Aircon Maintenance: How Often Should Aircon Be Serviced
Air conditioning is indispensable in Singapore. It is nearly impossible to survive without air conditioners in the hot and humid weather conditions of our country. Since we are heavily reliant on-air conditioners (or aircon, as we love to call them), maintenance service is inevitable to keep them running in good condition.
Air conditioners are expensive home appliances that need proper care. Regular use can wear the system out, reducing its operational lifespan if left unchecked. The solution to maintain the unit’s health and increase its lifespan is regular aircon servicing. This is why landlords also require tenants to produce aircon maintenance receipts at the end of tenancy period to ensure the tenants took care of their expensive air conditioners while renting out the house.
You might wonder how often should an aircon unit be serviced. Let’s look at some pointers to consider before coming up with an answer.
Factors to Consider Before Scheduling Aircon Maintenance
For you to understand how often you should get aircon servicing, consider the following:
Aircon Usage Habits
Evaluating your usage habits is especially relevant in a tropical country like Singapore. Consider your daily routine: Do you use the air conditioner only at night, or is it running continuously throughout the day? The frequency of aircon servicing should align with how often and how long you use your unit. Regular use typically necessitates more frequent servicing.
Climate and Environmental Factors
The climate and environment where you live also play a significant role in determining how often aircon servicing is needed. In hot and humid areas, air conditioners work harder, which can lead to quicker wear and tear. Consequently, in such conditions, more frequent servicing might be required to maintain optimal performance.
Proximity to Construction Sites
Living near construction sites can affect your air conditioner's efficiency. Dust and debris from nearby construction can often accumulate in the outdoor units, particularly affecting the evaporator or condenser coils. This accumulation not only reduces cooling capacity but also necessitates how frequent your aircon servicing and cleaning will be.
Age of the Air Conditioner
The age of your aircon is a critical factor to consider. Older units, particularly those beyond their average lifespan of 10 years, may require more frequent servicing. Regular check-ups of older units can ensure efficient cooling and might also help in reducing energy bills.
How Often Should Aircon Be Serviced?
In an average Singaporean household, normal aircon usage spans from 6-8 hours a day. In such cases, experts say that regular servicing of aircons should be done once every three months. However, if you are heavy user whose average consumption hours extend above eight or ten hours a day, schedule professional aircon servicing.
Check how much water leakage is coming from the unit. Also, if you notice issues like rattling noises or minimal cooling, have a technician inspect your aircon. Moreover, if your AC often accumulates dust and dirt, you will need professional maintenance service more often. This routine procedure usually comes with a cleaning service to get rid of the build-up and keep your unit in optimal condition.
Why Should You Service Your Aircon
Regular servicing of your air conditioning system is not just a routine task–it determines how efficient and long-lasting the unit will be. Here are some of the benefits you can expect when you often get aircon servicing:
Enhanced Energy Efficiency
One of the primary benefits of regular aircon servicing is improved energy efficiency. A system with clogged air filters or dirty condenser coils has to work harder, consuming more energy. This not only increases your energy bills but also impacts the environment negatively. How often you get your aircon serviced indirectly influences your energy consumption and costs.
Extended Service Life
Your focus on regular maintenance can determine how long your aircon will last. While every model has its limits, optimal care often maximises your system's operational life. A malfunctioning component can strain other parts of the system, leading to more significant issues. Early resolution of these issues can extend the life of your aircon, making regular servicing a wise investment.
Reduced Maintenance Costs
Unexpected breakdowns are often the result of small issues that escalate due to neglect. Regular servicing helps identify these minor issues and how they should be fixed before they become major problems, reducing the likelihood of expensive emergency repairs. This proactive approach to aircon maintenance can save you considerable costs in the long run.
Improved Air Quality
The air quality in your space is directly impacted by the condition of your aircon's filters. Filters often accumulate dust, affecting how efficiently they purify the air. Regular servicing often includes cleaning or replacing these filters, ensuring the air in your environment remains clean and healthy.
Is Aircon Maintenance Necessary?
If you are a tenant about to end the lease, you must submit aircon servicing receipts or else your rent deposit will be withheld by the landlord. However, this shouldn’t be the only reason to take care of air conditioners at home.
Is your aircon not cold? It has probably lost its efficiency after not getting serviced for a long time. The system will wear out so fast it starts to consume more energy, leaving you with hefty electricity bills. Moreover, prolonged malfunctioning of air conditioners often leads to their permanent breakdown, requiring you to replace the unit wholly.
Signs That Your Aircon Needs Servicing
Recognising when your aircon requires servicing is often key to maintaining a comfortable and healthy environment in your home. How do you know if it’s time for a professional check-up? Here are some signs to watch out for:
Reduced Cooling Efficiency
One clear sign that your aircon needs servicing is a noticeable decrease in cooling efficiency. If it's taking longer than usual to cool your room, this could be due to clogged coils or a refrigerant leak. On especially hot days, cooling might take a bit longer, but it’s a red flag if the delay is more often. In such cases, it's wise to consult a technician for a thorough inspection.
Water Leakage from the Indoor Unit
If you notice your aircon leaking water from the indoor unit, there’s probably a clog in the drainage pipe or an alignment issue from the initial installation. Often, this problem prevents the condensed water from flowing out properly, leading to leaks. Addressing this quickly with professional aircon servicing can avoid further complications.
Compressor Issues
The compressor, part of the outdoor unit, plays a critical role in heat exchange. How do you know if there are issues in this component? Check if it doesn't shut off after reaching the desired temperature or, conversely, if it doesn’t turn on at all. Issues could range from clogged coils to problems with refrigerant pressure, capacitor, thermostat, or the compressor itself. Cleaning the coils might be a DIY task. But for more complex issues, you should hire technicians to get your aircon serviced.
Health Concerns
Frequent illness or aggravated allergies can often be a sign that your aircon needs servicing. Over time, aircon units can accumulate dust and allergens, which are then circulated into your home, potentially affecting the health of its occupants. Regular aircon servicing includes cleaning or replacing filters and ensuring the system is free of contaminants, thus improving indoor air quality.
How Much Does it Cost to Get an Aircon Unit Serviced?
In Singapore, the cost of servicing a single aircon unit often varies based on several factors. Typically, the type of service required and the specific needs of your unit determine how much you will pay. In any case, the price for regular maintenance of one aircon system falls within a reasonable range, making it an affordable yet essential aspect of household upkeep.
Usually, this routine procedure helps you avoid costly repairs down the road. So, consider your long-term savings when determining how often you should get aircon servicing. For more in-depth information, visit our Aircon Service page.
Sendhelper Aircon Subscription Service
Sendhelper aircon subscription service provides easy and convenient maintenance packages to meet your needs. You can choose how often you can get the service with the quarterly and yearly maintenance plans available in the app, starting from $16.67 per unit. Download the app or visit the website to book a professional aircon service provider.
