Singapore is a tropical place and high temperatures are not unusual in Singapore. As the temperature is mostly hot and humid, many homeowners in Singapore invest in air conditioners to prevent the discomfort and health effects of heat stress. As the years pass, an air conditioner in Singapore is no longer a luxury – it has now become a necessity.

Indoor air quality is crucial for a healthy and comfortable living environment. It is important to take measures to improve the air quality in our home. There are always pros and cons in installing air-conditioners, however, air conditioning critically maintains body temperature.

According to the research on air-conditioning systems, air-conditioners positively affecting productivity, learning ability, mortality and mobility in humans and that is why we have to regularly maintain the units in our home.

1)   Keep it clean – clean the air filters to maintain optimal airflow

Regular maintenance of our air-conditioner will help prolong its lifespan and keep it running efficiently. Every month, check and replace the aircon unit filters if necessary. They can get dirty quite quickly and reduce the unit’s efficiency.  If the aircon unit is looking a bit dusty, it may be a good idea to give it a thorough clean-up. This will help protect the aircon unit from overheating and breakdowns. 

2)   Keep it Dry – Be mindful of water leaks and condensation

It is important to keep the air-conditioning unit and the areas dry. Water leaks drip into the compressor might cause corrosion and rusting the internal components. This will lead to expensive repairs or an early replacement.

3)   Keep it Safe – Better safe than sorry

Unplug the aircon unit before cleaning or servicing to ensure safety. And never use air-conditioning unit for heating as it wasn’t designed for heating function and can lead to expensive repair. It is important to check the brackets holding up the unit for any signs of corrosion and rust. Any loose bolts or improper installation can result in accidents.

4)   Keep it Quiet – Give enough room for air circulation

The air-conditioner unit need to have enough space from walls and other obstructions. The air circulation need room to operate efficiently.

5)   Keep it Efficient – Improve airflow

Clean the filter to improve airflow and clean off the black soot buildup.

6)   Keep it Cool

Closing window coverings during the day to reduce heat from sunlight and add weather stripping to window and door openings to better seal in comfort and seal out heat.

7)   Keep the Costs

According to NEA, it is recommended that you set the temperature at about 25°C or higher.

Under the Building Control Act (BCA), homeowners can face a penalty of up to S$5,000 and/or jail term for improper installation of air conditioner. In addition to that, homeowners can be penalized if the air-conditioner falls due to lack of maintenance.

You can only engage BCA-trained air-conditioner installers such as DLM Pte Ltd to replace or install the air-conditioners. DLM is a registered contractor with the Building Construction Authority of Singapore for the awarded work heads which include ACMV.

Taking care of your air conditioner should not be a complicated matter. You can maintain the quality of your air conditioner by following some of those tips above. Do remember that it is important to service your air-conditioning units regularly and get it inspected annually.