Singapore is a place of heavily air-conditioned living. However, any appliance requires some form of constant care and maintenance to keep it running smoothly. Dirt, mould, and dust accumulate within these machines. This can compromise air quality and cooling efficiency. This could even result in water leaks or unpleasant odours in more extreme cases.
Chemical Cleaning
There are two broad types of deep cleaning services for air conditioning. One is chemical wash and other is a chemical overhaul. They may sound alike, but they are distinctly different in terms of their performance and the issues they possess.
We’ll break down each type so you know what your air conditioner exactly needs.
What is an Aircon Chemical Wash?
A chemical wash is a deep cleaning for your air conditioner. It cleans the interior of your unit using its special cleaning chemicals, including a dust, mold and grime remover, to remove both loose and sticky grime.
This dirt can become lodged in vital air conditioning components, such as the evaporator coils and filters, over time. In such cases, your air conditioner won’t be as cool as it should be and might blow out dirty air instead.
During the chemical wash, the technician will:
- Disassemble the front panel and filters.
- Clean the inside parts with chemicals as well.
- Dissolve all the chemicals and dirt using water.
- Dry and reassemble the unit.
This is to ensure that no part of the system remains dirty, particularly in those hard-to-clean spots.
Chemical solutions, however, are strong, and they must be handled adequately. Trained technicians know how to apply these solutions without putting themselves, wildlife, pets, or the environment at risk.
What is a Chemical Overhaul?
A chemical overhaul is not just a cleaning. You receive a thorough inspection, repair, and cleaning. This works well when your air conditioner is long overdue for a service or already showing signs of malfunctioning.
It includes all the steps of a chemical wash and more extensive work beyond that.
For a chemical overhaul, the technician will:
- Break down the entire fan coil unit completely.
- Remove the fan motor, evaporator coil, and drainage tray, among other parts.
- Use chemical cleaners to remove any debris from the individual pieces.
- Inspect for any worn or damaged parts.
- Repair or replace any damaged parts.
- Assemble the unit and test it again.
This will take longer, and it will cost more, but your air conditioner will have a new lease on life. It’s almost like giving it another life.
Why Would You Want to Have a Chemical Wash?
A chemical wash is good when:
- Your aircon smells musty.
- There is little or no airflow.
- It has been over six months since the last service was held.
- You observe that dust or water is leaking.
- If the unit is still functioning properly but doesn’t feel quite up to snuff, you may just require a chemical wash. It helps rid your air of buildup, leaving you with fresh, clean air.
In the hot, humid weather of Singapore, a chemical wash should be done at least once every 6 to 12 months.
When Do You Need a Chemical Overhaul?
- It either leaks water or creates loud noises.
- The unit hasn’t been serviced in over a year.
- Cooling is extremely bad.
- You notice mould or excessive dust accumulation.
- This service type is recommended if the unit is dirty or has been neglected for an extended period. And it helps prolong the life of the aircon and reduces the risk of sudden breakdowns.
- For most homes in Singapore, a chemical overhaul every 1-3 years is ideal (depending on usage).
Benefits of a Chemical Wash
- Cleaner Air
It removes dust, mold, and even bacteria from the environment. That means cleaner, healthier air for your family.
- Better Cooling
Clean internal parts, the aircon works better. You will cool down faster.
- Lower Energy Bills
Energy is used up because a unit is running inefficiently inefficiently. That means you save money on your electricity bill.
- Prevent Damage
By keeping the system clean, you can minimise the risk of future breakdowns or water leaks.
Advantages of Chemical Overhauling
With a chemical overhaul, you get all that and more:
- Extends Aircon Lifespan
During the process, the technician will inspect all components of the air conditioner. It’s a way to stop horror quickly before it gets even worse.
- Full Maintenance
In addition to cleaning, malfunctioning parts are repaired or replaced. This is neat if your aircon performance is not operating at the expected level.
- Deep Clean for Long-Term Use
As the entire system is dismantled and cleaned, the air conditioner feels new afterwards.
Chemical Wash Vs. Chemical Overhaul
While a chemical wash and a chemical overhaul sound similar enough, they are designed to accomplish different tasks.
A chemical wash is used to clean your aircon parts thoroughly. It’s suitable for deodorising and removing dirt, mold, and grime, and it’s also preventative. It requires partial disassembly of the unit and employs special cleaning chemicals, but typically does not entail repair work unless an issue is found during the service. They’re not too time-consuming to clean, and they’re reasonably priced.
A chemical overhaul, on the other hand, is more detailed. It isn’t just a cleaning of the components but rather a comprehensive inspection and thorough cleaning of the unit itself. Each element – fan coil, motor, electrical connections, etc. is taken apart and cleaned while being inspected for any signs of faulty operation.
They fix or replace any defective parts. Given the complexity of the process, an overhaul is slower and more expensive. The majority of homeowners typically only have to pump in chemicals for an overhaul once every 1-3 years, particularly if the air conditioner is older and/or is experiencing issues.
Common Questions
Isn’t regular service good enough?
Basic filtering and testing of the system are performed during regular servicing. However, after that, debris lodges further inside the appliance. At that point, it’s time for chemical cleaning.
How can I tell which one I need?
If your aircon is cool but not as cold, consider doing a chemical wash instead. However, if it’s experiencing major or consistent problems or hasn’t been serviced in more than a year, consider a chemical overhaul.