PART 1 – INTRODUCTION
In warm and humid Singapore, we rely heavily on our aircon to keep our home cool and comfortable. However, like any electronic appliance, the air conditioning system requires regular maintenance to function efficiently. That is because the aircon experiences wear and tear from frequent use.
Regular aircon maintenance also has the added benefit of saving you money and headaches from unexpected breakdowns that can leave you sweaty and fuming when you need to use your aircon the most. So, how do you know when you should service your aircon? Fret not! This guide will share everything you should know about aircon servicing, what you can do to maintain your aircon, and when you should call in a professional.
PART 2 – AN OVERVIEW OF AIRCON SERVICING
2.1. How Your Air Conditioner Functions
Regardless of the shape, size, or brand of the aircon, it generally comprises the following parts:
- Compressor
- Condenser
- Evaporator
- Blower
- Fan
- Filter
- Thermostat
Additionally, all air conditioning systems operate on the same fundamental principle and mechanical means. They provide cold air inside your home by removing heat and humidity from the indoor air and transferring it outside. Meanwhile, cold air is circulated into the room to reduce the temperature.
This process is achieved using a specialised chemical called refrigerant and three primary mechanical components within the system – the compressor, condenser coil, and evaporator coil. They work together to quickly convert the refrigerant from gas to liquid and back again.
Firstly, the compressor raises the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant gas and directs it to the condenser coil, where it converts to liquid form. Subsequently, the liquid refrigerant flows into the evaporator coil, evaporating and cooling the indoor coil. The fan then blows indoor air across the cold evaporator coil, where the heat inside the home is absorbed into the refrigerant.
Finally, the cold air is circulated throughout the home while the heated evaporated gas is transported outside to the compressor. The heat is released outdoors as the refrigerant returns to a liquid state. This cycle continues until the indoor environment reaches the desired temperature on your thermostat.
2.2. Signs Your Air Conditioner Requires Servicing
Of course, a quality aircon may not require servicing as often. Nevertheless, some homeowners may overlook the importance of aircon servicing to save money. However, this negligence can end up costing their wallets dearly when the AC unit malfunctions. So, instead of waiting until a breakdown to call for help, we recommend you take preemptive actions by hiring an aircon technician to maintain your aircon regularly. You can know when to do so by spotting the following signs.
Sign #1: Your aircon is not blowing cold air
If you still feel stuffy and sweaty after adjusting your aircon to a low temperature and setting the fan speed to high, something might be wrong with the AC unit. Usually, when your aircon is not cold, it could be due to a minor issue like the air filters getting clogged, preventing the aircon from effectively removing heat and humidity from the indoor environment. Scheduling a technician to perform aircon cleaning should resolve this issue.
Learn More: 9 Reasons Why Your Aircon Is Not Cold
Sign #2: Your aircon is short cycling
It is normal for your aircon to automatically turn on and off periodically to regulate the temperature of your room. However, you might have a problem if this cooling cycle has very short intervals (around 5 to 10 minutes, depending on the aircon’s condition). This phenomenon is known as short cycling, and it can affect the service life of your AC unit.
There could be various causes responsible for your aircon short cycling. We recommend calling a technician to service the aircon immediately if you encounter this issue. Ignoring the situation will only exacerbate the problem, leading to more expensive repairs down the road.
Learn More: Aircon Keeps Turning On and Off: What Does It Mean?
Sign #3: Unusual noises
Your aircon, whether it is new or recently serviced, produces some form of sound during operation. However, something could be wrong with the AC unit if your restful sleep is constantly interrupted by an unusual huffing, rattling, or wheezing noise. This issue usually stems from a loose component or dust and debris buildup in the coil fins. It is best to hire a technician to investigate these noises quickly before they worsen.
Sign #4: Water leaks
It is no joke when your aircon or aircon pipe starts leaking water. In fact, you should contact a technician immediately if you notice moisture or a pool of water near your AC unit, as the leakage can cause damage to the aircon and its surrounding structure. There could be several reasons for this leakage, namely a clogged FCU or drain line. The technician can help identify the root cause and resolve the problem promptly.
Learn More: Is Your AC Leaking Water? 4 Reasons For The Leak
Sign #5: Foul odour
Your aircon is probably one of the last things you will suspect if you detect a foul odour in your living space. Unfortunately, it could very well be the culprit if the drain pan is not cleaned regularly or a dead insect or rodent is trapped within the AC unit and decomposes over time. That is why regular aircon cleaning is essential to eliminate unpleasant odours and improve indoor air quality.
Learn More: Why Does My Aircon Smell? The Weird Odour Explained
Sign #6: Sharp increase in the electricity bill
The most obvious sign that your aircon requires maintenance is a sharp increase in your electricity bills. That usually means the aircon’s internal components are choked full of grime, resulting in the system not functioning as efficiently as possible. As a result, the AC unit consumes more power to cool your room, leading to a spike in your utility expenses. So, look for any noticeable rise in power consumption whenever you receive your bills.
