From haze to heavy use: How often should you really be servicing your air-con?

Air-conditioning systems in most Singapore households require servicing every three to six months. However, if a unit operates harder than usual, more frequent servicing might be necessary. During haze conditions in early September, air quality deteriorated, prompting residents to examine their air-conditioner filters. Clogged filters restrict airflow, causing the system to work harder, leading to poor cooling, increased utility bills, and potential equipment damage.

Amir Talib, 55, a principal technical officer at SP Group, oversees inspections and servicing of Centralised Cooling System (CCS) units in Tengah, noting that clogged filters are a common issue. Another frequent problem is the accumulation of dirt and dust in the drainpipe, causing condensation water to leak from the fan coil unit (FCU).

Air-con servicing professionals generally recommend adjusting servicing frequency based on factors like usage patterns, home conditions, and the surrounding environment. In Tengah, residents on the estate’s CCS can receive three years of complimentary regular servicing of their FCUs and technical support through the free MyTengah Care+ programme.

However, about one in five Tengah households using the CCS have not enrolled in the programme, despite its benefits such as free, twice-yearly FCU servicing, regular CCS checks, and workmanship warranties on piping, trunking, and insulation. Tengah residents Farhana Mohamed Rasip, 37, and Safety Officer Joan Tan, 41, both praise the system's high energy efficiency, which has helped keep their utility bills manageable.

Tan highlights that the quick response of the SP Group team, even for a clogged drainpipe, has impressed her. Fellow resident Wong Zi Yang, 35, a financial advisor, also shares positive experiences with the MyTengah Care+ programme, emphasizing its free nature and the assurance of good handover from SP Group’s technicians.