The short answer
A general service is the routine visit. A chemical wash is a deeper clean of the parts a routine visit cannot reach properly. A chemical overhaul goes further again, with the indoor unit taken apart so its parts can be soaked and cleaned.
Most homes book general servicing as a habit and a chemical wash only when the unit shows signs that routine cleaning is no longer enough. If your aircon is cooling well, draining properly and does not smell, a general service is usually the right booking. If it drips, smells musty or struggles to cool even after a recent service, ask a company whether a chemical wash or an overhaul makes more sense.
This article explains what each visit normally covers, the symptoms that point to each one, and how to compare the prices that companies publish. For a wider view of the trade, the aircon servicing guide covers how to pick a company.
What a general service usually covers
A general service is a cleaning and inspection visit. Companies describe the scope in their own words, but it typically includes washing or vacuuming the filters, cleaning the front cover and the reachable parts of the coil, flushing the drainage pipe and checking that the unit runs and drains as expected.
Because the indoor unit stays on the wall and is not taken apart, a general service is quick and tidy. It removes the dust that builds up on filters and keeps the drain line clear, which helps prevent the most common complaint in humid homes: water dripping from the indoor unit.
A general service does not deep clean the inside of the coil or the blower wheel. Over time, grime can build up there, especially in units that run for long hours or in kitchens and bedrooms with a lot of dust.
What a chemical wash adds
In a chemical wash, the technician removes more of the indoor unit's covers and applies a cleaning solution to the coil and other internal parts, then rinses them. The aim is to clear the grime that a routine wipe and filter wash cannot reach.
Companies use the term in slightly different ways. Some include the blower wheel and drain tray, some clean the outdoor unit in the same visit, and some price the outdoor unit separately. When you compare quotes, compare the scope, not only the name of the service.
NEXT STEP
See companies that publish chemical wash prices, with their sources and conditions.
Compare chemical wash companiesWhat a chemical overhaul adds
A chemical overhaul is the most thorough option. The indoor unit is dismantled so the coil, blower and tray can be soaked and cleaned separately before the unit is reassembled. It takes longer than a chemical wash and usually costs more, and companies often suggest it when a unit has been neglected for a long time or a chemical wash has not solved a smell or a leak.
The chemical overhaul guide explains the process in more detail, including what to ask before agreeing to one.
Symptoms that point to each option
Use the signs below as a starting point for the conversation with a company. A technician who has seen the unit is better placed to recommend the right service.
- Cooling well, no smell, no dripping: a general service is usually enough.
- Water dripping from the indoor unit: often a blocked drain line, which a general service can clear. If it returns soon after, ask about a chemical wash.
- Musty or sour smell when the unit starts: grime on the coil or blower is a common cause, which a chemical wash or overhaul targets.
- Weak airflow even with clean filters: a dirty blower wheel or coil can reduce airflow. Ask whether a chemical wash would reach the affected parts.
- Not cold even after cleaning: this may not be a cleaning problem at all. Ask about a check for low refrigerant or a fault, and see the aircon repair guide.
What companies publish as prices
HomezyPro does not set or estimate prices. The tables below show only rates that companies publish on their own websites: one lowest matching rate per company, with the company name, the source link and the date it was captured. They are advertised rates with conditions, not quotes.
FROM THE HOMEZYPRO DIRECTORY
Published chemical wash rates
For the most common unit (per unit), the lowest published rates from 38 companies run from S$50 to S$160. Each figure is one company's own advertised rate with its conditions, not a market average or a quote.
See 38 published chemical wash rates and sources
| Company | Service as listed | Rate | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Afix.sg | Chemical wash, 2+ units (price each) | S$50 per unit | afix.sg |
| Airple | Aircon Chemical Wash | S$55.55 per unit | airple.com.sg |
| Above All Aircon Pte Ltd | Aircon chemical wash | S$60 per unit | aboveallaircon.com.sg |
| Aircon Express Pte Ltd | Chemical wash, below 18k BTU | S$60 per unit | airconexpress.sg |
