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.

Affordable Part-Time Cleaner For Bathroom Cleaning

part time helper for bathroom and toilet cleaning

A clean and sanitized bathroom isn’t just a luxury; it’s a necessity for a healthy living space. StringsSG’s part-time cleaners specialize in revitalizing bathrooms, ensuring a germ-free and sparkling-clean environment.

Here is how part-time maids can assist with bathroom cleaning and maintaining it’s hygiene:

1. Sanitizing Surfaces

Our part-time cleaners begin by disinfecting and cleaning bathroom surfaces. From sinks to countertops and mirrors, every area undergoes a meticulous cleaning process. This ensures a germ-free, hygienic space that promotes well-being.

2. Scrubbing Tiles

Tiles often bear the brunt of grime, mold, and soap scum. StringsSG’s part-time cleaners employ thorough scrubbing techniques to remove these unwanted elements. The result? Tiles and grout lines that glisten, imparting a sense of cleanliness and brightness.

3. Toilet Bowl Cleaning

Toilet bowl if not cleaned regularly can be the home to harmful bacteria and germs. Even though it is not exciting when it comes to cleaning the toilet bowl, it is essential to make sure your bathroom is germ free and looks the best. A bowl cleaner and a toilet brush is used to perform this activity. Our home cleaners can help you with this activity if you are not keen on doing it yourself.

Maid ensuring a neat & clean toilet bowl
Maid ensuring a neat & clean toilet bowl

4. Disinfecting Fixtures

Fixtures like faucets, showerheads, and toilet bowls are hotspots for bacteria. StringsSG’s part-time cleaners meticulously clean and disinfect these fixtures, eliminating bacteria and maintaining a fresh and clean bathroom space.

Part-Time Maid Hourly Rates For Bathroom Cleaning

Hourly rates for bathroom cleaning can range between $18 to $30, depending on the cleaning equipment used, the expertise of the maid and the agency you will be paying to.

StringsSG offers hourly rates for part-time cleaners, ensuring flexible options that fit your needs and budget. Enjoy quality bathroom cleaning services at affordable rates, allowing you to prioritize cleanliness without overspending.

Reliability and Peace of Mind with StringsSG

StringsSG’s hourly part-time cleaners aren’t just highly efficient; they also prioritize reliability and trust. Meeting the legal requirements stipulated by MOM Singapore ensures that clients receive not just affordable but also quality service. This peace of mind comes alongside the commitment to providing top-notch cleaning services.

Experience the convenience and assurance of reliable, affordable, and quality-driven bathroom cleaning services with StringsSG’s hourly part-time cleaners. Say goodbye to bathroom hygiene concerns as you welcome a cleaner, fresher, and more sanitized space.

StringsSG doesn’t just deliver cleanliness; it delivers reliability, quality, and peace of mind with every cleaning session.

Affordable Part-Time Cleaners For Kitchen Cleaning

Maid cleaning kitchen cabinet

Are your tired of cleaning the kitchen after cooking or after organizing a party at home leaving the kitchen countertops with stains, pile of used dishes and food leftovers. The kitchen is heart of the home, so it’s important to keep it clean and functional. Hourly part-time cleaners bring their expertise to not just keep your kitchen clean but also fresh and tidy.

These are the tasks performed by part-time maids to keep your Kitchen clean and organized:

1. Countertop Sanitization

Kitchen countertops, a hotspot for food preparation, deserve special attention. Part-time cleaners perform thorough cleaning and disinfection, eliminating germs, bacteria, and any lingering food residue. This meticulous process creates a pristine and hygienic surface, ensuring a safe environment for meal preparation.

2. Appliance Cleaning

Microwaves, stoves, ovens, and refrigerators play a vital role in the kitchen and require regular cleaning and maintenance. Hourly part-time cleaners skillfully wipe down and clean these appliances, removing any grease, stains, and spills. The result? A tidy, functional kitchen with shiny appliances that work really well.

3. Washing Dishes

A stack of dirty dishes can make the kitchen messy. Part-time cleaners handle this well by handwashing or using the dishwasher. They will use the cleaning equipment provided by you to thoroughly clean the dishes to remove any food or oil stains. They can also help to arrange the dishes after drying to give your kitchen a tidy look.

