5 Ways To Know If Your Aircon Needs Servicing

Aircon conditioner on the wall

In Singapore, the hot and humid clients demands a well functioning air conditioning system for a comfortable indoor living. Most Singaporeans would service their ac system in every 3 to 4 months. However you may one of those, who does not use the aircon often and hence do not feel the necessity of regular servicing of the aircon or you may find regular aircon servicing out of your budget. If you fall into the category who does not wish to book regular aircon servicing, this article will help you to understand when it is really time for you to book an aircon servicing.

1. Aircon Is Not Cooling

Air conditioner is not working
Air conditioner is not cooling

Air conditioner not blowing cold air is a classic case when you need to call an aircon technician for servicing. This is a very common problem that house owners at least once in their lifetime. There is no go to solution to fix this problem as air conditioners are complex system, hence a through investigation needs to be carried out by certified professionals to identify the root cause of the problem. Once the root cause is identified, the technician will advise you the type of servicing that is needed.

2. Aircon Is Leaking Water

water leaking from aircon
Water leaking from aircon

Water leaking from the indoor ac units is a common problem that many people face, especially if you have not been servicing your air conditioning units regularly. Again, it is hard to why an aircon might start leaking water suddenly, so it is vital that you call for an expert HVAC professional to investigate the problem and provide a solution.

3. Aircon Is Noisy

aircon is noisy
Technician checking noisy aircon

When your air conditioning making a buzzing, cracking, rattling sound it is try to tell you that something is wrong with it. It could be a broken fan motor, bent oscillator or more severe condition. Ignore the sound and continuing to use the aircon can lead to further deterioration and sometimes irreversible damage. The more you wait, the more you might need to spend on the repair cost, so call a technician immediately.

4. Blinking Lights

Just like how noisy aircon is trying to tell you something, a blinking light on the indoor aircon unit is also trying tell you something about an underlying cause. Usually, ac can blink green, orange or red, and the blink come in patterns. The combination of the color and pattern signifies the underlying cause of the blink. In most cases, it can be hard to really identify the cause from a manual, so it is wise to call for an HVAC technician to check the matter and advise on the needed solution.

5. Dirty Compressor

Compressor is the outdoor unit of the air conditioning system and it is often ignored during servicing. When you notice that outdoor compressor is obviously dirty, meaning it is covered with dirt and debris or the vents on the unit are getting blocked with dirt or mold, please book for a compressor cleaning with a reputed aircon servicing company. The compressor is the most expensive unit of the air conditioning system and any damage to it because of negligence can result is highly expensive repair cost.

Final Thoughts

When you encounter any of the above problems, make a wise decision on how you want to proceed, eventually you are the decision maker, who needs to decide on how much you are willing to spend on an aircon servicing or repair.

Be diligent in booking the aircon service from reputed aircon servicing companies, remember cheaper is always not the best option when it comes to service quality.

5 Things You Must Know & Consider For Aircon Service

aircon cooling the living room

Maintaining your air conditioning system is vital for both efficiency and environmental impact. In Singapore, the National Environment Agency (NEA) recommends servicing aircon units every three months for optimal efficiency. However, several factors, including your tenancy agreement, unit age, and usage, can influence the service frequency.

1. The Types of Aircon Servicing

General Cleaning:

Basic cleaning of the unit and its components to eliminate dirt and debris.

Chemical Cleaning:

A more thorough process using specialized chemicals to deeply cleanse internal components, enhancing performance.

Condenser Cleaning:

Focused cleaning of the condenser, vital for efficient heat exchange and overall system performance.

Overhaul:

Comprehensive dismantling of the unit and thorough cleaning of internal components with specialized chemicals.

cool air from aircon

2. Factors Influencing Cost

Service costs vary based on the service type required and the aircon unit’s capacity measured in BTU. Commercial units typically incur higher costs due to complexity and size. Cost may also vary based on your location, date and time of booking.

3. NEA Regulations and Licensed Technicians

NEA mandates servicing be conducted by licensed companies employing well-trained technicians. Compliance ensures quality service and adherence to environmental standards.

air conditioner technician cleaning air conditioner inside house

4. Tenancy Agreement Considerations

Tenancy agreements often mandate regular aircon maintenance, typically requiring servicing every 3 to 4 months to ensure system efficiency throughout the tenancy. Saving detailed service records is crucial, serving as concrete evidence that the aircon has received the necessary maintenance as per the contract terms. These records act as a protective measure against disputes, validating compliance and ensuring the air conditioning system operates optimally.

Some agreements may specify the need for annual packages tailored to meet the servicing frequency outlined in the contract. These packages are designed to ensure the aircon receives the required attention at prescribed intervals. By adhering to these agreements and diligently preserving service records, you not only fulfill contractual obligations but also guarantee an efficiently functioning air conditioning system, benefiting both tenants and property owners alike.

