AC GUIDES
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Guide to residential and commercial air conditioning to help you identify issues, understand services, and prepare information before making an enquiry
Choose articles by AC issue
Cleaning and maintenance
7Cleaning scope, routine maintenance, and pre- and post-booking arrangements
When does an air conditioner need deep cleaning: is cleaning only the dust filter enough?
Cleaning the dust filter does not mean the inside of the unit has been cleaned. Whether deep cleaning is needed depends on how long it has been used and how much dirt has built up. Also, do not mistake a fault for a cleaning issue.
Read full articleWhat do I need to prepare for AC cleaning booking?
What photos should I take before getting a quote, and which space should I clear on the day? Prepare the information you can in advance, and leave the rest to the technician
Read full articleHow to inspect after AC cleaning: airflow, drainage, and follow-up checks
After cleaning, you can test the airflow and drainage on the spot. Tell the technician if anything is abnormal. If it is still not cold enough or there is still leakage, the cause needs to be checked again.
Read full articleDoes AC cleaning include the outdoor unit? Scope of indoor cleaning and the condenser
Cleaning the indoor unit is not the same as cleaning the outdoor radiator; before quoting, check whether the location can be safely accessed, and do not wash it yourself with a high-pressure water jet
Read full articleAC is very dusty after renovation: when to inspect and arrange cleaning
Renovation not finished yet, or already wrapping up? Arrange inspection or cleaning according to the project progress, so you do not clean it only for it to get dirty again from later renovation work
Read full articleMany air conditioners at home, or a neighbours' group booking: what is the difference between the two enquiries?
First organize the number of units, address and available same-day cleaning dates; do not apply a multi-unit-at-one-address discount to a group-buy price for a different address
Read full articleDoes your AC smell as soon as it turns on? How to tell mouldy, sour and burning smells apart
A smell does not necessarily mean dirt alone; note when you notice it, whether there is dust inside the unit, and the nearby environment. Warning signs such as a burning smell should be dealt with by stopping the unit first; do not assume cleaning alone can solve it
Read full articleFaults and repairs
12Understand the safety boundaries, troubleshooting directions and inspection needs based on symptoms
What to do when AC is dripping: when should you stop it immediately
Distinguish indoor leaks, outdoor drainage and nuisance dripping from the external wall; understand when to stop using the unit, what to prepare after receiving an FEHD notice, and the difference between cleaning and repair.
Read full articleAir conditioner not cold enough: 5 common causes and solutions
Air coming out but not cool enough does not necessarily mean there is a refrigerant shortage; cooling mode, filter, airflow, and the room environment can all affect it. First choose the right direction for enquiry before taking action
Read full articleWhat to do about air conditioner icing and frosting: stop the unit first, and do not rush to add refrigerant
If you see icing on the air outlet, indoor unit or pipes, stop the unit first, and do not knock off the ice or rush to add refrigerant; note the airflow and where it appears, then let the technician investigate the cause
Read full articleUnusual AC noises: how to tell water flow, vibration, and abnormal rubbing sounds apart
Running water, clicking, or metal grinding sound? Depending on the model and changes in volume, decide whether to stop the unit. If safe, record the sound for easier enquiry
Read full articleWhat to do if the air conditioner will not start or trips the breaker: how to tell remote control problems from electrical faults
If there is no response, first check the remote and settings; if it trips as soon as it is turned on, do not keep switching it back on. For fixed electrical installations, contact a registered electrical contractor
Read full articleWeak Airflow from the Air Conditioner: Check the Fan Speed Setting, Dust Build-Up and Faults First
Low airflow and insufficient cooling are two different things; when enquiring, also mention which mode is being used, whether the air outlet is blocked, and whether there is any unusual noise, and do not simply assume it is a refrigerant shortage
Read full articleWhy does the air conditioner keep switching itself off? Is it the temperature control or is it faulty?
A shutdown may be related to thermostat or timer settings; note the indicator lights and room temperature at the time, and do not treat every shutdown as a fault or keep switching the unit on and off to test it.
Read full articleFlashing lights or error codes: how to record the model and fault message
When making an enquiry, please attach photos of the indicator lights or error code, the full model number, and the time the problem occurred. Error codes shown online are for reference only and do not mean the fault has been confirmed or that the final quotation is fixed.
Read full articleWater droplets on the AC pipe: leak or condensation? How to check the location and insulation
Are water droplets appearing on the copper pipe surface, or is the drain pipe overflowing? The location helps indicate the direction, but pipe and insulation issues hidden inside may not be visible from appearance alone
Read full articleDoes an air conditioner that is not cold enough always need refrigerant?
Refrigerant is not an annual maintenance item; first check the settings, airflow and whether there is any mechanical issue, then have a technician inspect the refrigerant system.
Read full articleRepair or replace: how to compare cost and machine condition
Do not decide based only on how old the unit is or how much a single repair costs. Also compare what is broken, whether parts are available, the usage needs and how much replacement plus installation works will cost.
Read full articleNot sure whether to ask about cleaning, repair or installation? A guide to choosing the right one
Want cleaning, repair or replacement? First explain the exact issue with the unit. Do not assume every problem can be solved by cleaning or adding refrigerant.
Read full articleChoosing and Installing an Air Conditioner
5Compare the model, replacement conditions and pre-installation preparation
Split-type vs window units: how to choose based on installation, noise, and maintenance
Split unit or window unit, which is right for you? Compare installation position, noise, energy labels, and maintenance needs, and choose based on the room and site conditions, not just the unit price
Read full articleWhat is included in an air conditioner installation quote: when extra charges apply
Does the quote include basic connection or removal of the old unit? Ask item by item about copper pipes, drain pipes, power supply and outdoor works. Do not compare only one installation price
Read full articleCan an existing copper pipe, drain pipe and power supply be reused when replacing the AC?
If the old unit still turns on, that does not mean the pipes and wiring can still be used for the new unit; the copper pipe, drain pipe and power supply must be checked item by item against the manufacturer's requirements, and then decide after assessment
Read full articleChecklist for old AC units after moving in: cleaning, repair and replacement
When taking over an old air conditioner, it is worth asking about the handover record, model, and current condition; before moving in, do not judge only by the unit's age when deciding whether cleaning, repair, or replacement is needed
Read full articleIf the air conditioner is installed too high or enclosed by a cabinet, is there enough space to repair it?
Take a photo of the AC height, access panel and nearby furniture positions so the technician can see whether there is enough space to work; seeing the unit does not mean there is necessarily enough space for cleaning or installation.
Read full articleCommercial air conditioning
4Equipment, maintenance and operating arrangements for shops and offices
What is the difference between four-way cassette, fan coil and central air conditioning?
Ceiling air outlets, the unit itself and the complete system are different things; once you understand what each one does, you will see why commercial AC cleaning cannot be priced by counting only the number of outlets.
Read full articleHow often should commercial air conditioning be cleaned? Arrange maintenance by site
Long operating hours and heavy cooking fumes mean maintenance arrangements will be different; inspection and cleaning frequency should be based on dust buildup and unit condition. On-site maintenance does not mean a deep clean every time
Read full articleShop and office AC cleaning, scheduled around business hours
Based on your business hours and equipment conditions, confirm whether zoned cleaning is possible to minimise the impact on shop and office operations
Read full articleHow to get a quote for commercial AC cleaning, and what equipment, quantity and site information to provide
Check the unit, access panel, complete system and site entry requirements when quoting. Do not quote only the number of ceiling diffusers and overlook the unit that actually needs cleaning
Read full articleFor daily use, maintenance and buying advice, see AC encyclopedia