Maid cleaning kitchen
part-time maid ensuring a clean kitchen

Embrace Kitchen Excellence with Part-Time Cleaners

StringsSG’s part-time helpers are well trained and our service partners undergo thorough background checks before being onboarded to the platform. They are fully legal and authorized to operate in Singapore as per MOM guidelines, ensuring your peace of mind.

Let the expertise of our hourly part-time cleaners transform your kitchen, where cleanliness isn’t just a task; it’s a way of ensuring that every meal prepared is a delight and every moment spent in the kitchen is a joy.

Tasks Performed By Part Time Cleaners For Home Cleaning

part-time cleaner in singapore ready to your house

Everyone wants a clean and tidy home for hygiene and well-being, but the busy life in Singapore allow us very little time to focus on house cleaning. One option is you can have full time maid who lives with you and the second option is to get a part time cleaner to help you with house cleaning. In the past few years, Singaporeans are heavy relying on part time maid services for their home cleaning. Part-time cleaners bring expertise, turning your space into a haven of cleanliness and comfort.

You can book a part time cleaner at your convenience of day and timeslot, if you are someone who prioritize home cleaning, you may want to book for a weekly once cleaning service. Usually the minimum hours for booking a part time maid in Singapore start from 3 hours onwards and maximum can go up to 6-8hrs.

Part time home cleaning service in Singapore comes with the following task:

1. Dusting

When dust collects on surfaces, furniture, shelves, and electronics, it not only makes them look dull but also affects the air you breathe. Part-time cleaners do a careful dusting job to make these things look nice again and create a fresh and peaceful atmosphere. They can use a dusting brush or feather duster to gentle remove the collected dust.

2. Sweeping or Vacuuming

Sweeping/Vacuuming is an essential activity of home cleaning to remove the dirt and dust from the floor. Dirt, dust, and debris, the hidden threat, lurk within the fibers of floors, carpets, and rugs. Part-time cleaners execute comprehensive vacuuming, not just for appearances but to promote a hygienic haven. This meticulous task elevates the air quality, fostering a healthier living environment. For wooden or tiled floor even a sweeping broom may work for them to clean the floor.

3. Mopping

Hard floors, often the canvas for grime and stains, undergo a transformation with meticulous mopping. Using appropriate cleaning agents, part-time cleaners restore the sparkle, unveiling floors that are not just clean but radiate a pristine allure, free from any blemish. The cleaners can use a floor mopping stick, or an advanced mopping bucket to perform this duty.

part-time helper with floor mopping equipment
part-time helper with floor mopping equipment

4. Surface Wiping

The art of detailed wiping and cleaning spans various surfaces—tabletops, countertops, and frequently touched areas. Part-time cleaners breathe life into these spaces, ensuring a sanitized environment that not only looks but also feels inviting and presentable.

5. Kitchen Cleaning

Kitchen are can get really messy after cooking, with oil stains on the kitchen countertops, piling up utensils and a dirty kitchen hood. Hence, kitchen cleaning is vital to a hygienic home living, if left uncleaning it can become home to harmful bacteria and fungus. Home cleaners have the skill of thoroughly cleaning your kitchen so that it’s ready for your next cooking session.

Learn more about kitchen cleaning here.

Maid cleaning kitchen cabinet
Maid cleaning kitchen cabinet

6. Bathroom Cleaning

Bathroom cleaning is one more important task that comes under general home cleaning. Part time cleaners can help to clean the bathroom floor with a floor cleaner, wipe of any stains or mold from the bathroom walls and clean the toilet bowl for a germ free bathroom.

Learn more about bathroom cleaning here.

Cleaner cleaning toilet bowl
Cleaner cleaning toilet bowl

Experience the StringsSG Difference

StringsSG’s part-time helpers are well trained and our service partners undergo thorough background checks before joining the platform. They are fully legal and authorized to operate in Singapore as per MOM guidelines, ensuring your peace of mind.

Experience top-notch, trustworthy, and affordable part-time cleaning services that guarantee quality and reliability.

