The Customer's Situation
Encik Azman Shah, a retired teacher in Pandan Indah, had a 12-year-old Panasonic 1.5HP using R22 gas. After it stopped cooling, a technician confirmed low gas from a slow leak at a flare joint. But R22 top-up was now RM180 — double what it cost 3 years ago.
Azman asked about converting to R32 to avoid rising R22 costs. The unit was mechanically sound — just needed gas.
Issues
- 12-year-old Panasonic using R22 — gas low from slow leak
- R22 increasingly expensive and being phased out
- Unit mechanically sound — compressor, motor, PCB all working
Our Assessment
We explained the caveats honestly: R22-to-R32 conversion is not manufacturer-recommended, R32 runs at slightly higher pressure, and oil compatibility isn't ideal. But for a 12-year-old unit with no warranty, spending RM280 for potentially 2-3 more years of use was pragmatic vs RM1,500 for a new unit.
Work Completed
- Repaired flare connection leak
- Recovered remaining R22
- Nitrogen pressure test — no other leaks
- 45-minute vacuum to evacuate all R22 residue
- Charged with R32 at 90% of R22 weight (R32 needs less)
- 30-minute monitoring — stable pressures, 13°C outlet temperature
- Filter and coil cleaning included
Result
Outlet temperature: 13°C (better than the old R22 performance). Compressor amperage within range. As our gas types guide explains, R32 often performs slightly better due to superior heat transfer properties.
Pricing
- Leak repair: RM60
- Gas recovery: RM40
- Vacuum + nitrogen test: RM60
- R32 full charge: RM100
- Cleaning: Included
- Total: RM280
Customer Feedback
"They explained all the risks clearly before doing the work. It's been two months and the aircond works perfectly on R32 — even seems colder! If it lasts 2-3 more years, I've saved over RM1,000."
— Encik Azman Shah, Pandan Indah
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