| Snowflake Services LLP | Chemical wash, wall-mounted, 3+ units (price each) | From S$60 per unit | snowflakeaircon.sg |
| Surecool Aircon | Chemical wash | S$60 per unit | surecool.com.sg |
| 7Days Aircon Servicing Pte Ltd | Aircon Chemical Wash - 6 Fancoil units & above (price each) | S$65 per unit | airconservicing.org |
| A-Max Aircon | Chemical wash | S$65 per unit | amaxaircon.com |
| Aircon Service, Chemical Wash & Overhaul Yishun | Chemical Wash, 6-9 FCU (price each) | S$69.55 per unit | airconserviceking.com |
| Fast Aircon Service Singapore | Aircon Chemical Wash in Singapore | From S$70 per unit | fastairconservicesg.com |
| Kool & Kleen Aircon Servicing | Chemical wash | From S$70 per unit | kool.com.sg |
| Cool Earth Aircon | Chemical wash | From S$80 per unit | coolearth.com.sg |
| Cooling Guard Pte Ltd | Chemical wash | S$80 to S$130 per unit | airconservicessg.com |
| Ecocool Aircon Pte Ltd | Eco Chemical Wash | S$80 per unit | ecocoolairconpteltd.com |
| Jex Aircon Private Limited | Chemical Wash | From S$80 per unit | jexaircon.sg |
| Jk Aircon Specialist | Chemical wash, 1 fan coil (one-time) | S$80 per unit | jkairconspecialist.com |
| Konnect Aircon Servicing | Chemical Wash | From S$80 per unit | konnect.com.sg |
| Lion City Air Conditioner Services | Chemical wash | S$80 per unit | lioncityaircon.sg |
| Techmen Engineering Pte. Ltd. | Chemical wash, 9,000 BTU, 1 unit | S$80 per unit | peakcool.sg |
| Sky Blue Aircon Engineering Pte. Ltd. | Eco-chemical wash, single unit | From S$80 per unit | skyblueaircon.com |
| TJ Aircon Engineering | Chemical Wash, 1 unit (9,000-18,000 btu) | S$80 per unit | tjaircon.com.sg |
| Airmaxx Aircon Pte Ltd | Chemical wash 9k-12k BTU, 1 unit | S$85 per unit | airmaxxaircon.com |
| City Cooling Pte Ltd | Chemical wash, fan coil (no dismantling) | S$85 per unit | citycoolingengr.com.sg |
| Non-Stop Cooling Aircon Service Singapore | Chemical Wash | S$85 per unit | nonstopaircon.com |
| Thetop Aircon Service | Chemical wash FCU, 1 unit | S$85 per unit | thetop.com.sg |
| Aircon Fairprice Engineering Pte Ltd | Chemical Wash | From S$90 per unit | airconfairprice.sg |
| Airemax Aircon Pte. Ltd. | Chemical Wash | S$90 per unit | airemaxsg.com |
| Bencool Services | Chemical wash, 9000 BTU (1 HP) unit | S$90 per unit | bencoolservices.com.sg |
| Goodcool | Aircon Chemical Wash 9K-15K BTU | S$92.65 per unit | bestairconservicing.com |
| GoodCool Aircon Servicing & Repair Singapore | Aircon Services - Professional Aircon Chemical Wash Singapore | From S$92.65 per unit | goodcoolsg.com |
| Easy Cool Engineering Pte Ltd | FCU chemical wash, non-dismantle, 9k and 12k | S$100 per unit | easycool.sg |
| Same Day Aircon Servicing Repair | Chemical wash | From S$100 per unit | urgentairconservicing.sg |
| Cool Aircon | Chemical wash | S$110 per unit | coolaircon.sg |
| 3322CoolAir Pte Ltd | Chemical Wash | From S$120 per unit | 3322coolair.com.sg |
| 338 Aircon | Chemical wash 9K BTU | S$120 per unit | 338aircon.sg |
| VFix Aircon Pte Ltd | CU Chemical Wash | S$120 per unit | vfixservice.sg |
| Gradecool Air-Condition Pte Ltd | Chemical wash (page scope includes re-installation of evaporator unit) | S$150 per unit | gradecool.com.sg |
| Solar Air-Conditioning & Electrical Services P/L (Eubiq SG) | Chemical Wash | From S$160 per unit | saces.sg |
FROM THE HOMEZYPRO DIRECTORY
Published chemical overhaul rates
For the most common unit (per unit), the lowest published rates from 39 companies run from S$80 to S$196.20.
See 39 published chemical overhaul rates and sources
| Company | Service as listed | Rate | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aircon Express Pte Ltd | Chemical overhaul, below 18k BTU | S$80 per unit | airconexpress.sg |
| Jun An Aircon Service Pte. Ltd. | Chemical Wash / Chemical Overhaul | S$80 per unit | junanaircon.com |
| Open Air Engineering | Chemical overhaul, 1 unit | S$80 per unit | openairengineering.com |
| Letscool Aircon and Services | Chemical overhaul | From S$90 per unit | letscoolaircon.com.sg |
| Lion City Air Conditioner Services | Chemical overhaul | S$100 per unit | lioncityaircon.sg |
| Newcool | Aircon Chemical Overhaul Singapore | From S$100 per unit | newcool.sg |
| Aircon Service, Chemical Wash & Overhaul Yishun | Chemical Overhaul, 6-9 FCU (price each) | S$107 per unit | airconserviceking.com |
| Snowflake Services LLP | Chemical overhaul, wall-mounted, 3+ units (price each) | S$115 per unit | snowflakeaircon.sg |
| Airvice Chapter | Chemical overhaul, 9K-12K BTU | S$120 per unit | airvicechapter.com |
| K2L Aircon | Chemical Overhaul | From S$120 per unit | k2lairconsg.com |
| Sekihiro Aircon | Overhaul treatment, wall-mounted 9,000-12,000 BTU | S$120 per unit | sekihiroaircon.com.sg |
| WishCool Aircon Engineering Pte Ltd | Chemical Overhaul | S$120 per unit | wishcoolsg.com |
