Here at Vedha, we get this question all the time: a customer calls and says their aircon isn’t feeling as cold as it used to, and another company told them they need an expensive “chemical overhaul.”
It sounds serious, and honestly, it sometimes makes people worry they’re being taken for a ride.
So, let me, as your friendly neighbourhood technician, clear the air. There’s a huge difference between a Normal Servicing, a Chemical Wash, and a Chemical Overhaul. Understanding this difference is the key to maintaining your aircon properly without spending unnecessary money.
Think of it like this: a normal service is like your regular health check-up, while a chemical overhaul is like major surgery. You only need the surgery when something is seriously wrong.
What is a Normal Aircon Servicing?
In short: This is your essential, routine maintenance.
A normal servicing is a preventative measure designed to keep your aircon running efficiently and to catch small problems before they become big ones. It’s perfect for aircons that are working fine but just need a good clean-up after a few months of use.
What we do during a Normal Servicing:
- Clean the Basics: We thoroughly clean the front cover and, most importantly, the air filters.
- Surface-Level Coil Cleaning: We clean the front surface of the indoor evaporator coil.
- Flush the Drain Pipe: We check and flush the drainage pipe to clear out any slime or gunk that could cause a water leak.
- Performance Check: We do a basic check of the system’s performance, like the airflow and temperature, to make sure everything is running as it should.
When should you get it? For most homes in Singapore, a normal servicing every 3 to 6 months is ideal to keep things in top shape.
What is a Chemical Overhaul?
In short: This is a deep, intensive, problem-solving service.
A chemical overhaul is not routine maintenance. It’s a last-resort solution for units with serious issues like severe blockages, bad smells that won’t go away, or major cooling problems that a normal service can’t fix.
What we do during a Chemical Overhaul:
- Complete Dismantling: This is the biggest difference. We have to completely take your aircon unit off the wall.
- Deep Chemical Cleaning: Every single part—the evaporator coils, condenser, blower wheel, drain pan—is individually cleaned and soaked with a special, safe chemical solution to remove stubborn, built-up mold, grime, and rust.
- Inspect and Repair/Replace: While everything is apart, we thoroughly inspect each component. If parts like bearings or fan motors are faulty, we can repair or replace them.
- Reassembly and Testing: We put everything back together, test the system thoroughly, and top up the refrigerant gas if needed. Your unit will run like it’s brand new.
When should you get it? Only when your aircon has serious problems. For example:
- Your electricity bill is suddenly very high.
- The unit is making loud or unusual noises.
- It’s leaking water badly.
- It’s blowing warm air or has very weak airflow, even after a normal service.
- There’s a persistent foul or musty smell that cleaning doesn’t remove.
Quick Comparison: The Key Differences
| Feature | Normal Servicing | Chemical Overhaul |
| Goal | Preventative maintenance | Fixing serious problems |
| Process | Basic cleaning of accessible parts | Complete dismantling of the entire unit |
| When? | Every 3-6 months for a healthy unit | Only when there are major issues |
| Cost | Lower | Significantly higher |
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Our Honest Advice
Here’s what we tell our customers at Vedha: don’t let anyone upsell you. A chemical overhaul is a powerful tool, but it’s not needed for regular maintenance. If another company immediately says you need an overhaul without checking the simple things first, you should be skeptical.
Start with regular, normal servicing to keep your aircon healthy. If, and only if, you face a major issue that a normal service can’t solve, then it’s time to talk about a chemical wash or a full overhaul.
Your comfort (and your money) are important to us. We believe in doing the right job, not just the most expensive one.
If you’re not sure what your aircon needs, give us a call. We’ll provide an honest diagnosis and a fair price, no fuss.
Contact Vedha Construction today at 96540044 or send us an email. Let’s keep your aircon running perfectly.
Vedha Aircon: Top Aircon Servicing Singapore, Fair Prices, No Fuss.
We specialize in Aircon installation, repair, and service. We have all type & model of recon compressor, full set & fancoil. Our technicians are highly proficient in their respective field and repairs and fixes aircon of various brands.
