Aircon Chemical Overhaul: What It Is, When Do You Need It & How Much It Costs

If your aircon isn’t cooling as well as it used to, is leaking, or giving off a musty smell, a basic cleaning won’t suffice. You may need a chemical overhaul, especially if the problem lies deep inside the unit.

This guide covers everything you need to know about aircon chemical overhaul in Singapore, including when to do it, how it compares to a chemical wash, and the associated costs, as provided by City Cooling SG.

What Is an Aircon Chemical Overhaul?

Chemical Overhaul Process by City Cooling SG

An aircon chemical overhaul is a deep cleaning service where the indoor unit is fully dismantled. Components such as the fan coil, blower, and drain pan are removed, soaked, and scrubbed using chemical solutions to remove grime, mould, and bacteria buildup. This process restores the aircon’s efficiency and improves the air quality in your space.

By comparison, a chemical wash does not involve dismantling. It only cleans the surface areas of the coil and may not effectively reach deep-seated dirt or thoroughly address internal issues.

Comparison: Basic Cleaning vs. Chemical Wash vs. Chemical Overhaul

Here’s a breakdown of what each service includes:

Service TypeBasic CleaningChemical WashChemical Overhaul
Filter cleaning
Coil cleaning(without dismantling)(fully dismantled and soaked)
Mold & bacteria removal(surface only)(thorough elimination)
Fan blower cleaning(fully removed and cleaned)
Drain pipe flushing(or minimal)(deep flushing)
Disassembly(partial, if any)(complete disassembly)
Suitable forLight maintenanceModerate dirt or odorSevere dirt, odor, inefficiency, leakage

Signs You Might Need a Chemical Overhaul

Clean Aircon After Overhaul by CitycoolingSG

Watch out for these signs that indicate a chemical overhaul is due:

  • Aircon or piping condensation
  • Weak or no cooling
  • Leaking water
  • Rusty components
  • Musty or unpleasant odours
  • Unusual noises (buzzing, rattling)
  • Ice forming on coils
  • Increased electricity bills

These issues often stem from internal blockages or buildup that simple cleaning cannot resolve.

When Regular Cleaning Isn’t Enough

Basic servicing works for general upkeep, like filter washing and brushing accessible parts. But for deeper issues caused by dirt, mould, or clogged drainage, a chemical overhaul is more effective.

What’s included in an overhaul:

  • Full disassembly of an indoor unit
  • Soaking and scrubbing of fan coil, blower, and drain pan
  • Deep drain pipe flushing
  • Use of safe, professional-grade chemicals
  • Manpower and post-cleaning system test

How Often Should You Do a Chemical Overhaul?

For residential use, it’s recommended to do a chemical overhaul once a year. If your aircon is used frequently or in a dusty environment, consider doing it every 6–12 months to maintain performance and hygiene.

Long-Term Benefits

  • Fewer breakdowns and lower repair costs
  • Improved cooling performance and airflow
  • Lower energy bills due to better efficiency
  • Elimination of mould and allergens = cleaner air
  • Longer lifespan for your aircon unit

Transparent Pricing with City Cooling SG

Service TypePrice (before GST)
Chemical Overhaul (9–12K BTU)$130 per unit
Chemical Overhaul (18K BTU)$160 per unit
Chemical Overhaul (24K BTU)$180 per unit
Chemical Wash (no dismantle)$85 per unit
Chemical Wash (condenser)$120 per unit

*Final pricing is subject to GST.

🌟 Why Choose City Cooling SG for Your Overhaul?


✅ Experienced Technicians
Our team has over 10 years of experience with all major aircon brands in Singapore.

💵 Transparent Pricing
No hidden charges. What you see is what you pay—clear breakdowns for all services.

🧪 Quality Chemicals Used
We use non-corrosive, eco-friendly chemicals that are safe for your family and pets.

🏠 Trusted by Thousands
From HDB flats to condos to commercial buildings, City Cooling SG has earned the trust of customers islandwide.