15 Aircon Problems in Singapore & How to Prevent Them

aircon has electrical problem

Singapore’s climate being tropical in nature and leaving the residents with a hot and humid air around, air conditioning systems are not a luxury but an essential part of daily life. However, like any mechanical system, aircons can develop issues over time thereby hindering their performance. It is very important to identify the issues and quickly address them to ensure a soothing ambience.

Let’s look at the commonly faced Aircon problems by Singapore residents –

1. Poor Cooling Efficiency/ Reduced Cooling Efficiency Of Aircon

Singaporeans often complains that the AC does not cool properly. There can be various factors behind poor cooling efficiency. Dirty air filters is a major factor as if the air filter is dirty, it blocks the airflow of your unit. This in turn can freeze up the condenser unit and limit the cooling power of the aircon. Also, low refrigerant levels, clogged coils, a malfunctioning compressor, gas leakage etc can lead to poor cooling efficiency.

Scheduling for a regular maintenance by aircon professionals, will help to identify these issues ahead of time. Technicians can detect and fix the underlying issues or replace the air filter as needed.

dirty ac filters causes the aircon to not work properly
Dirty ac filters like this can cause reduced cooling effect

2. Aircon Water Leakage

Water leakage from your aircon unit is a common concern faced by many. Condensation and blocked or damaged drainage pipe mostly leads to leaking problem. The climatic condition of Singapore easily leads to condensation buildup. Pollutants, like dirt, dust, and fungus blocks the water to flow thereby clogging the drainage pipe. In such scenario, water from aircon tries to find the other way out, which in turn causes the AC to leak. Scheduling a routine maintenance where technician can clean the drainage pipe or replace it if needed will help prevent this issue.

aircon is leaking water
Water leaking from Air Cond

3. Noisy Air Conditioner

People have reported different sounds coming from their aircon unit. Depending on the type of problem, your air conditioner will make variety of sounds like clicking, buzzing, grinding or rattling sounds which can be very disruptive and unsettling. An inspection by a professional, to determine whether the sound is produced because of a blower issue or a refrigerant leakage or faulty compressor or fan motor, is important in order to provide the service accordingly and to fix it.

Technician fixing noisy aircon compressor
Technician fixing noisy aircon compressor

4. Bad Odors or Foul Smell

It is a very common complain of Aircon users, that their AC is emitting foul odors or weird smell. Unpleasant odors might be the result of the excess moisture content within the unit. To top it, the humid climate of Singapore, makes the moisture content quite high in the air. Again, this high moisture content can lead to mold or bacterial growth within the unit causing foul odors which in turn can cause health issues. Regular cleaning or replacing the air filters will help to maintain indoor air quality. You can also appoint a professional cleaner to service the aircons at regular intervals which will keep the unit in good health and thus let you enjoy a clean air around.

5. High Energy Consumption

The inefficient functioning of air conditioning system is a very common cause of high electricity bills. Different issues like duct leaks, clogged filters, low refrigerant, dirty coils, aging components etc. makes the aircon inefficient thereby make it use a lot of electricity to operate. Naturally you see a sudden spike in your electricity bills. It is advised to do regular maintenance and cleaning which will help to improve the efficiency of the units and thus save you from paying high electricity bills.

Thermostat may show different signs of malfunctioning like uneven cooling or heating, constant cycling, inaccurate temperature readings, failure to start or stop. When the AC is not working or turning on, you may try to check the batteries and change them if needed. If the batteries are in working condition, check the thermostat programming to make it work again. If your AC is still not turning on, you will need to check the circuit breaker as it might be tripped and a resetting would be needed. Proper calibration or replacement of the thermostat may be necessary to fix thermostat related issues and improve overall system performance. Be mindful to schedule the thermostat replacement with a reliable service provider.

7. Refrigerant Leaks or Gas Leakage

Refrigerant Leaks is another very commonly dealt issue faced by users. The Gas level can drop due to some leakage from where the gas escapes. Refrigerant is the core element for the cooling process, and a leakage can totally impair your air conditioner’s performance. Leakage means the temperature will vary and the unit will not perform accurately. This in turn results in low efficiency, high power consumption, coil freezing, damaged compressor etc.

