"Gas khatam ho gaya" is the most common — and most misused — diagnosis in Indian AC repair. Refrigerant doesn't get "used up" like petrol. If your AC is low on gas, there is a leak, and refilling without fixing the leak means paying again in a few months.

What gas refilling should cost in 2026

Fair market ranges for a complete refill (leak check included):

  • Window AC (R22 / R32): ₹1,800 – ₹2,600
  • Split AC 1–1.5 ton (R32 / R410A): ₹2,200 – ₹3,200
  • Split AC 2 ton: ₹2,800 – ₹3,800
  • Inverter AC (R32): ₹2,500 – ₹3,500

A partial top-up after a minor repair should cost less. Anyone quoting ₹6,000+ for a standard 1.5-ton refill is testing you.

How to know you actually need gas

Real symptoms of low refrigerant:

  • Air from the vents is barely cooler than room temperature
  • Ice forms on the copper pipes or evaporator coil
  • The outdoor unit runs but cooling never arrives