10 Must-Know Aircon Maintenance Tips in Singapore

Aircon will, therefore, be a necessity in keeping one fresh and comfortable all through the year. But to make sure that your aircon unit functions to its full capability and also lasts longer, regular maintenance is essential. Be it a snug apartment or handling a large office, aircon maintenance can save you from costly repairs and save the indoor environment from getting miserable. Here are ten must-know aircon maintenance tips for you to have your aircon in the best shape:

1. Regularly Clean or Replace Air Filters

Perhaps one of the most critical factors when it comes to maintaining an aircon is keeping the air filters clean. Should these filters get dirty, they can obstruct air passage, thereby making the system work harder and less efficiently. Not only does this lead to increased energy consumption, but it may also cause system breakdowns. In a dirty and humid environment like Singapore, it is better to clean or change them every one to three months, depending on usage.

2. Check and Clean the Condenser Coils

Condenser coils, normally fixed in the outdoor unit, trap dust and dirt in the process of operation. All these reduce the system’s capability of cooling your space. A clogged coil makes the air-con work even harder, which leads to higher energy bills and may be shortened due to probable damage. Inspect condenser coils on a regular basis and clean them with a soft brush or a vacuum cleaner before use to release the dirt or any other debris. This has to be done at least annually for efficiency.

3. Ensure Proper Refrigerant Levels

Refrigerant is to your aircon like blood to your body. With low refrigerant comes underperformance in cooling. Now, low refrigerant pressure may indicate that there is a leak. Therefore, getting it tended to and having a tech check the levels will be important to top up in your regular maintenance. So, if you feel it isn’t cooling the house well or you hear hissing sounds from this unit, likely, it has a low refrigerant charge.

4. Inspect and Clear the Drain Line

Aircon dry out the air and then eventually push out the condensate through a condensate drain line. With time, this line will accumulate algae, mould, or dirt, which can result in water leakages or increased humidity levels in the room. Check the drain line for blockages and clean it regularly with a vacuum or stiff wire brush. You can use a mixture of bleach and water to flush the drain line and forestall blockages.

5. Schedule Regular Professional Servicing

DIY maintenance may solve some of these, and thus it is imperative to have your aircon serviced professionally regularly to maintain it in a good state. Only a trained technician can systematically check your system, clean the parts inside it, and detect problems before they become major ones. In a country like Singapore, where it’s always on most of the time, an aircon servicing is advised at least twice a year.

6. Keep the Outdoor Unit Clear of Obstructions

The outdoor unit of the aircon system needs to have a continuous and free airflow. There should not be the presence of any plant, junk, or walls near the unit. The vicinity around this unit should be at least two feet clearance and require cleaning of leaves, twigs, or any other material periodically to prevent blockage of airflow. This simple action will prevent overheating and improve the system’s performance.

7. Monitor the Thermostat Settings

The thermostat in the aircon is the most important part of the system because it balances the level of comfort indoors with regard to energy use. Never set the thermostat too low because it will result in system overwork, which brings about wear and tear. Instead, turn the thermostat to comfortable temperatures – it usually ranges from 23-25°C and consider fitting a programmable thermostat to cut the temperature when you’re away from home.

8. Check for Unusual Noises or Smells

Unusual noises or odour from the aircon unit may signal other problems. Grinding or squealing noises could imply a faulty fan motor or bearings. On the other hand, the smell of burning implies an electrical issue. If you take note of any of these, it is important that you reach out to a professional technician for the immediate inspection and rectification of such an issue to prevent further serious damage.

9. Ensure Proper Insulation of Refrigerant Lines

The refrigerant lines running between the indoor and outdoor units have to be properly insulated to avoid energy dissipation and cooling efficiency hammering. The insulation on these lines will degrade with time and cause poor performance and increased power consumption. Refrigerant lines should be checked regularly for any deterioration in the insulation, which should be replaced.

10. Consider Chemical Cleaning for Deep Maintenance

Aircon units which have not been in use for a considerable time or show inefficiency in cooling the room should be subjected to chemical cleaning. It is a process in which a technician cleans all major components of an aircon with various specific chemicals. Chemical cleaning removes the dirt and increases the efficiency of aircons to give out more cooling performance, hence extending their life. Better to get this service from a professional.

Conclusion

Aircon maintenance will help your system run efficiently, saving you from expensive repairs and high energy bills. Following these ten tips will keep your aircon in great condition for a comfortable environment at home or in the office. Regular professional servicing is equally important, in which all critical parts of your system shall be examined and maintained by experts. A well-maintained aircon is, by no means, a luxury in Singapore’s trying climate but a necessity.

If you need reliable aircon maintenance Singapore services, turn to none other than EC Aircon for complete solutions most suited to your needs. You can rest assured that, in our years of experience with a pool of skilled technicians, the duty of ensuring your aircon works well with any challenge will fall squarely on our chins. Contact us for a quote today and book your next service. Stay cool, Singapore!