When does the air-conditioning gas need recharging and what maintenance does it need?

An air conditioner that "doesn't cool like it used to" almost never needs an urgent emergency check: in most cases, the problem is a dirty filter that could have been avoided with scheduled maintenance.

Which gas current units use

Current units use R32 or R410A. R32 is more efficient and less polluting, although it operates at higher pressure and needs specific charging equipment. If there is a leak, or on very old units, it may be necessary to recharge the refrigerant, measured in kg. Always check that the technician holds an F-Gas certificate — it is a legal requirement for any work on the refrigeration circuit, not an optional formality.

Filter cleaning: more often than it seems

Cleaning the filters, indoor and outdoor units, and checking pressures is recommended every 6–12 months, more often in intensive use (commercial premises) or in homes with pets. A fact that often surprises: a dirty filter can reduce the unit's performance by up to 15% and send electricity consumption up — before thinking of a breakdown, check the filter.

What the annual service includes

The annual service and tune-up is a complete check: gas pressures, electricity consumption, state of insulation, drainage and cleaning of heat exchangers. Many serious compressor failures are avoided by spotting a small gas leak in time during this service, long before the unit stops cooling altogether. In commercial installations, some communities and insurers require this maintenance to be documented.

Gas recovery: mandatory when removing a unit

When an old unit is removed, releasing the refrigerant into the atmosphere is illegal and punishable. It must always be recovered with certified recovery equipment before disconnecting and removing the unit. Always include it as a separate item when replacing units — it is not implicitly included in the dismantling.

Frequently asked questions

How often must the filters of an air conditioner be cleaned? Every 6–12 months in normal home use; more often in intensive use or in homes with pets.

Are R32 gas and R410A the same? No: R32 is more efficient and less polluting, but operates at higher pressure and needs specific charging equipment.

Can I remove an old unit without recovering the gas? No, it is illegal and punishable. Recovery with certified equipment is mandatory before dismantling any unit.

Conclusion

Before quoting a gas recharge, check whether the real problem is a dirty filter — it's the most common cause and the cheapest to solve. And when it's time to remove a unit, certified gas recovery is not an optional item: it's a legal requirement that must always be quoted.