isolate the problem on the first visit, but some systems need a more detailed check if the leak is small or hidden.
- Initial performance check and visual inspection
- Leak detection using pressure testing and localised checks
- Repair advice if a gasket, flare, valve core, or component is damaged
- Vacuum, recharge, and final running test once the system is sound
If the leak is coming from a part that can be repaired on site, we will discuss the next step before proceeding. Where parts replacement is needed, such as a valve core, capacitor-linked issue, or damaged joint, we explain the options clearly so you can decide on the spot.
Signs your aircon may need gas and leak work
Not every weak aircon needs a recharge, so we look for proper signs before we add refrigerant. Many call-outs come from units that are dirty, have blocked drains, or have airflow issues, and a gas top-up would not solve those problems. That is why we check the full operating condition first.
Common signs include air that is not as cold as usual, ice on the indoor pipes or coil, the unit running longer than normal, hissing from the system, oily marks around joints, or repeated trips when the compressor starts. In offices and shops, staff often notice that one zone is warm while the rest of the system seems fine. On split systems, a small leak can go unnoticed for months if the unit is only used in the evening or over weekends.
- Warm air from vents despite the thermostat calling for cooling
- Ice buildup on the indoor unit or copper lines
- Higher electricity use and longer running cycles
- Uneven cooling between rooms or sections
Our turnaround for Durban homes and businesses
For most straightforward regas and leak check jobs in Durban Central, South Durban, North Durban, West Durban, and Clairwood, we aim to attend quickly and complete the work on the same visit where possible. If the system needs parts or a larger leak repair, turnaround depends on the fault and access to the unit.
Domestic wall splits can often be tested, recharged, and re-commissioned in one appointment if the leak is minor and the charge is straightforward. Larger commercial systems may need more time for pressure testing, access panels, and staged checks. If the job is urgent because a business is losing stock, staff comfort, or production time, we prioritise it as a breakdown call-out.
We also work around load-shedding schedules where possible, because many systems behave differently after power cuts and restarts. A client in South Durban once reported poor cooling after repeated outages and the problem was not gas alone, it was a loose connection and low charge together.
Pricing approach and what affects the cost
We price regas and leak check work according to the system size, refrigerant type, access, and whether a repair is needed before the recharge. A small domestic split unit is not priced the same as a commercial ceiling cassette, ducted system, or a unit on a high wall with restricted access. We do not guess the price from a photo, because the charge quantity and leak location can change the job quite a lot.
Our team will usually confirm the call-out and inspection first, then advise on the leak test, gas recharge, and any repair items before going ahead. If the system has lost gas repeatedly, we may recommend a more detailed search rather than another top-up. That saves money over time and helps protect the compressor.
- Call-out and inspection
- Leak test and diagnosis
- Refrigerant recharge by measured amount
- Any repair parts and labour if required
Maintenance intervals that prevent repeat gas loss
In Durban’s coastal air, it pays to check refrigerant performance before the hottest months arrive. For most homes, we recommend a service and operating check at least once a year. For commercial systems that run daily, every 6 months is often the safer interval, especially where the unit is exposed to salt air, dust, or constant door opening.
Regular maintenance helps us catch small leaks early, before the system starts icing or the compressor is overworked. It also gives us a chance to clean the coils, check drain flow, test the capacitors, and confirm the controls are reading correctly. Small faults add up, and a unit can look fine for weeks then suddenly struggle when the weather turns very hot.
- Residential units: once a year minimum
- Commercial units: every 6 months in normal use
- Coastal or high-use sites: more frequent checks may be needed
Book a regas and leak check with Aircon Depot
Aircon Depot is based in Clairwood and works across greater eThekwini, including Durban Central, South Durban, North Durban, and West Durban. If your unit is not cooling properly, keep in mind that gas loss is often a symptom, not the whole fault. Our team checks the full system so you get the right fix the first time.
For booking and support, contact depot@aircondepot.co.za and tell us the unit type, the room size, and what the system is doing. If you can mention whether the issue started after a power cut, a service, or a move, that helps us prepare for the visit and bring the right tools. We handle domestic and commercial air-conditioning, plus spares and gas, so the job can be sorted without unnecessary delays.
Key facts
| Service area | Clairwood, Durban and greater eThekwini |
|---|---|
| Base | AIRCON DEPOT, Archary Rd, Clairwood, Durban |
| Turnaround | Same-day where possible for standard call-outs |
| System types | Split units, cassette units, ducted systems, small commercial systems |
| Typical issue signs | Poor cooling, icing, pressure loss, hissing, oily marks |
| Maintenance interval | 12 months for homes, 6 months for most businesses |