| YKS Airconfix | Chemical Overhaul - 2 units and above | From S$120 per unit | yks.sg |
| Airple | Aircon Chemical Overhaul | S$122.21 per unit | airple.com.sg |
| Airmaxx Aircon Pte Ltd | Chemical overhaul, 9k to 12k BTU | S$130 per unit | airmaxxaircon.com |
| City Cooling Pte Ltd | Chemical overhaul FCU, 9/12K BTU, 1 unit | S$130 per unit | citycoolingengr.com.sg |
| Cool Channels Engineering | Chemical Wash Overhaul | From S$130 per unit | coolchannels.com.sg |
| Jetstyle Aircon | Chemical Overhaul | S$130 to S$150 per unit | jetstyle.com.sg |
| Kool & Kleen Aircon Servicing | Chemical overhaul | From S$130 per unit | kool.com.sg |
| LM Brothers Aircond Pte Ltd | Chemical overhaul | S$130 per unit | lmaircond.com |
| Non-Stop Cooling Aircon Service Singapore | Chemical Overhaul (9000 & 12000 BTU) | S$130 per unit | nonstopaircon.com |
| Sky Blue Aircon Engineering Pte. Ltd. | Chemical overhaul, single unit | From S$130 per unit | skyblueaircon.com |
| A-Max Aircon | Chemical overhaul 9000-12000 BTU | S$150 per unit | amaxaircon.com |
| Aera Pte Ltd | Wall Mounted Chemical Overhaul 9k-12k BTU | S$150 per unit | aera.sg |
| Aircon Fairprice Engineering Pte Ltd | Chemical Overhaul | From S$150 per unit | airconfairprice.sg |
| Cool Aircon | Chemical overhaul, wall-mounted 9k/12k BTU | S$150 per unit | coolaircon.sg |
| Cool Earth Aircon | Chemical overhaul | From S$150 per unit | coolearth.com.sg |
| Cooling Guard Pte Ltd | Chemical Overhaul | From S$150 per unit | airconservicessg.com |
| EC Aircon Services Pte Ltd | Chemical overhaul, 9K-12K BTU | S$150 per unit | ecaircon.com |
| Effie Cool Service | Chemical Overhaul | S$150 per unit | effiecoolservice.com |
| Heng Aircon Pte Ltd | Chemical overhaul 9k and 12k BTU | S$150 per unit | hengaircon.com |
| SmartCool Aircon Servicing Singapore | Chemical overhaul, 1 unit | S$150 per unit | smartcool.sg |
| Thetop Aircon Service | Chemical overhaul 9-12k, 1 unit | S$150 per unit | thetop.com.sg |
| TJ Aircon Engineering | Chemical Overhaul, 1 unit (9,000-12,000 btu) | S$150 per unit | tjaircon.com.sg |
| Xool Industries Pte Ltd | Chemical Overhaul (Wallmount AC), 2 units or more (price each) | S$150 per unit | xool.sg |
| 338 Aircon | Chemical overhaul 9K BTU | S$160 per unit | 338aircon.sg |
| Goodcool | Aircon Chemical Overhaul 9K-15K BTU | S$163.50 per unit | bestairconservicing.com |
| Jk Aircon Specialist | Chemical overhaul, 1 fan coil (one-time) | S$180 per unit | jkairconspecialist.com |
| Aircool Pte Ltd | CHEMICAL OVERHAULING SERVICE (RECHARGE GAS FOC) (180) | S$196.20 per unit | aircoolsg.sg |
When you compare, check the unit the price applies to. Many companies price per indoor unit and set a minimum number of units per visit. Some prices cover only the indoor unit, and some apply only to certain unit types. The source link next to each rate shows the company's own wording.
How to book the right visit
A clear description saves time on the phone and makes quotes easier to compare.
- Count your indoor units and note which rooms they are in.
- Note the brand and model from the label on each unit if you can reach it.
- Describe the symptom, when it started and whether it happens every time.
- Ask what the service includes, whether the outdoor unit is covered and whether there is a minimum number of units.
- Ask what happens if the technician finds a fault during the visit, and agree any extra work before it starts.
If your home is an HDB flat and the job involves moving or installing units rather than cleaning them, read HDB's air-conditioner installation guidance before you agree the work. When you are choosing a new unit, the NEA energy label helps you compare how efficient different models are.
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Looking for a company that names your town? Area pages list the companies that state they cover it.
See aircon companies serving TampinesQuestions
Is a chemical wash better than a general service?
Not always. A chemical wash cleans more of the unit, but a general service is the right choice for routine upkeep when the unit is working well. A chemical wash is worth asking about when the unit smells, drips again soon after a service or loses airflow.
Can a general service fix a dripping aircon?
Often, yes. Dripping is commonly caused by a blocked drain line, which a general service usually flushes. If the dripping returns soon after, ask the company whether a deeper clean or a repair is needed.
Why do chemical wash prices vary so much between companies?
Companies define the service differently. Some include the outdoor unit or the blower wheel and some do not, and many set a minimum number of units. Compare the scope and conditions on each company's own page, not only the headline rate.
Prices come only from the sourced company rates in the HomezyPro directory, shown with each company and capture date.