Hence, if you suspect a refrigerant leak, it’s important to contact a professional technician immediately. Technician will locate and fix the leak and recharge the system by filling up the refrigerant as needed to ensure proper efficiency.

gas leaking from the air conditioning system
Gas leaking from the air conditioning system

8. Outdoor Unit/Compressor Fan Issue

The major job of the outdoor fan is to diligently transfer the heat from your indoor to outdoor and hence it plays a very important role in determining proper functioning of the aircon unit of your house. If the compressor fan does not function properly, then the heat gets trapped within the outdoor unit thereby causing damage to the compressor. Many issues like belt issues, motor malfunctions, faulty contactor or a faulty capacitorcan result in such problem. Due to excessive use of AC in Singapore throughout the year, these issues are quite common. A professional should be consulted to check and perform the services needed at the earliest when such circumstances are faced.

ac outdoor compressor fan
AC outdoor compressor fan

9. Short Cycling

When the AC unit turns on and off more frequently without fully completing a cycle it is called Short Cycling. This premature turning off of your unit, causes the system to work even harder than it needs to cool your home at the set temperature. Naturally, this adds on to the wear and tear on the system, increases the energy consumption, leading to higher energy bills. If there are low refrigerant levels, an oversized unit, or a faulty thermostat can lead to short cycling. This issue should be addressed with immediate attention of a technician.

10. Frozen Evaporator Coils (part of the inside unit)

The evaporator coil can get frozen, when your air conditioner suffers restricted airflow in comparison to what is needed for operation. Insufficient airflow can be a result of blocked vents and ducts, dirty filters, faulty fan or a malfunctioning blower motor. You can try to address this problem yourself by turning the unit off which will allow the coils to thaw. You can then clean or replace the air filter as needed. However, consulting a technician would be better who can inspect and come up with the best solution needed.

11. Frozen Condenser Coils (part of the outside unit)

Again aircon users often complain that the outside unit is freezing. If there is insufficient air flow throughout the coils, the unit can freeze up. Also, few other AC problems like low coolant levels, low outside temperature, blower motor problems, etc can freeze up the system. This needs to be attended by aircon specialist and treated with the needed service accordingly.

12. Air-conditioner Fails To Turn On

This is one of the most common issues that people face specially on a very hot and humid day in Singapore. This can be a major nightmare. There can be different reasons for this problem.

It can be a power supply problem or broken/burnt wires or even a faulty thermostat. Though these are some of the common aircon problems, they need immediate attention from professionals. Professionals carry out a diagnosis to spot the root cause of the issue and fix it for you.

13. Low Level of Refrigerant or Low Gas Levels

Refrigerant is crucial for the cooling process. It removes the moisture and heat from the interior space and turns the hot air into a cooler one. Naturally, when the refrigerant level drops, it affects the cooling too. When the Gas level is low, the air that is blown over your AC coils will not cool properly anymore. This will lead the vents to circulate warm air and you will have an uncomfortable temperature around. The only solution to this problem is to get a gas top up or gas refill done by some aircon professional at the earliest so that your aircon can charge up it’s fuel.

14. Drainage Problem

When you see standing water around your Aircon, it might mean that the drain pipeline is most likely clogged. Dust, dirt or algae often clogs the drain pipeline. The condensate pan will not be able to empty itself because of this clogging and thus you will face collection of water outside around the unit or near the indoor unit. Moreover, this drainage issue might be a breeding ground for mold, mildew or fungus and bad odor. If the AC air filters are cleaned or replaced timely, it can easily prevent such blockage that leads to drainage problems. When you face such issues, do contact a technician who can help to flush the drain lines and fix this issue.

15. Electrical Problems

Having all electrical connections secured is very important for proper functioning of your aircon. If the aircon is malfunctioning or not turning on at all, there can be some electrical issues like faulty wiring or tripped circuit breakers. Such circumstances should be handled by a professional electrician so that the issue gets resolved and your house is secured from electrical mishaps.

In the hot weather of Singapore, an a well-functioning and efficient air conditioner is more of a necessity than a luxury. The aircon problems discussed above are the most common issues reported by users. However, it should be noted, that none of these issues are too much expensive if recognized and treated at the right time. Regular maintenance and timely repairs are essential for ensuring your aircon operates efficiently and reliably at all times. If any of these issues are faced, seek professional assistance for the benefit of your aircon and your household who will help you with the best solution.