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Professional Aircon Regas and Repair
n aircon regas or repair is needed when your unit stops cooling, makes strange noises, or leaks water. During an intense South African summer, a faulty air conditioner can make your home unbearable. The cost for a basic aircon regas in South Africa typically starts from R850, but if a leak must be found and fixed, it can range from R1,500 to R2,500. More complex repairs, like replacing a compressor, can cost over R8,000. These jobs must be handled by a qualified air conditioning specialist, as they involve pressurised gas and complex electrical systems governed by strict national standards.
Understanding When to Regas or Repair Your Aircon
When your aircon blows warm air, your first thought might be that it just needs "gas." However, low refrigerant is almost always a symptom of a leak. An air conditioner's refrigerant system is a closed loop, meaning the gas should never run out.
“Simply topping up the gas without fixing the leak is a temporary, wasteful, and environmentally irresponsible fix,” says Sipho, a certified HVAC professional in Johannesburg. “A true pro will always perform a leak detection test first to find the root cause. In dusty highveld areas like Gauteng, vibrations can cause tiny cracks over time, while in coastal cities like Durban, corrosion from the humid, salty air is a common culprit.”
Only after the leak is properly repaired is the system vacuumed and recharged with the correct amount of refrigerant.
Beyond a refrigerant leak, other common aircon issues include:
- Dirty Air Filters: Clogged filters are a major cause of poor cooling. They restrict airflow, forcing the unit to work harder and increasing your electricity bill.
- Frozen Evaporator Coils: This can be caused by low refrigerant or blocked airflow from a dirty filter, resulting in ice building up on the indoor unit.
- Faulty Compressor: As the heart of the system, a failing compressor will stop the cooling process. Signs include loud noises or the unit tripping your circuit breaker, a risk that can be heightened by power surges during load shedding.
- Fan Problems: If the fan in either the indoor or outdoor unit fails, air won't circulate correctly. You might hear grinding or squealing noises.
- Water Leaks: A clogged condensate drain line is the most common reason for water dripping from the indoor unit, especially in humid regions like KwaZulu-Natal.
How a Professional Aircon Service is Conducted
When you hire a Kandua Pro for an aircon repair, they follow a systematic process to ensure the job is done safely and correctly.
- Initial Assessment and Diagnosis: The technician inspects both indoor and outdoor units, using specialised gauges to check system pressures and testing electrical components. They will perform a leak detection test, sometimes using UV dye, to pinpoint any issues.
- Clear Communication and Quotation: The technician will explain the problem clearly and provide a detailed, itemised quote for the repair, including labour and parts.
- The Repair: Once you approve the quote, the technician will carry out the repairs, whether it’s brazing a leaking pipe or replacing a faulty fan motor.
- System Evacuation and Regas: This crucial step is never skipped. The technician uses a vacuum pump to remove all air and moisture from the lines. Moisture can form corrosive acids that destroy your system from the inside. Afterwards, they use a digital scale to add the precise weight of the correct refrigerant type specified by the manufacturer.
- Final Testing: The technician powers on the unit to ensure it’s cooling effectively and that all components are operating within safe parameters.
Find out more about air conditioner repair costs.
Checklist: Before Your Technician Arrives
To make the process smoother and faster, have this information ready:
- Clear the area around both the indoor and outdoor units.
- Note down the make and model of your aircon.
- Be ready to describe the symptoms in detail (e.g., "It started making a buzzing noise two days ago").
- Ensure the technician has safe access to the DB board.
The Risk of DIY Aircon Repair and the Value of a Professional
Attempting to repair or regas an aircon yourself is illegal and dangerous in South Africa. Refrigerants are hazardous substances that require a license to handle.
“Only technicians registered with the South African Quality and Competence Certification Body for Gas (SAQCC Gas) are legally allowed to purchase and handle refrigerants,” explains David, a Kandua Pro from Durban. “Mishandling them can cause severe frostbite, and releasing them damages the environment.”
