4 Things to Check at Your New Aircon Installation Handover

A system can look neat but still have setup issues. Trunking can be straight and tidy while a drain line behind it slopes the wrong way. Cosmetic finish does not prove functional quality.

Checking before sign-off reduces later blame and rework. Once you sign the completion form, getting the installer back for corrections usually involves delays and sometimes extra charges.

You do not need technical terms to run a good handover review. Most checks are observational — does it cool, does it drain, does it match what was quoted. A structured walkthrough catches more than you might expect.

Confirm each indoor unit starts, responds, and cools as expected. Turn each unit on individually using the remote, then check that airflow direction and fan speed respond to changes.

Check that room response is stable and not delayed across zones. If one room takes noticeably longer to cool than others of similar size, flag it before sign-off rather than assuming it will improve.

Ask installer to explain any room that behaves differently on day one. Longer pipe runs or higher ceilings can cause slower response, but you should understand the reason so you can monitor it going forward.

Observe for early signs of drip risk during runtime. Let each unit run for a while and check around the indoor unit edges and drain outlet for any moisture. Early drip signals are easier to fix on the spot.

Review pipe insulation, trunking finish, and access points. Insulation should be continuous with no exposed copper sections, especially where pipes pass through walls. Gaps invite condensation and future drip issues.

A clean finish should still keep service access practical. Trunking that is sealed shut or screwed into awkward positions can make routine filter cleaning or future servicing unnecessarily difficult.

Keep model details, warranty path, and installed scope summary. Record the exact model numbers for both indoor and outdoor units — these are needed for warranty claims and future part orders.

Store photos of layout and visible runs for future service reference. Capture pipe routing, drain outlet locations, and outdoor unit placement. These details are hard to recall accurately later.

This saves time when troubleshooting or warranty discussion starts later. A technician diagnosing a problem can work faster when they see the original installation layout instead of guessing what is behind the trunking.

Handover-day checks catch the obvious — the first month of real use reveals everything else. Run each unit under normal conditions and record how long each room takes to reach comfort at your usual setpoint. A room that consistently takes much longer than others of the same size may have a setup issue such as incorrect pipe sizing, low gas charge, or a fan speed configured too low during commissioning.

Watch for noise changes over the first few weeks. A brief click on startup, a soft hum from the fan, and a low draining sound when the unit cycles off are all normal. Noise that gets louder over time — a growing vibration, a rattle that starts after a week, or a knocking sound from the outdoor unit — requires a closer inspection. Record the type of sound, which unit it comes from, and when it occurs.

Check for drain and moisture signs during the second and third week. In Singapore's climate, a new unit running long daily sessions pushes significant water through the drain line. A drip from the indoor unit after extended sessions, or damp marks below the unit on the wall, indicate a drain issue that may not have been visible on handover day.