Book Your Service with Confidence

Experiencing poor airflow, leaks, or unusual odours? Contact us & let our team handle it with a professional chemical overhaul that gets your aircon running like new.

📞 WhatsApp us now at +65 9123 4567
🌐 Fast, reliable service throughout Singapore

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Air Conditioner Servicing

Discovering Different Types of Aircon Services

Aircons are a vital part of modern life, even more so in a climate like Singapore’s. It is therefore essential to keep our aircon units running at optimal condition in order to continue receiving much-needed comfort and relief from the heat. One of the ways to prolong your aircon’s longevity is to familiarise yourself with the different issues that could arise, and the appropriate aircon repair in Singapore to resolve said issue. In this article, we will delve into the various services available and when you should use them.

Learn more: Qualities of a Good Aircon Servicing Company

Aircon Chemical Overhaul

Aircon Chemical Cleaning

An aircon chemical overhaul in Singapore is a comprehensive service that is specifically designed to deep clean your aircon system thoroughly. Over time, dust, dirt, and other contaminants can accumulate in and around your aircon’s internal components despite your best efforts to clean the unit yourself, eventually affecting its performance and air quality. An aircon chemical overhaul involves a trained technician disassembling the unit and meticulously cleaning each component with specialised chemicals before putting them back together.

Aircon chemical overhaul is really beneficial if you’ve been dealing with reduced cooling efficiency, strange odours from within, or if you haven’t been getting regular aircon maintenance and repair for a long time. An aircon chemical cleaning not only improves your unit’s cooling performance; it also enhances your indoor air quality by removing mould and bacteria buildup.

Aircon Gas Refill (Refrigerant Recharge)

Aircon gas refill

Reduced cooling efficiency in your aircon unit could be traced back to a refrigerant leak or insufficient refrigerant levels. If you’re unfamiliar with the role of a refrigerant—it is a vital component of your aircon system that is responsible for cooling the air that circulates in your room, as its namesake suggests. An aircon refrigerant recharge, also known as aircon gas top up, involves replenishing the refrigerant levels to their optimal state.

Aircon gas top up in Singapore helps your aircon operate at peak efficiency, allowing it to continue providing consistent and effective cooling. It’s also important to note that you should always address refrigerant issues promptly, as low levels could cause your aircon to work harder than it should, resulting in higher energy consumption and even potentially damaging its compressor.

Aircon Piping

Another essential component of yoUr aircon system is its piping, which can be seen as the system’s arteries. Case in point, properly installed piping ensures the efficient flow of refrigerant between the indoor and outdoor units. Over time, wear and tear, as well as other potential damages could cause your piping to develop issues like leakages and blockages, affecting your aircon’s overall performance. 

Aircon piping services encompass installation, repair, and replacement of refrigerant lines, drain pipes, and other important piping components. Given the critical role that your aircon’s piping plays, ensuring that it stays in excellent condition is crucial for maintaining efficient cooling and preventing potential water leakage issues.

Aircon Repair and Replacement

Aircon Repair and Replacement

Aircon systems are undeniably complex, comprising various components of all shapes and sizes that can wear out or malfunction over time. Some common issues that could occur include faulty compressors, malfunctioning fans, and damaged coils. These issues should be addressed in a timely manner to prevent further damage, and more importantly, to prolong your aircon’s lifespan.

There are various kinds of aircon repair in Singapore to diagnose and fix specific issues within your aircon system. However, in some cases, components may simply be beyond repair; or your aircon unit might just be too old. These are instances where an aircon system replacement might just be more cost-effective. Additionally, replacing your aircon with a newer and more energy-efficient model could even result in long-term savings on energy bills.

By understanding the different aircon services at your disposal, you’ll be able to respond to issues more quickly and accurately, getting your aircon the correct service it needs to continue functioning optimally. Here at City Cooling, we offer a wide range of aircon services to meet different needs, from standard aircon repairs, to cleaning and maintenance, to aircon ductwork installation. Whatever issue your aircon may be experiencing, our team of experts are always ready to assist you. Contact us today to get started.

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