Furthermore, incorrect wiring poses a serious fire risk. A qualified professional ensures all repairs comply with South African safety standards like SANS 10147 for refrigeration systems, protecting your home and your warranty. Need an expert? Kandua connects you with vetted electricians and HVAC pros.
Post-Service Aircon Care and Maintenance
Regular maintenance is key to protecting your investment and preventing future breakdowns. For more detailed advice, read our tips for keeping your aircon in top shape.
- Clean or Replace Air Filters: Check filters monthly and replace them every 1 to 3 months. This is the single most effective thing you can do.
- Keep the Outdoor Unit Clear: Ensure the condenser is free of leaves, grass, and debris. In coastal areas, rinse it occasionally to prevent salt build-up and corrosion.
- Protect Against Power Surges: Load shedding can damage sensitive electronics. Plug your aircon into a good quality surge protector.
- Schedule Annual Professional Servicing: A yearly service by a pro can catch problems early, extend the lifespan of your unit, and ensure it runs efficiently, saving you money on electricity.
Customer Stories and Results
Naledi in Centurion was frustrated by a rising electricity bill and an aircon that was barely cooling her home office. A Kandua Pro diagnosed a slow refrigerant leak using a UV dye test. Instead of just topping up the gas, he repaired the cracked pipe and recharged the system correctly. The fix not only restored powerful cooling but also saved Naledi an estimated R1,500 in wasted electricity and repeat callout fees.
John in Blouberg, Cape Town, had a unit that was tripping the breaker and making a loud grinding sound, especially on windy days. A professional quickly found that the fan motor bearings had been worn down by the corrosive coastal air. A quick R1,800 repair prevented a full compressor failure, which would have cost over R7,000 to replace.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I know if my aircon needs regassing?
A: The most common sign is the unit blowing warm air. However, this always indicates a leak. A professional diagnosis is essential to find and fix the leak, not just top up the gas.
2. How often should an aircon be serviced in South Africa?
A: Annually, ideally just before summer. In dusty areas like the Highveld or humid coastal regions, regular servicing is crucial to maintain efficiency and prevent breakdowns.
3. Is it worth repairing an old air conditioner?
A: If the repair cost is over 50% of the price of a new unit and your aircon is over 10 years old, replacement is usually smarter. Newer models are far more energy-efficient, a key factor with South Africa's rising electricity costs. Find out more in our Aircon Installation Cost Guide.
4. Can I add refrigerant gas to my aircon myself?
A: No. It is illegal and highly dangerous. In South Africa, only technicians registered with SAQCC Gas can legally handle or purchase refrigerant gases.
5. What causes a water leak from my aircon unit?
A: It is most often caused by a clogged condensate drain line. This is a common issue in humid areas like KwaZulu-Natal, where the unit removes a lot of moisture from the air.
6. How long does an aircon regas take?
A: If it's part of a leak repair, the job could take 3 to 5 hours. Finding the leak is the most time-consuming part; the regas itself takes about an hour.
7. Why is my aircon running but not cooling?
A: This could be a dirty filter, a refrigerant leak, or a faulty compressor or fan. A professional technician can quickly diagnose the exact cause.
8. What is the difference between R410A and R32 gas?
A: R32 is a newer, more environmentally friendly refrigerant with a lower Global Warming Potential (GWP). Technicians must use the specific gas your unit was designed for; they are not interchangeable.
9. Why does my aircon trip the electricity?
A: This signals a serious electrical fault, often with the compressor or wiring, which can be made worse by power surges from load shedding. Turn the unit off at the circuit breaker immediately and call a professional.
10. Does a standard aircon service include a regas?
A: No. A standard service is a comprehensive clean and check-up of all components. A regas is only performed as part of a leak repair and is charged separately.
Why you can trust Kandua to get it right:
At Kandua, getting your home projects done is simple, safe, and stress-free.
- Tell us what you need – Or let our smart AI Home Companion help diagnose your problem if you’re not sure where to start.
- Get answers as you go – While posting your job, you can ask our smart AI home companion anything - from understanding typical costs, to how the process works, to how long it might take. Ask questions whenever they pop up, and get clear, helpful answers instantly.