5. Choosing a Reliable Aircon Servicing Company

When evaluating aircon servicing providers, leveraging online resources like Google Reviews can offer valuable insights into a company’s reliability and customer satisfaction. These reviews, typically left by previous customers, present real-world experiences, highlighting the quality of service, professionalism, and overall satisfaction. A higher number of positive reviews often signifies a trustworthy and reliable servicing company. Conversely, negative feedback or consistent complaints might indicate potential issues to consider before engaging their services.

Additionally, verifying that the servicing company holds NEA licensing is crucial. NEA licenses signify compliance with regulatory standards, ensuring that the company meets specific criteria for conducting aircon services. This includes employing well-trained technicians who possess the necessary expertise in aircon maintenance. Opting for NEA-licensed contractors provides assurance regarding the quality and adherence to industry regulations, offering peace of mind to customers about the competence and reliability of the service provided. This verification helps in choosing a reputable and credible company, minimizing risks associated with subpar service or unqualified technicians.

Final Thoughts

Regular aircon servicing guarantees unit efficiency, longevity, and environmental responsibility. Understanding service types, associated costs, and NEA regulations enables informed decisions for air conditioning maintenance.

Decoding StringsSG’s Service Partner Scoring System

StringsSG Logo

StringsSG stands at the forefront of service partner platforms, intricately connecting clients with adept professionals & home services. At the heart of this seamless collaboration lies a sophisticated scoring system that meticulously evaluates and ranks service partners. Let’s unravel the intricate workings of StringsSG’s scoring mechanism, which forms the bedrock for prioritizing service partner queues

The Essence of Scoring

StringsSG’s platform seamlessly calculates a service partner’s priority level, crucial in determining the allocation of service requests. This priority level is a composite reflection of various scores, each assigned a distinct weightage. The amalgamation of these scores governs a partner’s position in the queue, ensuring that the most suitable and reliable partners receive requests promptly.

1. Quality Score: Measuring Excellence

The Quality Score is the cornerstone, reflecting the caliber and excellence of service provided by a partner. It factors in precision, adherence to standards, and consistency in delivering high-quality work. Any deviation from prescribed benchmarks or subpar performance impacts this score.

2. Trust Score: Establishing Reliability

Trust is paramount. StringsSG evaluates a partner’s trustworthiness through indicators such as tenure, successful collaborations, and certifications. Breaches in platform guidelines or activities undermining trust lead to penalties affecting this score. This score carries the highest weightage.

3. Reliability Score: The Pillar of Dependability

Reliability speaks volumes about a partner’s commitment. The score factors in meeting deadlines, consistent high-quality deliverables, and adherence to agreed schedules. Any inconsistencies in these aspects affect the reliability score.

4. Responsiveness Score: Timely and Effective Communication

Partners’ responsiveness to queries, availability for urgent tasks, and effective communication are key. Slow responses or inadequate communication skills have a direct impact on this score.

5. Client Ratings and Reviews: Valuing User Feedback

Client feedback, both in terms of volume and sentiment, carries substantial weight. Negative feedback, low ratings, or persistent issues impact a partner’s overall score significantly.

Calculating Priority Levels

The platform assigns varying weights to each score based on its significance. A sophisticated algorithm then amalgamates these weighted scores to determine a service partner’s priority level. This ensures that the most competent and reliable partners receive priority in receiving service requests.

StringsSG’s scoring and priority system isn’t just a numerical metric; it’s a testament to the platform’s commitment to excellence and reliability, be it aircon servicing, part-time cleaner or handyman service. This systematic approach ensures fairness, accountability, and high standards within the platform, benefiting both partners and clients alike.

StringsSG’s platform thrives on this meticulously designed scoring system, ensuring that reliability, excellence, and trust remain at the forefront of every service partnership. It’s more than just a queue; it’s a reflection of commitment and performance, fostering an ecosystem of trust and efficiency.

Can You Leave Your Aircon Running For 24 Hours?

Aircon servicing for cool air

Considering the hot and humid weather of Singapore throughout the calendar year, you often must be wondering if you can leave your air conditioner running for 24 hours.

The answer is not very straightforward. Yes, you can leave your aircon on for 24 hours but it comes with certain considerations and drawbacks. In this article, we will cover some key considerations and tips for optimal use of your air conditioning system.

aircon running 24hrs a day

Energy Consumption

Running the air conditioning system 24 hours can result in high electricity consumption and hence can result in high electricity bills. However, modern A/C system have been manufactured with smarter digital tuning to optimize electricity consumption.

Wear & Tear

Continuously running the aircon can result in faster wear and tear, thus reducing the overall lifespan of your air conditioner. Regular maintenance of aircon can often help to mitigate the risk of your aircon aging faster.

Temperature Regulations

When the outside temperature is hotter throughout the day, then it may be necessary to keep your aircon running to maintain a soothing indoor temperature, but during colder days or at nights when the temperature drops, it may not be necessary to run the AC continuously.

Impact On Environment

Higher air conditioning usage contributes to global warming as all the heat from your indoor in released to outside environment through the compressor. In addition, higher electricity usage results in increased carbon emission.

