Aircon servicing companies serving Marine Parade.

What Marine Parade's housing means for aircon servicing

The housing here

The Census 2020 dwelling data counted 17,069 resident households in the Marine Parade planning area. Roughly 47% lived in HDB flats, 37% in condominiums and other apartments, and 15% in landed homes. A technician here is about as likely to be in a condo as in an HDB flat, and the rules differ, so check that whoever you hire knows which set applies to you.

HDB's Marine Parade town does not follow the planning area borders. HDB's property information dataset lists 59 residential blocks with 7,854 flats. Every block was completed between 1974 and 1976, and the tallest is 25 storeys. In flats this old, ask the installer to check existing power points and pipe routes before quoting for a replacement unit.

Streets and flat types

• Marine Ter: according to HDB property information, its 25 blocks hold 3,779 flats, all completed in 1974. That is nearly half the town's flats, so the age check above applies to every block on this street.
• Marine Dr and Marine Cres: Marine Dr has 17 blocks and 2,117 flats completed from 1975 to 1976. Marine Cres has 14 blocks and 1,949 flats completed from 1974 to 1975.
• Flat types: of 6,529 sold flats, 3,020 are 3-room, 1,798 are 4-room, 1,685 are 5-room and 26 are 2-room. Since 3-room flats are the largest group, tell the technician how many indoor units you have so the quote matches the job.
• Rental flats: the town has 1,325 rental units. If you rent, check with whoever owns the flat before booking installation work.

The Home Improvement Programme was introduced in 2007 for flats built up to 1986. A precinct is upgraded only if at least 75% of eligible Singapore citizen households vote yes. Works take about 10 working days per flat and include upgrading the electrical supply. If a poll or works are coming up in your precinct, check with HDB before timing a new installation.

Planning a job

• HDB installation: a BCA trained installer must install the aircon, and flats without higher electrical loading need an HDB permit for new 15A power points. See HDB's renovation approval rules.
• Wiring: power point and circuit breaker work needs an EMA Licensed Electrical Worker, a licence held by individuals.
• Gas recharge: ITE runs a Certificate of Competency in Residential Air-Conditioning System (Refrigerant), so ask if your technician holds it. See NEA's refrigerant guidance.
• Condos: check your MCST by-laws first, as common property changes need written MCST approval. See BCA guidance for condo owners.
• Plumbing: HDB water service or sanitary plumbing work needs no permit but must be done by a PUB licensed plumber. See HDB's plumbing guidelines.

One last tip: in these older blocks, or in a landed home with several units, ask the technician to note each unit's condition during a general service so you can weigh a chemical wash against a replacement.