- We match you with the best – All our pros are 100% vetted: ID-verified, criminal background checked, certification verified, and maintaining at least a 4.5-star rating. You don’t have to worry about picking the right person - we make sure the pro we send has the right skills and certification to get your job done right.
With Kandua, you can rest easy knowing you’re in safe hands from the first click to the final handshake.
Electricians in South Africa: what to know before you book
Electrical issues have a way of starting small… and turning serious fast. A plug that “sometimes trips” can become a melted socket. Flickering lights can point to loose connections. And if your earth leakage keeps going off, it’s often your home telling you something isn’t right.
Kandua helps you get it sorted by matching you with a vetted electrician for your job — whether it’s a repair, installation, inspection, upgrade, or an urgent call-out.
A few quick answers (so you don’t have to scroll)
How do I choose a good electrician?
Pick someone who explains the cause (not just the symptom), tests before they replace parts, prices transparently, and can issue the right compliance paperwork when it’s required.
Do I need an Electrical Certificate of Compliance (CoC) in South Africa?
Often, yes — especially for property transfer and for any additions/alterations to an installation. The Department of Employment and Labour has also warned against “paper CoCs” issued without proper testing, and urges homeowners to use legally registered electrical contractors.
What should electrical work cost?
Most electricians charge a call-out fee + labour + materials, with higher rates for after-hours, complex fault finding, DB work, or urgent callouts. (There’s a pricing guide further down.)
What should I do first in an electrical emergency?
If it’s safe, switch off power at the main breaker, keep people away from the affected area (especially if there’s water), and call an electrician. If there’s smoke/fire risk, treat it as an emergency immediately.
Common electrical problems (and what they usually mean)
You don’t need to diagnose like an electrician — but it helps to know what the usual “signals” point to.
“My plugs keep tripping / the power keeps going off”
Often caused by an overloaded circuit, a faulty appliance, a loose connection, or a problem at the DB (distribution board). If it’s frequent, don’t just keep resetting — you want proper testing to prevent heat build-up and damage.
“My earth leakage trips randomly (especially at night or when it rains)”
This can indicate moisture ingress, a faulty appliance, deteriorating insulation, outdoor circuits taking on water, or an earthing/bonding issue. It’s common — and it’s exactly the sort of thing that needs systematic fault finding.
“My lights flicker / dim when I use appliances”
Sometimes it’s a supply issue — but it can also point to loose connections, voltage drop, an overloaded circuit, or a stressed neutral. If you’re noticing it across multiple rooms, get it checked.
“I smell burning / a plug is warm / there’s buzzing at the DB”
Treat this as urgent. Heat + electrics is how small problems become big ones. Switch off the circuit (or main breaker if you’re unsure) and book an electrician.
“I get a small shock/tingle from taps or appliances”
That can be an earthing/bonding fault and should be investigated quickly — especially in kitchens, bathrooms, and anywhere near water.
When it’s a DIY job — and when it isn’t
DIY can be fine for low-risk, non-electrical basics (like replacing a light bulb, resetting a tripped breaker once, or unplugging an appliance to test if it’s the cause).
Call an electrician when:
- a socket/switch is hot, crackling, discoloured, or smells burnt
- breakers/earth leakage keep tripping
- you suspect faulty wiring, water exposure, or a hidden issue
- you’re touching the DB, adding circuits, or upgrading capacity
- you’re installing high-load appliances (oven, hob, geyser, heat pump) or adding dedicated circuits
- you’re adding solar/inverter equipment or changing the installation layout
- you may need a CoC for compliance, insurance, or sale/transfer
Certifications, registrations & compliance in South Africa (what matters and when)
This is the part people usually discover too late. Here’s the simple version.
1) Electrical CoC (Certificate of Compliance)
A CoC is a legal document confirming an electrical installation has been inspected and tested and is compliant. It’s commonly required before property sale/transfer, and it’s also required when electrical work involves additions or alterations.
Also important: the Department of Employment and Labour explicitly warns that a registered contractor may only issue a CoC after proper inspection/testing, and may not issue on behalf of an unregistered person.
