Just had one of my aircons regassed, one that was regassed last year but didn't blow cold for long. The guys who came said that an aircon should be run regularly for at least 15 minutes, even in the cooler weather. I said I believe the aircon must have a leak as it didn't run cold for long last time it was regassed. They said they could only look for a leak after they regassed it, and to give them a ring in a week if it's not blowing cold anymore. I can't find anything on the internet that says an aircon should be run in the cooler months to preserve the gas, so is this just Thai maintenance BS?

 

I might add that in the 8 years I've been here my aircons (3 Samsung) have been nothing but trouble, and they were all brand new when I moved in. Never had the problem of this constant regassing of aircons in Australia.

vacuum test for leaks  not re gas  and loose  again  @500bht a shot

8 minutes ago, Lamkyong said:

vacuum test for leaks  not re gas  and loose  again  @500bht a shot

I don't understand. Are you saying a vacuum test without regassing is 500 baht? What is loose again?

If the unit is leaking then regassing to find the leak can be done, just that to make any repairs you would have to isolate or empty the circuit anyway.
You can empty the system, pressurise with nitrogen to find the leak and make the repair then vacuum the system again before adding the freon gas charge.
There are a lot of shortcuts taken here. As for running the unit frequently its more to make sure that the oil gets circulated and coats all the internal parts (keeping them lubricated) and all the valves, motors etc get functioned to stop them sticking or corroding. Motors can get humidity issues and run down the insulation properties if not used and heated up.
Personally I run my unused units each month when I remember for ten to fifteen minutes


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The repair guy is correct, if they are not run year round (at least a little bit)  the seals dry out and the gas escapes, it's very common.

55 minutes ago, giddyup said:

I don't understand. Are you saying a vacuum test without regassing is 500 baht? What is loose again?

a vacuum test is  pressure test in reverse  you trace the leak by air going in as opposed to  re gassing at a extra cost  (gas)  AND LOOSING THE GAS TO ATMOSPHERE   also in some countries illegal to vent uncontained  gas (ie to atmosphere )   post 4 seems a cheaper and positive option if the contractor has nitrogen to hand

 I agree with simoh, running the AC periodically helps keep the seals lubricated and prevents leaks from dried seals.

I don't know if this is done for home AC but had it done for a car AC once.  When they Re-Gas the AC they inject a die, (I think the die is contained in the gas) the die floresens under a blue light, thus finding where the gas escapes from.

I have 3 aircons which I actually never use, but i let them run for 1 hour in dehumidify mode every 2 - 3 months for the reasons explained above

Thanks for all the replies, very helpful.

In Europe we only used the air-con for the two hottest months of the year. They were never used the rest of the time. Over 10 years our units never lost gas, except one on which the compression nut snapped causing all the gas to be lost instantly. The nut was changed and the unit repressurized and it continued to work without losing any gas for several more years until the house was sold.

There are a lot of shortcuts taken here.

Can't argue with that. I've only met a very small number of people here who dont cut corners.

An alternative for those away for many months from their homes, could be either to put a timer on the aircon or a system that enables to turn it on via the internet (provided  of course there is not an electricity cut that may need some reset manipulations)

I try to remember to run unused AC every couple of weeks, like all machinery better to turn it over occasionally, also gets rid of the animal life that like to make their homes in there.

18 hours ago, KittenKong said:

In Europe we only used the air-con for the two hottest months of the year. They were never used the rest of the time. Over 10 years our units never lost gas, except one on which the compression nut snapped causing all the gas to be lost instantly. The nut was changed and the unit repressurized and it continued to work without losing any gas for several more years until the house was sold.

I am not an expert. But in Europe they temperature not stay that hot all the time. Maybe this also is a reason why the leaking can occur easier. Or maybe only because it is assembled in a bad manner

After some research, found this marvel....seems great to run the a/c from via smartphone if you are abroad via the internet and the setup and connection seems really very easy.....hope it helps and do give feedback if you get one of these....

 

(the system is on airpatrol.eu)

1 hour ago, observer90210 said:

After some research, found this marvel....seems great to run the a/c from via smartphone if you are abroad via the internet and the setup and connection seems really very easy.....hope it helps and do give feedback if you get one of these....

 

(the system is on airpatrol.eu)

Way cheaper is   Xiaomi Mi Smart Remote Controller Home Appliances WIFI IR Switch 360 for Air Con

4 hours ago, kannot said:

Way cheaper is   Xiaomi Mi Smart Remote Controller Home Appliances WIFI IR Switch 360 for Air Con

I checked it up and it seems quite a blast...360 coverage ?...did you test one of them ?.....and if I may ask, where did you purchase ?...thanks

On 3/31/2018 at 6:19 PM, simoh1490 said:

The repair guy is correct, if they are not run year round (at least a little bit)  the seals dry out and the gas escapes, it's very common.

stationery aircons have no seals which might dry out. that only applies to automotive units. aircons should be run regularly for a short time even if no cooling is needed. the reason is to prevent the lubricating oil which circulates with the refrigerant to gather at one point in the system and "resinate",  i.e. reducing lubrication to a point which could damage the compressor.

Many leaks now are actually caused by this smutty air getting in the system and solidyfying.

Its not cheap but if you are in a city location its a good idea to have your aircons properly cleaned, vacuumed and power washed including the compressor unit.

Modern ac are costing around 400/600 per unit. The larger flat box ceiling mounted types aroind 800bt.

 

A wise move if you have ever had the full black sooty water leaks.