Tips for Efficient Usage

  • Use programmable thermostats to regulate temperature settings.
  • Keep doors and windows closed to maintain the cooled air.
  • Regularly clean and maintain your AC unit to ensure optimal performance.
  • Consider using ceiling fans or natural ventilation during cooler periods to give the AC a break.

Ultimately, finding a balance between comfort, energy efficiency, and environmental impact is key. Using the AC judiciously and incorporating other cooling methods can help maintain a comfortable environment without unnecessarily burdening your wallet or the planet.

3 Ways To Know If Your Aircon Needs A Gas Refill

Air conditioner is not working

If you live in Singapore, you may already know how important it is to have an aircon ready to serve your anytime, as the weather can change from soothing to hot and humid really quick. The fast changing tropical climate of Singapore demands regular aircon servicing and ensuring that the the A/C units have adequate refrigerant gas for the cooling system to function.

Many a times we fail to understand that our air conditioning system may be low on gas and eventually would run out it resulting in complete dysfunction of the cooling systems. Hence, it is essential to monitor the these simple traits of your aircon to understand if they are low on gas and might need a refill.

refrigerant gas R22

1. Reduced Cooling Performance

If you notice that your AC isn’t cooling your space as efficiently as it used to despite running constantly, low refrigerant levels could be the cause. Inadequate gas in the system can hinder the cooling process, resulting in less effective temperature regulation.

2. Warm Air Coming from Vents

One of the most noticeable signs of low refrigerant is when warm air blows out of the air conditioning vents. This happens because there’s not enough refrigerant to absorb heat from the indoor air, leaving the air coming from the vents warmer than desired.

3. Constant Cycling On and Off

A properly functioning AC system maintains a consistent cycle of cooling. However, when refrigerant levels are low, the system may frequently turn on and off in an attempt to reach the set temperature. This frequent cycling can strain the compressor and other components, leading to potential damage.

aircon gas level checking by technician
Refrigerant pressure check by technician

What to Do Next?

If you suspect that your air conditioner might need a gas refill, it’s crucial to contact a certified HVAC technician. Attempting to handle refrigerant-related issues yourself can be hazardous and may lead to further damage to the system. A professional technician will inspect the system, identify any leaks, and recharge the refrigerant to the appropriate levels.

Regular maintenance is key to preventing low refrigerant levels. Schedule routine check-ups for your AC system to ensure it’s operating at its best. Additionally, keep an eye out for any signs of leaks or issues with the unit to catch problems early.

Your air conditioning system plays a vital role in maintaining a comfortable indoor environment, especially during hot seasons. Being vigilant and responsive to signs of low refrigerant can help keep your AC running efficiently and effectively.

Remember, when in doubt, always seek professional help to diagnose and resolve AC issues.

Risks of Part Time Maid At $10/Hr In Singapore

part time maid at $10

Beware of Hiring Part-Time Maids at Unbelievably Low Rates: Risks and Legal Implications in Singapore

The Temptation of $10 to $15 Per Hour: True Deal or Potential Scam?

It’s no secret that the allure of a part-time maid service priced at $10 per hour can be tempting. However, before engaging with such offers, it’s crucial to understand the potential risks involved, especially in Singapore.

The Dangers of Unbelievably Low Rates

1. Legal Implications

While the price might seem like a fantastic deal, such rates often indicate potential illegal practices. Hiring individuals at unreasonably low rates might involve engaging illegal or undocumented workers, leading to severe legal consequences in Singapore.

2. Risk of Illegal Workers

There’s a considerable risk of employing individuals who might not have the necessary permits or legal status to work as maids in Singapore. This not only puts you at risk but also the workers themselves, subjecting them to exploitation and vulnerabilities.

3. Quality and Reliability Concerns

Extremely low rates might compromise the quality of service provided. Such individuals might lack the training, reliability, or professional standards expected in maid services, potentially resulting in unsatisfactory work.

Legal part-time maids
Legal part-time maids

Legal Ramifications in Singapore

1. Heavy Penalties

Hiring illegal workers carries significant penalties in Singapore. Individuals or households found guilty of employing undocumented workers could face hefty fines, imprisonment, or both.

2. Damage to Reputation

Apart from legal consequences, engaging in such practices can damage your reputation and credibility. It’s crucial to ensure that the maids hired have the necessary legal permissions and are employed through reputable channels.

Ensuring Legal and Reliable Services

1. Verify Credentials

Before hiring any part-time maid service, verify their credentials and legal status. Reputable agencies and services operate within the legal framework, ensuring the employment of authorized workers.

2. Invest in Reliable Services

While cost is a consideration, prioritize reliable and reputable services over unbelievably low rates. Legitimate agencies might charge higher but provide quality service with legal and trained workers.

The risks associated with engaging part-time maids at incredibly low rates far outweigh the apparent benefits. In Singapore, where strict regulations govern such services, it’s imperative to prioritize legal and ethical hiring practices to avoid legal liabilities and ensure the well-being of all parties involved.

For trustworthy and legally compliant part-time maid services in Singapore, opt for reputable agencies that prioritize legal compliance and professionalism over suspiciously low rates.