2) “Registered person” (who is actually allowed to certify)
In practice, certification is tied to being a properly registered/authorised person (often referred to as a wireman’s licence / registered person in the industry). If you need a CoC, ask upfront:
“Are you legally registered to inspect, test, and issue the CoC for this work?”
3) CoC validity (the part everyone argues about)
A useful way to think about it:
- For transfer purposes, the regulations are commonly applied as “not older than 2 years”.
- For day-to-day living, it remains relevant until changes are made — if you alter/add to the installation, you’ll typically need a supplementary CoC for that work.
4) Solar / inverter / PV additions (very common now)
If you’re adding solar PV or inverter equipment, treat it as a compliance-sensitive electrical project. Industry guidance stresses that PV work should be under the supervision of properly qualified electrical persons, and the City of Cape Town’s guidance notes you should request the original electrical CoC from the registered installation electrician.
Pricing: what to budget for an electrician in South Africa
Pricing varies by city, travel distance, urgency, and complexity — but most homeowners will see a familiar structure:
Typical cost structure
- Call-out fee (travel + initial assessment)
- Labour (hourly)
- Materials/parts
- After-hours premium (nights, weekends, public holidays)
- Specialist testing / fault finding time (often where the real value is)
Typical ranges you’ll see (guideline)
- Labour: roughly R350 – R700/hour for many standard jobs (average often around the mid-range), with higher rates for specialised work.
- Emergency call-out: often around R600 – R900 (and may or may not include the first hour — always ask).
A realistic “small job” expectation
Even when it sounds simple, budget for a call-out + 1–2 hours labour plus parts. If you have a few small fixes, bundling them into one visit often saves money.
10 Genuinely helpful electrician FAQ's
- What’s the difference between “the power tripped” and “earth leakage tripped”?
A normal breaker trip usually points to overload or a circuit fault. Earth leakage trips when it detects current leaking to earth (often moisture, insulation breakdown, or a faulty appliance). If earth leakage trips repeatedly, it needs proper fault finding. - How do I figure out if it’s my appliance or the house wiring?
A safe starting point is to unplug high-load appliances and see if the trip stops — but if trips continue (or you see heat/burning smells), stop testing and get an electrician. The correct method is measured testing, not guesswork. - Why does my plug socket feel warm?
Warmth can mean a loose connection, overload, poor contact, or damaged wiring — all of which can create heat and become dangerous. Book it in sooner rather than later. - My lights flicker when I use the kettle/microwave — is that normal?
Occasional minor dimming can happen, but persistent flickering/dimming can signal voltage drop, loose connections, overloaded circuits, or neutral issues. If it’s happening across rooms, get it checked. - Do I need a dedicated circuit for an oven/hob/geyser/heat pump?
Very often, yes — these are high-load items and are safer (and usually more reliable) with correct isolation and wiring sized for the load. An electrician should assess and advise based on your DB capacity. - What’s involved in a DB (distribution board) upgrade?
Typically: inspection of existing circuits, correcting unsafe/incorrect connections, adding/replacing breakers, ensuring earthing and bonding are correct, labelling circuits, and testing. DB work should be done carefully and properly documented. - Do I need a new CoC after renovations?
If the renovation involved electrical additions/alterations (new circuits, moved points, new DB work, solar/inverter additions), you’ll usually need a supplementary CoC for that work. - How long does a CoC take to issue?
It depends on how many defects are found. A proper CoC requires inspection and testing — if repairs are needed, it may take longer. Be wary of instant “paper CoCs” with no testing. - Does an electrical CoC cover everything in the house?
A CoC generally relates to the electrical installation and its safety/compliance (distribution, wiring, earthing, bonding, etc.). If you have specialised systems (like solar PV or an electric fence), ask what additional documentation is required for those. - What should I ask an electrician before they start?
Three questions cover most issues:
- “What do you think is the likely cause, and how will you test it?”
- “Is this priced as call-out + hourly + materials, and what counts as after-hours?”
- “Will this work require a CoC or supplementary CoC — and are you registered to issue it?”
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