How Often Should You Service Your Aircon Unit?

Air conditioning is important for maintaining comfort and productivity, especially in the hot tropical climate of Singapore. A well-functioning aircon system becomes indispensable for both homes and businesses as temperatures increase during the hottest months.

However, many property owners need to pay more attention to the importance of regular aircon servicing. Over time, they will be surprised to notice the reduced efficiency of their AC system and higher utility costs. Proper aircon maintenance is the only way to ensure optimal performance and longevity of these essential systems.

Types of Aircon Servicing

In Singapore, there are three main types of aircon servicing. Each serves a specific purpose and is recommended at different intervals.

Normal Servicing

This is also known as regular or standard servicing. Normal servicing is the most basic and frequent type of maintenance. It involves the following processes.

• Cleaning the air filters, front panels and fan coils
• Checking and clearing the drainage system
• Inspecting electrical components
• Basic testing of the cooling system

Normal servicing is relatively quick and can take 20 to 30 minutes per unit. Regular servicing is a preventive measure to maintain the efficiency of your AC system and prevent the build-up of unwanted particles.

Chemical Wash

A chemical wash is a more thorough cleaning process that addresses issues normal servicing can’t resolve. It includes:

• Dismantling the indoor unit
• Deep cleaning of components using specialised chemicals
• Flushing the drainage system
• Cleaning the evaporator coils and fan blower

This process usually takes an hour or two per unit. It is done when there is a noticeable buildup of dirt, mould, or grime that regular cleaning can’t remove, or if there’s a persistent musty smell.

Chemical Overhaul

This is the most comprehensive type of servicing. It involves the following processes.

• Complete disassembly of both indoor and outdoor units
• Thoroughly cleaning all components
• Checking and repairing faulty parts
• Flushing and cleaning of the entire system

This intensive process can take several hours. This might be suggested if there are multiple issues affecting the performance such as weak cooling even after a chemical wash, frequent breakdowns or if the unit is over 5 years old and hasn’t had major servicing.

The Aircon Servicing Process

Understanding what happens during aircon servicing may help you appreciate its importance and ensure you are getting thorough service. The exact process may vary slightly depending on the type of servicing, but here’s a general overview of what to expect.

Initial Inspection

The technician will first conduct a visual and functional inspection of your AC. They will check for visible issues like water leaks, unusual noises and weak airflow. This first step helps determine if a more intensive service like a chemical wash or overhaul is needed.

Cleaning Procedures

1. Air filters and front covers are removed and cleaned thoroughly.
2. The evaporator coils are brushed and cleaned to remove dust and grime.
3. The drainage tray and pipes are cleared to prevent water leakage.
4. The blower wheel is cleaned to make sure the air circulates properly.

If in case a chemical wash is needed (often indicated by dirt marks that won’t go away with brush or mould growth), the technician will use cleaning solutions to deep clean these components.

Outdoor Unit Maintenance

The condenser and compressor in the outdoor unit are cleaned and checked. During a chemical overhaul, these parts may be dismantled to be thoroughly cleaned and inspected.

System Checks

1. Electrical components are inspected for any signs of wear or damage.
2. The thermostat and controller are tested for accuracy.
3. Refrigerant levels are checked and topped up if needed.
4. The swing motor and other moving parts are lubricated if necessary.

Performance Testing

After reassembly, the technician will run the system to check.

• Airflow strength and evenness
• Cooling efficiency
• Unusual noises or vibrations
• Any lingering odours

Throughout this process, the technician will be looking for signs that indicate the need for a chemical wash or overhaul.

How Often to Service Your Aircon

The frequency of servicing depends on various factors. These include usage patterns, environmental conditions, and the type of service required. Here is a general guide that can help determine how often you should service your aircon.

It is important to note that these are general guidelines. Your situation may require more or less frequent servicing. Here are some factors that might influence the frequency of your aircon servicing.

1. Usage – if you run your aircon constantly or for long hours daily, you may need more frequent servicing.
2. Environment – Dusty or polluted areas may need more frequent cleaning and maintenance.
3. Age of the Unit – Older units usually need more frequent attention to maintain their optimal performance.
4. Manufacturer Recommendations – Always check your aircon’s manual for specific maintenance guidelines.

It is advisable that you stick to a regular maintenance schedule if you want your AC system to be performing functionally well for many more years to come.

Benefits of Regular Aircon Servicing

Knowing the benefits aside from having a consistently cool space will help you prioritise this important task. Here are the significant advantages of regular aircon servicing.

1. AC systems become breeding grounds for mould and bacteria if they are not maintained. Regularly servicing your AC unit reduces the risk of respiratory issues and allergies. In short, the indoor air quality will improve.
2. A well-maintained aircon uses up to 15% less energy than a neglected one. This can translate to substantial savings on your monthly utility bills.
3. Your aircon can last 15-20 years with proper care, compared to at least 10 years for poorly maintained units.
4. Many manufacturers require that you regularly service your AC unit to maintain the warranty. So you should keep up with maintenance to protect your investment and save you from costly out-of-pocket repairs.
5. An efficient aircon consumes less electricity and contributes to lower greenhouse emissions. When you maintain your AC system regularly, you contribute to Singapore’s national efforts towards sustainability and climate change mitigation.
6. Regular servicing also prevents issues such as clogged drainage systems in aircons that could lead to water leakage and potentially damage the walls, floors and furniture.
7. Refrigerant leaks are harmful to the environment and at the same time reduce your aircon’s efficiency. Regular checks can catch these leaks early.
8. You also get to live or work more peacefully because well-maintained aircon operates more quietly and does not produce unusual noises.
9. And for property owners, a well-maintained aircon system can be a selling point and increase your property’s value.

Having read these benefits, you can see that regular aircon servicing is not just a maintenance task but an investment in your comfort and well-being.

DIY Aircon Maintenance Tips

The following are simple maintenance tasks you can perform yourself to keep your aircon running efficiently between service appointments.

1. Clean or replace your aircon filters every 2 to 4 weeks.
2. Make sure the area around your outdoor unit is free from obstructions.
3. Gently clean the evaporator coils with a soft brush or cloth every few months.
4. Inspect the drainage pipe frequently for blockages.
5. Check the insulation on refrigerant lines for wear and/or damage.
6. In extremely humid conditions, use a dehumidifier alongside your aircon.
7. Set your thermostat to 25 degrees Celsius to achieve both comfort and energy efficiency.
8. Do regular visual inspections.
9. Dust air vents and grilles.
10. Give your aircon a break and occasionally open windows, especially during cooler evenings.

These DIY tips are helpful. However, they don’t replace professional servicing. Some tasks like checking refrigerant levels and electrical components should only be done by certified technicians.

Conclusion

Investing in regular maintenance is about creating a healthier and more comfortable space for everyone. To do this, it is best that you engage the services of the best aircon servicing provider you can find. As your starting point, consider KungFu Helper. We offer affordable and quality aircon services in Singapore. If you have inquiries or would like to get started, contact us. We will ensure that your AC units will work efficiently and functionally in the long run.