Aircon repair questions

Aircon repair FAQ: repair or servicing?

Book a repair when the problem is still there after a proper service. Servicing is routine cleaning; a repair fixes a part that has failed. If the unit behaves the same after a clean, another clean will not change it.

How do I know it needs repair, not servicing?

The fault is still there after a clean. If the room stays warm, water still drips once the drain is cleared, the power trips, an error code appears or the unit grinds, ask for an aircon repair check rather than another service. The technician then traces the fault to the part that has failed.

Why is my aircon still not cold after servicing?

Because the cause is something cleaning cannot fix. A service removes dirt, so if the room is still warm afterwards, a part such as the refrigerant circuit or a fan motor could be at fault. The aircon not cold guide covers this fault in more detail, including what to tell the company when you book.

Why does it leak water after a service?

Because the leak has a cause that the service did not fix. If the leak started right after the service, call the company that did it and describe what you see. If water still drips once the drain has been cleared, the unit needs a repair check. The aircon leaking water page has more on this fault.

Gas, old units and replacing

Gas is the refrigerant inside the system. A leak on a unit you plan to keep is a repair job. On an older unit, especially one that uses R22, compare the repair with a replacement first.

Can a gas leak be repaired?

Yes, but the leak must be found and fixed before the gas is topped up. A top-up alone does not fix a leak, so the new gas can escape the same way. If you have noticed possible signs, read the aircon gas leak signs guide, then ask the technician where the leak was and how it was fixed.

Is it worth repairing an old R22 unit?

Weigh it carefully before agreeing to a major repair. A circular from the National Environment Agency (NEA) says Singapore must completely phase out its consumption of hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) by 2030 under the Montreal Protocol. Read the old R22 aircon units guide and the post on whether to repair or replace an old aircon before you decide.

What does NEA's label tell me about a replacement?

It rates a model's energy efficiency, so you can compare replacements. NEA's Energy Label rates air-conditioners from 1 tick (Low) to 5 ticks (Excellent), and consumers must only buy NEA-registered appliances. When a company suggests a new unit, compare the ticks across models and ask whether each one is NEA-registered.

Costs, warranty and HDB rules

Once a fault is found, three questions follow: the cost, the warranty and who is responsible for the outdoor unit. No fixed price applies, because each repair depends on the job and the parts it needs.

Why will a company not quote a repair before checking?

Because the price depends on the fault, and the fault is only clear once a technician has checked the unit. The same symptom, such as a unit that is not cold, can come from different failed parts, so the quote follows the diagnosis. The aircon repair cost guide covers repair pricing in more detail.

Does the brand warranty cover repairs?

It can, if the unit is still within the warranty period and the fault is covered by the terms. Find the warranty card or terms before you book anyone, and contact whoever issued the warranty first if the unit is still covered. The aircon warranty explained guide sets out what to check in the terms.

Who is responsible for the outdoor unit and its brackets?

You are, as the flat owner. HDB's renovation guidelines for aircon installation say you are responsible for the proper installation, safety and stability of your air conditioner, and that it must be installed by a Building and Construction Authority (BCA) trained air conditioning condensing unit installer. The aircon ledge is for the condensing unit only.

Where to go next

For routine cleaning questions, the servicing FAQ is the next stop. For a specific fault, go back to the guide linked under that question above.

• Aircon servicing FAQ: short answers on routine servicing, cleaning filters between services and what to expect on the day of the visit.
• Fault guides: not cold, leaking water, gas leak signs and old R22 units are each linked in the sections above.
• Costs and cover: the repair cost guide and the warranty guide are linked under the costs section above.

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