5 Warning Signs Your Aircon Needs Servicing (Before It Becomes an Emergency Repair)

In Singapore’s relentlessly hot and humid climate, where temperatures regularly hit 32°C to 34°C, your air conditioner is not just a luxury. It is a necessity. Whether you live in a new BTO flat in Punggol or an older condo in East Coast, your AC unit works overtime, running for 8 to 12 hours daily. This constant usage creates significant wear and tear that many homeowners overlook until it is too late.

Most Singaporeans wait until their unit stops working completely before calling for help. However, waiting this long is often a costly mistake. Emergency repairs for a completely broken compressor or a burnt-out motherboard cost significantly more than routine maintenance.

At GoodCool SG, we have over 10 years of experience servicing thousands of homes across the island. We have seen hundreds of units that broke down completely simply because small warning signs were ignored for months. Regular servicing is not just about cleaning; it is about protecting your investment and ensuring your family’s comfort.

The Cost of Waiting

A homeowner noticed her master bedroom aircon had become noisier than usual and was not cooling as well for a few months. Because it still seemed to be running, servicing was put off.

Over time, the issue worsened. The unit eventually began leaking a significant amount of water and later stopped operating altogether, which led to an urgent service appointment.

What typically happens in cases like this: When regular servicing is delayed, dirt and bio-slime can build up inside the drainage system and restrict water flow. Once drainage is impaired, water can back up and contribute to icing on the coils. As the system struggles to maintain cooling, the compressor may run under heavier load and overheat, triggering built-in protection that causes the unit to shut down.

The Cost Breakdown:

• Cost if serviced 3 months ago: $40 – $50 (Standard General Service)
• Actual repair cost: $180 (Chemical Wash to clear jelly + Capacitor Replacement + Transportation)
• Hidden cost: Damage to her parquet flooring from the water leak (estimated $200 repair).

Don’t let this happen to you. Here are 5 clear warning signs you need to book a professional service today.

1. Weak Airflow

If you stand directly under your aircon and feel very little air coming out, even when the fan speed is set to “High,” something is wrong. In Singapore homes, this usually means dust has completely blocked the filters or, worse, clogged the internal fan roller (blower wheel).

When airflow is restricted, your aircon’s motor has to work harder to push air through the blockage. This can reduce comfort and increase your electricity bill. A clogged unit can consume more energy. If a simple filter cleaning doesn’t fix it, the blockage is deep inside the fancoil, requiring a chemical wash.

2. Warm Air Instead of Cold Air

There is nothing worse than turning on your AC after a long day at work, only to feel room-temperature air blowing out. If the air isn’t cold:

• Dirty Condenser: In HDB flats, the compressor is usually sitting on the ledge outside. If it’s choked with dust or bird feathers, it cannot release heat, so it stops cooling.
• Gas Leak: Your unit might be low on refrigerant gas (Freon). This often happens at the copper pipe joints.
• Compressor Failure: The heart of your aircon might have stopped pumping.

Sometimes, this can be solved with a standard service, but often it requires a more thorough Chemical Wash to clear deep blockages in the condenser unit outside.

3. Strange Noises

Modern inverter aircons (like Mitsubishi Electric, Daikin, or Panasonic models common in Singapore) are designed to be whisper-quiet (around 19dB). If you hear strange sounds, your unit is crying for help:

• Grinding or Metal Scraping: This usually indicates a fan motor bearing issue. The lubrication has dried up, and metal is grinding on metal. If ignored, the motor will burn out.
• Hissing or Bubbling: This is a classic sign of a refrigerant gas leak. You are hearing the gas escape from the copper pipes.
• Rattling: Often caused by loose screws on the cover or a fan blade that is unbalanced due to heavy dust accumulation.

4. Foul Smells (Musty or Sour Odor)

Does your room smell musty, like damp clothes or “dirty socks,” the moment you turn on the AC? This is a definitive sign of biological contamination. In Singapore’s humid climate, mold and bacteria thrive in the dark, wet environment inside your aircon fancoil.

Health Warning: This is not just a mechanical issue; it is a health risk. You are essentially breathing in mold spores and bacteria every night. For families with young children, elderly parents, or members with asthma/sinus issues, this is dangerous. A simple vacuum or water wash is NOT enough here; you need a proper chemical cleaning to kill the bacteria and remove the slime.

5. Water Leaking

Water dripping from your unit is the most common “emergency” call we receive. It typically happens because the drainage pipe is 100% blocked by “jelly.” This jelly is a disgusting slime created when dust mixes with bacteria and water in the drainage tray.

By the time water leaks onto your wall, bed, or expensive electronics, the blockage is already severe. In HDB flats, if the main drainage pipe is choked, water might even leak into your neighbor’s unit downstairs, causing disputes.

Don’t Wait for a Breakdown

If you see any of these 5 signs, it is time to act immediately. A small service fee of $40-$50 now saves you from a repair bill of $200+ later. Regular maintenance extends the lifespan of your unit, keeps your electricity bills low, and ensures cleaner air for your family.

Book Your General Service Appointment Here

Not sure if you need a bigger repair? Our technicians will inspect your unit first and advise you honestly before starting any work.