2.3. Air Conditioner Maintenance (Tasks You Can Get Done Yourself)
In between your regular AC servicing sessions, we recommend performing minor maintenance yourself to keep your aircon in tip-top shape. Let us share how you can do so.
Cleaning the internal unit
The internal unit houses the evaporator unit, which is responsible for cooling the air inside your home. Therefore, they must be cleaned regularly to prevent any drop in efficiency.
Step 1: Clean the evaporator coil
The evaporator coil door is located inside the blower/furnace unit, and it usually accumulates plenty of dust and debris. Please use a soft brush to remove the dust before spraying it with a no-rinse coil cleaner. The liquid can help eliminate debris and grime buildup from the coil, improving its efficiency. Alternatively, you can use a mild detergent or water to clean the dirt trapped between the coils.
Step 2: Clean the evaporator drain
Occasionally, the evaporator drain can clog due to a buildup of algae and mould, causing flooding that damages the floor. Your aircon may even cease to function until it is drained of water if it is equipped with a drain float. The clog can also cause a foul odour to emanate from the AC unit.
The drain pipe is usually an inch-wide PVC pipe that drains inside (sink or utility drain) or outside (near the condenser unit). You can use a wet or dry vacuum cleaner to eliminate debris and unclog the evaporator drain.
Step 3: Change the blower filter
Your aircon’s blower filter should be changed at least twice a year. Please note that the frequency may increase if the environment is dusty. This filter is usually found in the enclosure at the end of the fresh air return duct. Ensure the airflow rating of the new filter element matches the existing filter.
After you are done with the above processes, turn on the aircon and test if it is functioning correctly. You should notice an improvement in performance and indoor air quality after cleaning your aircon. With that said, we recommend deferring to the professionals if you do not have a basic understanding of aircon maintenance. Without adequate knowledge, you could damage your aircon unknowingly.
Likewise, please seek the help of a professional aircon contractor to clean your outdoor unit. As most Singaporeans live in a high-rise HDB flat or condo unit, the outdoor unit will be installed on an aircon ledge situated outside the apartment. A professional aircon contractor will be trained to clean and service the outdoor unit safely and correctly.
2.4. Air Conditioner Maintenance (What You Should Leave To The Pros)
Beyond cleaning your aircon regularly, your AC unit should be serviced periodically by an expert to ensure it functions efficiently for an extended duration. Let us share the aircon maintenance procedures you should leave to the professionals.
1. Regular inspection and maintenance
While most can handle the basic day-to-day tasks of cleaning their aircon, it requires trained professionals to carry out in-depth inspections of your air conditioning system. Additionally, an experienced hand equipped with the correct skills and tools will be needed if maintenance is necessary after inspecting the AC unit, as the process requires careful calibration and checking.
2. Electrical issues
While it might be tempting to check electrical faults by yourself to save money, such actions are not advisable. Remember, you are dealing with hazardous live wires. Besides, an air conditioning system comprises a complex ecosystem of motors, electric wires, and tubes, making it inaccessible to anyone unfamiliar with the setup. As such, only a trained professional should assess and carry out the aircon repair in the event of an electrical issue.
3. Compressor short cycling
Short cycling can place tremendous strain on your AC unit. But unless you are a trained professional, it will be impossible for you to identify the underlying cause behind this issue since there could be a number of probable systems at fault. Any delay in servicing the aircon can lead to premature wearing out of the components, or worse, a total breakdown. This situation is the perfect example of when to rely on a professional aircon contractor.
PART 3 – WHY YOU SHOULD CONTACT A PROFESSIONAL AIRCON MAINTENANCE COMPANY
3.1. Benefits Of Hiring An Aircon Maintenance Company
To ensure your aircon operates at its best, it should be maintained by a professional aircon maintenance company regularly. Hiring one will not only enhance the performance of your AC unit. It will also save you money in the long run. Let us examine the benefits of entrusting your aircon’s care to the experts.
Benefit #1: Enjoy high-quality service
When you need a specific job done, you go to an expert. That is no different when it comes to maintaining your aircon. Not only is a professional aircon contractor equipped with the proper tools and skills. They also have experience dealing with common air conditioning issues plaguing various homeowners. This knowledge stands them in better stead to address the problem than a beginner. So, you can trust that the work carried out by the aircon technician is top-notch, ensuring your AC unit functions perfectly once again.
Crucially, the repairs are backed by a warranty. As such, you can contact the technician to get them to reinspect your aircon if any problem arises after the servicing, as long as the warranty is still valid (the warranty period differs based on the service provided and the terms set out by the maintenance company).
