Is your AC running but not cooling?
Learn the 7 signs your AC needs gas refilling, what causes gas leaks in Lahore homes, and what the refilling process actually involves.
If your air conditioner is running — the fan is spinning, the unit is on — but the room is not getting cold, the most common cause is low refrigerant gas. In our 10 years of doing AC gas refilling in Lahore, this is the number one complaint we receive during the summer months. This guide will help you understand exactly what refrigerant gas does, how to tell when it is running low, what causes gas leaks in the first place, and what happens during a proper gas refilling job.
What Does Refrigerant Gas Actually Do?
Your AC does not create cold air. It moves heat. The refrigerant gas is the substance that absorbs heat from inside your room and carries it outside. Without enough gas, this heat transfer slows down or stops completely — and your room stays warm no matter how long the AC runs. The most common refrigerants in Lahore AC units are R-22 (older units), R-32, and R-410A (most new inverter ACs). The type of gas in your unit is printed on a label on the outdoor compressor unit.
7 Signs Your AC Gas Is Low
- The AC runs but the room does not cool down This is the most obvious sign. If you have been running your AC for 30 minutes and the room temperature has barely changed, low gas is a likely cause.
- The indoor unit is blowing room-temperature or warm air Put your hand near the indoor unit’s air outlet. If the air coming out is not noticeably cold, the gas level is low.
- Ice forming on the indoor unit or copper pipes This sounds counterintuitive — ice means it is cold, right? Actually, ice forming on the evaporator coil or on the copper pipes connecting your indoor and outdoor units is a sign of low refrigerant. The pressure drop caused by low gas causes the coil to freeze.
- The outdoor compressor runs constantly without cycling off A healthy AC compressor turns on and off in cycles as the room reaches the set temperature. If low gas means the room never cools down, the compressor keeps running without ever switching off — this causes it to overheat and wear out faster.
- Hissing or bubbling sounds near the outdoor unit These sounds can indicate a gas leak at a pipe joint or valve connection.
- Higher than normal electricity bills An AC that cannot cool properly runs longer and harder, consuming more electricity. If your bill has gone up but your usage habits have not changed, inefficient cooling from low gas could be the reason
- The AC was recently installed or moved After installation or relocation of an AC unit in Lahore, gas levels should be checked. Improper installation or loose connections can cause gradual gas loss.
Why Does AC Gas Run Low?
Gas does not simply “run out” on its own. Refrigerant operates in a closed loop. If your AC is losing gas, there is almost always a leak somewhere. Common causes in Lahore homes include: – Low-quality copper pipes used during installation. Many installation jobs in Lahore use thin or substandard copper piping that develops small cracks or pinholes over time. – Loose flare connections at the indoor or outdoor unit. These are the joints where the copper pipe connects to the unit. If not tightened properly during installation, they leak slowly. – Corrosion from Lahore’s air quality. Dust, humidity, and air pollution can gradually corrode copper pipes and connections. – Vibration damage near the outdoor unit. If the outdoor unit is not properly mounted and vibrates excessively, the connected pipes can develop stress fractures
What Happens During a Professional Gas Refilling
Step 1: The technician connects a manifold gauge set to your AC’s service port to measure the current gas pressure.
Step 2: The leak is located and repaired before adding new gas. Adding gas to a leaking system is a waste of money — the gas will escape again within weeks.
Step 3: The correct amount of refrigerant is added according to your AC’s specifications (listed on the outdoor unit label).
Step 4: The pressure is checked again after filling to confirm it is within the correct range.
Step 5: The AC is run for 10–15 minutes to confirm proper cooling performance.
How Much Does AC Gas Refilling Cost in Lahore?
At Xpert AC Service, our gas refilling prices start at Rs. 2,800 — which is significantly below the typical market rate of Rs. 3,000 to Rs. 5,500.
The final price depends on the type of gas your unit requires and how much gas needs to be added.
We always check for leaks first and repair them before adding gas.
If a technician offers to refill your gas without checking for leaks, that is a red flag.
How Often Should You Refill AC Gas?
If your AC has no leaks and was properly installed, you should not need to refill the gas for 5 to 8 years or more. If you need a refill every summer, it means there is a leak that has not been properly repaired.
Book an AC Gas Refilling Service in Lahore
If you recognise any of the signs above, call or WhatsApp us at 0340-1424525.
Our technicians cover all areas of Lahore and can typically arrive within 1 to 2 hours.
We carry all common refrigerant types and leak detection equipment on every service call.