What are the signs of a refrigerant gas pipe leak in my air conditioner?

Common signs include decreased cooling efficiency after 1 to 3 days of the gas top-up, hissing or bubbling noises, ice formation on the refrigerant line, and an oily residue on or around the Aircon condenser unit.

What causes refrigerant gas pipe leaks in air conditioners?

Refrigerant gas pipe leaks in air conditioners can stem from several factors. Over time, wear and tear can compromise the integrity of the pipes, leading to leaks. Refrigerant gas pipe leaks can result from improper chemical washing of air conditioners. Harsh or incorrect cleaning agents can corrode the pipes and connections, leading to leaks. Additionally, inadequate rinsing can leave residues that accelerate wear and tear. Factory defects and improper installation can result in weak points that eventually give way. Physical damage to the refrigerant lines, whether from accidental impacts or environmental factors, can also cause leaks. Additionally, the constant vibration of the air conditioner can gradually loosen joints, creating gaps through which the refrigerant gas can escape.

Can I fix aircon gas leak myself?

It is not recommended to fix a refrigerant leak yourself. Refrigerant handling requires special tools (eg., pressure gauge, refrigerant scale, etc) and certification due to the hazardous nature of the chemicals. It’s best to contact a BCA Trained Installer.

How can I prevent refrigerant leaks in my air conditioner?

Proper Chemical Washing: Use appropriate, mild cleaning agents and ensure thorough rinsing to prevent corrosion and residue build-up that can damage refrigerant pipes and connections. Regular Maintenance: Schedule regular professional maintenance to check and clean all components, ensuring no build-up or damage that could lead to leaks.

How much does it cost to repair a refrigerant gas pipe leak?

The cost to repair a refrigerant gas pipe leak varies depending on the leak’s severity, location, and refrigerant type. Typically, it ranges from $350 to $600, including our BCA-licensed installers’ fees and refrigerant refill. Our pricing covers all necessary submissions, ensuring repairs are conducted by certified air-conditioning unit installers as mandated by the Building and Construction Authority.

How long does it take to repair a refrigerant leak?

The time required to repair a refrigerant leak can vary depending on the location and severity of the leak. Minor leaks might take 2 hours to fix, while more severe or difficult-to-access leaks could take 4 hours.

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29 Aug 2024

Rheem TUR-55KVM, Waste Heat Storage Water System Repair at Luxus Hills on 23 Aug 2024

The owner reported that the existing Rheem water heater was not producing hot water and consulted Homeone for a solution. Upon site assessment by our technician, no issues were found with the heater itself. The existing unit, a Rheem TUR-55KVM, is a storage water heater designed to utilise waste heat from the Daikin aircon system.

However, the control circuit for both the water heater and the Daikin aircon was found to be faulty. Following this diagnosis, our Homeone office team advised the owner to switch the storage water heater to its own electric power supply and disconnect the heating gas pipe from the aircon. The entire procedure was carried out in full compliance with EMA, PUB and BCA aircon regulations.

Project location
Luxus Hills
Property type
Terrace House

Table of Contents

Rheem TUR-55KVM – Waste Heat Storage Water Heater Repair

Storage Water Heater Model:

Rheem TUR-55KVM

Rheem offers a wide range of water heaters, including electric, gas, hybrid heat pump, and tankless models, designed for energy efficiency and performance.
Their products are used in both residential and commercial applications, with features like glass lining for durability.
Rheem has been a leader in water heating since 1931, expanding globally after its 1925 founding by the Rheem brothers, originally producing steel drums.

Aircon Model:

Daikin 3MWKS80LV1

Waste Heat Storage Water System With Aircon

The Waste Heat Storage Water System ingeniously combines the Daikin 3MWKS80LV1 air conditioner with the Rheem TUR-55KVM storage water heater, creating a sophisticated solution that repurposes waste heat from the air conditioning process to heat water. Although this system is relatively rare in new installations due to its higher initial costs and specific configuration requirements, it offers significant long-term energy savings by reducing the need for separate electricity consumption for cooling and water heating. This innovative approach not only lowers energy bills but also enhances the sustainability of the home.

At the heart of this system is a highly efficient heat recovery process. The waste heat produced by the air conditioner is captured and directed to the Rheem TUR-55KVM via insulated pipes. The refrigerant gas transports this heat to a heat exchanger within the water heater, effectively converting what would otherwise be wasted energy into a valuable resource. This process markedly improves the overall efficiency of both the air conditioning and water heating systems, delivering substantial energy savings.

Proper installation and insulation are crucial for optimal performance. Insulated pipes must be meticulously sealed to minimize heat loss, and the outdoor unit should be securely fixed with adequate clearance for maintenance. This ensures the system operates safely, efficiently, and reliably over time.

Job Scope for Rheem TUR-55KVM – Waste Heat Storage Water Heater Repair

1. Aircon Pump Down

The air conditioning system was safely pumped down to isolate and contain the refrigerant within the condenser unit.
This process involved running the system in cooling mode, closing the liquid line service valve, and allowing the compressor to transfer all refrigerant into the condenser.
Once the refrigerant was fully contained, the system was shut down, ensuring no refrigerant loss during maintenance or repair.

2. Disconnecting the Refrigerant Pipe

A BCA-trained aircon installer expertly disconnected the refrigerant pipe on the condenser unit (CU) side to prevent any leakage.
The heat-up refrigerant pipe connected to the Rheem TUR Series (TUR-55KVM) water heater was then carefully severed and terminated, ensuring no further connection between the aircon unit and the water heater, thus eliminating the waste heat integration.

3. Disconnecting the Communication Cable

The communication cable linking the Rheem water heater to the aircon system and its control circuit was meticulously disconnected on both the CU and control circuit sides.
This step effectively isolated the water heater from the air conditioning system, preventing any further malfunction or interference between the two systems.

4. Providing Direct Power Supply to Rheem TUR-55KVM Storage Water Heater

A direct electrical supply was established for the Rheem TUR-55KVM water heater by connecting it to its dedicated isolator using a 2.5 mm² wire.
This connection ensures the water heater operates independently on its own power, delivering consistent performance without reliance on the aircon system.

5. Testing and Commissioning

The system was rigorously tested to confirm the proper function of the Rheem storage water heater and Daikin aircon.
This involved verifying that hot water was being delivered efficiently to all outlets. It ensured the water heater was fully operational and met the desired performance standards following the modification.

6. Cleaning the Workspace and Tidying Up

After completing the technical work, the workspace was thoroughly cleaned, and all equipment and materials were neatly organised.
This step ensured the area was left in a pristine condition, reflecting a commitment to professionalism and respect for the client’s property.

Condo Name: Luxus Hills

Rheem TUR-55KVM, Waste Heat Storage Water System Repair at Luxus Hills on 23 Aug 2024

Project location

Property type