How do you find and fix a Daikin aircon gas leak?
An aircon gas leak is found by scanning every joint and pipe with an infrared leak detector, then confirming the exact spot. Most leaks are at flare joints, which can be cut and re-flared. The system is then tested, cleared of air and moisture, and recharged. A top-up alone never fixes a leak.
Key takeaways
- The gas does not get used up: a Daikin that needs gas is leaking somewhere.
- Flare joints are the usual suspect: in this job, the leak was a worn flare on the thinner copper pipe.
- R32 is mildly flammable: a leak in an enclosed attic is a safety risk, not just lost cooling.
- Access decides the job: a reachable joint is fixed in one visit; hidden piping takes longer.
The video above is from a real job: two Daikin outdoor units tucked into a cramped attic, with exhaust fan ducts built right over them. The customer suspected a leak in their R32 system. We went in with our infrared leak detector, found a leaking flare joint, remade it and tested the system until it held.
How do we track down a gas leak?
- Confirm the gas is low. Weak cooling, frost on a pipe or a compressor that never rests point to low gas. We check how the system is running before blaming the gas.
- Scan with the infrared detector. It picks up even small amounts of escaping refrigerant. We go over the outdoor unit, every flare joint and the service valves.
- Pinpoint it. Where the detector reacts, a bubble test shows the exact spot. Tiny bubbles forming on a joint are the leak, as in this close-up of leak bubbles.
- Repair the joint or part. A worn flare is cut off and a fresh flare is made. A leaking valve or coil needs a different repair.
- Test the repair. We test the system again to confirm it holds before any gas goes in.
- Clear air and moisture, then recharge. The pipes are evacuated and the gas is charged back to the correct amount.
If cooling has faded and nobody has checked for a leak, book a leak check rather than another top-up. Worried about a leak in a closed space right now? Switch the aircon off and message Luna on WhatsApp.
The attic job: what we found
This one was a tight squeeze. The two outdoor units had been installed in an attic with exhaust ducts built over them, leaving almost no space to work. That matters with R32: it is common in modern aircons and mildly flammable, so gas leaking into a small closed space can build up instead of drifting away.
The culprit was a classic flaring leak on the 1/4 inch pipe, the thinner of the two copper pipes. Over time the flare had deteriorated and gas was seeping out. We cut out the old connection, made a fresh flare, re-established the seal and tested the system again to confirm it was airtight.
We want to be honest about this case: it was one of the lucky ones. The leak was at a joint we could reach. Some leaks sit deep inside hidden piping or walls, and those take much more work. Here is another Daikin leak found with the infrared detector.
Where else gas leaks happen
Flare joints are only one place. Leaks also turn up at the service valves on the outdoor unit, in corroded coils and in piping hidden in trunking. Our guide to aircon gas leak signs covers each one and the warning signs before you call anyone. If your aircon simply is not cold and you are not sure why, start with 6 causes of an aircon that is not cold.
What it costs
Job | Price | What drives it |
|---|---|---|
Infrared leak check, 1 to 3 units | S$580 | Gas top-up included; number of units and joints to scan |
Infrared leak check, 4 to 5 units | S$880 | Gas top-up included; number of units and joints to scan |
Gas check and top-up (R32, R410A or R22) | S$165 | Paid at booking |
Flare joint or valve repair | Quoted after the leak check | Where the leak is and how easy it is to reach |
Repairs carry a warranty from 180 days, depending on the job.
When to call a technician
Call us if your aircon has needed gas before, if cooling fades week by week, or if you see frost on a copper pipe. Switch it off if you suspect a leak in a closed space. Book online, or message Luna, our AI assistant, on WhatsApp at any hour. If the job turns into a repair, our aircon gas leak repair service covers it.
Frequently asked questions
Is a Daikin R32 gas leak dangerous at home?
R32 is mildly flammable. In an open room a small leak disperses quickly, but in an enclosed space such as an attic or a cramped yard the gas can build up. If you suspect a leak, switch the aircon off, open windows, keep flames and sparks away and have it checked.
Can an outdoor unit be installed in an attic?
It can, but it needs enough space around it for air to flow and for a technician to reach the joints and valves. Units boxed in under ducts or storage run hotter and are much harder to service or repair.
What should I do if my outdoor unit is boxed in?
Clear anything stored around it and keep the space ventilated. If ducts or fixtures were built over it, ask a technician whether it can be serviced safely where it is, or whether it should be moved.
Do you have to replace the whole aircon after a gas leak?
Usually not. Many leaks are at flare joints or valves, which can be remade or repaired. A badly corroded coil may need replacing, and we will tell you if repair is not worth it.
Is the leak repair covered by warranty?
Repairs carry a warranty from 180 days, depending on the job. We confirm the warranty for your repair before we start.
Eric Lim, aka Uncle EricFounder of iAircon.Repair, now in its 10th year servicing aircons in Singapore. Some of our jobs are filmed, and you can watch the work on YouTube.