Benefit #2: Faster, smoother maintenance process
Even if you are familiar with the aircon maintenance process, attempting to service your aircon on your own can be a time-consuming and sometimes frustrating task, with countless hours wasted just trying to figure out the correct steps to follow. Besides, there is no guarantee that you will not make a mistake, thus damaging your AC unit.
Conversely, a professional aircon contractor is well-versed in the processes and protocols. They know just what to check and what must be done. As a result, you can expect prompt and hassle-free service with minimal disruption to your daily life. Your aircon will be back in action in no time flat, providing cold, comfortable air when you need it most.
Benefit #3: Save you money in the long run
Do not think of aircon maintenance as an expense. Instead, consider the long-term financial benefits of the service. A neglected aircon is more prone to breakdowns, and such emergency repairs tend to be expensive, especially if the problem is severe. Worst case scenario, you may have to replace your aircon with a brand-new unit. Besides, the last thing you want is a malfunctioning aircon during a hot and humid night.
Additionally, it is vital to remember that a poorly maintained aircon is less efficient. That means it has to work harder to cool your living space, resulting in increased energy consumption and higher electricity bills. By investing in routine maintenance, you can ensure your AC unit continues to operate at peak efficiency, thus translating to lower monthly energy costs.
Benefit #4: Detect problems early
While minor issues may not prevent your aircon from functioning currently, they can escalate into significant, costly problems over time if left unaddressed. Professional aircon contractors are trained to identify and rectify these concerns during routine inspection and maintenance checks before they have a chance to cause extensive damage.
3.2. How To Choose A Reliable Aircon Maintenance Company
Of course, understanding the benefits of hiring an aircon maintenance company is one thing. You must also know how to select the correct service provider to get the best bang for your buck. However, that is easier said than done, given the numerous aircon contractors available in Singapore. Let us explore what to consider to ensure you hire the ideal aircon maintenance company that matches your needs.
Factor #1: Reputation of the company
Are you unsure how to begin your search for the ideal aircon maintenance company? In that case, the internet is the best place to seek the information you need. We recommend drafting a list of suitable candidates and reading customer reviews of these companies to know if they are reputable. Doing so will also give you an idea of what to expect when engaging their services.
Factor #2: Services provided by the company
Searching for one contractor to do the installation and another to perform the servicing is a waste of time. Instead, you will want a contractor that can provide end-to-end aircon services for all your aircon needs, including installation, chemical wash, overhaul, and servicing, among others. This way, they can resolve any issue you face with your AC unit.
Factor #3: Pricing policy
Of course, pricing is a significant consideration when hiring an aircon maintenance company. After all, you do not want to exceed your budget. However, ensure the service provider offers a transparent pricing policy. Enquire about the aircon servicing prices quoted by the contractor. If they cannot reliably answer your queries, it is best to consider another service provider. The last thing you want is to be surprised by the final cost after the services have been rendered.
Factor #4: Responsiveness
When your aircon breaks down, you probably want it fixed as soon as possible. As such, you will require an aircon maintenance company that can respond to your query quickly and dispatch a technician to resolve your issue.
PART 4 – FAQS ABOUT AIRCON SERVICING
Of course, we understand you might have several questions that might not be covered by our comprehensive guide. So, allow us to compile the common queries we receive from our customers and our response to these questions. Hopefully, they can clarify any outstanding doubts that you might have about maintaining your aircon.
Question #1: How often should I service my aircon?
The frequency of aircon servicing differs depending on usage. Nevertheless, we recommend scheduling a technician to maintain your aircon every 3 months in general. You should also get them to perform an aircon chemical wash every 6 to 12 months, depending on dust level and humidity.
Question #2: When and why should my aircon receive a chemical wash?
An aircon chemical wash is usually required for the following reasons:
- There is a persistent foul smell emitting from the aircon;
- The aircon is leaking water;
- There are stubborn clogs or fungi growth.
Rest assured that these issues will be rectified after the deep cleaning of your aircon is completed.
Question #3: What is the difference between Jet Wash and Chemical Overhaul?
Jet Wash is a unique service that only Jetstyle provides. The client to share the main difference between the 2 techniques.
Question #4: What happens if I do not service my aircon regularly?
Like other electronic appliances, infrequent maintenance increases the risk of breakdown from wear and tear. As such, the life span of your aircon will be shortened. You may also notice cooling decreases with usage and water leakage problems. All of these issues contribute to your aircon operating inefficiently, thus translating to higher electricity bills.
PART 5 – CONCLUSION
As you can see, it is worthwhile to invest in quality aircon maintenance. Do not think of it as an expense. Instead, consider it a gateway to uninterrupted comfort and significant cost savings. Remember, you are not just extending your aircon’s lifespan with regular aircon servicing. You are also investing in the quality of your indoor life.
If you seek the best and cheapest aircon servicing company in Singapore, look no further than Jetstyle Aircon! We offer end-to-end aircon solutions tailored to all your aircon needs. Contact us today to enquire about our prices and services.
