How Often Should You Service Your Aircon in Singapore?
There is a standard interval that works for most homes. But your situation might need more — or you might be fine with less. Here is how to know which applies to you.
Why Singapore Needs Frequent Servicing
Singapore runs hot and humid all year. Your aircon works longer hours than units in cooler climates. Dust, mould, and bio-film build up faster here than in temperate countries.
The filters and coils that move air through your unit collect this buildup. When they get thick enough, the unit has to work harder to push air through. That extra load causes wear and raises your electricity bill.
Servicing clears that buildup before it becomes a problem. It is cheaper than a repair and faster than a breakdown.
The Standard Interval — And When It Does Not Apply
The standard interval for a typical Singapore home with average use works well for most people. It is a baseline, not a fixed rule.
You will need more frequent servicing if your home has pets, if the aircon runs through most of the day, or if anyone in the household has asthma or dust allergies. Heavy use means faster buildup.
You can stretch the interval if the aircon runs only a few hours daily, the unit is relatively new, and the filter stays clean between visits. The filter is the best indicator — if it looks dirty well before your scheduled visit, shorten the interval.
| Household Type | Recommended Interval |
|---|---|
| Pets at home | More frequent than standard |
| Aircon runs most of the day | More frequent than standard |
| Allergy or asthma concerns | More frequent than standard |
| Average household, moderate use | Standard interval |
| Low use, newer unit | Can extend slightly |
What Happens If You Skip a Service
The first sign is usually weak cooling. The unit still runs but the room takes longer to reach temperature. That is clogged coils reducing heat exchange.
Left longer, you get water leaks from the indoor unit. Blocked drain pans overflow when condensation cannot drain properly.
In severe cases — units that go a long time without cleaning — the compressor overworks to compensate and can fail early. Compressor replacement is the most expensive repair in aircon servicing.
General Service vs Chemical Wash — Know the Difference
A general service cleans the filter, wipes the coil surface, flushes the drain line, and checks refrigerant pressure. It handles normal buildup and is the right choice for routine maintenance.
A chemical wash uses a cleaning solution to dissolve deep-set grime from the coil. It is for units that have gone too long without servicing, or where general service alone is not restoring performance.
If your unit cools well and you service it regularly, general service is all you need. Chemical wash is not an upgrade — it is a recovery step.
How To Track Your Own Schedule
Set a calendar reminder after each service. Write the date on a sticker and put it on the indoor unit. This removes the guesswork.
Between services, check the filter periodically. Pull the front panel, slide out the filter, and hold it up to the light. If you cannot see light through it, it needs a rinse or a service visit is due soon.
If the unit smells musty when it starts up, that is a sign mould has built up inside. Do not wait for the scheduled date — book a service.