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Why you should never do aircon chemical wash?

“But I Just Did Aircon Chemical Wash Last Month? Why Did You Quote Me Overhaul Again Now?!”

These were the words we heard from one of our customers. They thought we were trying to scam them. It is not easy for residential Aircon contractors to explain to our customers. Hence we dedicate this page to explain why is their Aircon not cold After chemical wash? Furthermore we will point out to you why you should never do Aircon chemical wash. An aircon chemical wash price starts at $80 per unit, with a reduced rate of $60 per unit for servicing two or more fan coils. But there are drawbacks:

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Types of Service Price of Servicing (Promo Pricing)
Normal Aircon Chemical Wash $90 $80

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Aircon Chemical Overhaul $140 $130 (Cheaper per unit for 2 or more)

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Ceiling Cassette Chemical Overhaul $270 $260 (depending on difficulty of job)

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Chemical Wash for Cassette Unit $190 $180 / unit

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If you are reading this, you are probably facing a situation that has something to do with aircon chemical cleaning. This article aims to address all your concerns. It will differentiate between aircon chemical wash and chemical overhaul, with a clear explanation of what is involved in each type of aircon service. To start off, aircon chemical wash is literally ‘washing’ the air conditioning fan-coil unit using a chemical agent. Only when normal aircon servicing is not enough, we then recommend washing your aircon with chemicals. It is because the chemical wash process involves removing the external cover and using a  chemical agent to wash the evaporator coil, a process that has both upsides and downsides.

While it may seem like a simple and cost-effective option for maintaining an HVAC system, a chemical wash is generally not recommended for a number of reasons. This article will help you differentiate between an aircon chemical overhaul and aircon chemical wash, and then discover which one is the preferred option.

Refer to the table of content below.

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What is aircon chemical wash?

 

The process of aircon chemical wash includes the cleaning and checking of internal components. Firstly, we remove the air-conditioner cover and dismantle the system. We then proceed to wash the aircon filter with water and chemical solutions. Then we run a high-pressure jet to wash the indoor evaporator coil, drainage tray, front panel, and cover. To remove dirt, oil and dust from the components of the fan coil, we use a chemical cleaning agent. The chemical solution also contains ingredients that kill and inhibit further growth of mold and harmful bacteria.

We will also clear the drainage pan and drainage system via vacuuming. In addition, we check on various functions such as the fan bearing, lubrication level, compression suction, and discharge pressure. We also tighten electrical contacts, if necessary. After cleaning all the components, we re-assemble the entire system. Silverback Aircon’s aircon chemical wash price starts at $80 per unit, with a discounted rate of $60 per unit for servicing two or more fan coils.

aircon chemical wash service

What is aircon chemical overhaul?

 

In the event that simple cleaning techniques and chemical washing are not enough to thoroughly clean the air conditioning system, professionals will recommend a chemical overhaul. And, if there are damaged components in your unit. we will also offer repair services along with a chemical overhaul. Learn more through our comprehensive “Aircon Chemical Overhaul” page. 

The chemical overhaul process starts with turning on the air conditioning unit. We then lock down the gas and remove the cover.  After inspection, the entire air conditioning unit is removed and dismantled down to its internal components such as the PCB, fan motor, blower wheel, drain pan and evaporator coil.

The components are then checked and washed with a chemical solution that removes deep-seated grime and mold. Common repair procedures done during a chemical overhaul include the replacement or lubrication of fan bearings to reduce operational noise and increase efficiency as well as the checking and monitoring of thermostat controls. Then the parts are reassembled after the repair. The air conditioning unit is fixed back to the wall and the, air conditioning gas is turned on.

chemical overhaul service

Price of Aircon Chemical Wash

 

Types of service Price of servicing
Normal Aircon Chemical Wash  $80/ unit
Aircon Chemical Overhaul $130 / unit ( Cheaper per unit for 2 or more)
Ceiling Cassette Chemical Overhaul  $260/ unit ( depending on difficulty of job)
Chemical Wash for Cassette Unit $180 / unit

What Is the Difference Between Chemical Wash and Chemical Overhaul?

 

Basically, the biggest difference is that, chemical overhaul requires dismantling of the entire fan coil unit. Even so, the motherboard will be removed from the evaporator coil. Whereas chemical wash will merely wash the evaporator coil by removing the fan coil cover. Maximum water pressure will also be used during chemical overhaul. Where as Furthermore, the back tray portion of an aircon unit can only be accessed by chemical overhaul.

Step-by-Step Guide to Aircon Chemical Wash:

  1. Remove Aircon cover
  2. Attach plastic sheets to Aircon fan coil unit. Water from the fan coil unit will be directed to a pail
  3. Cover fan coil unit’s electrical component and prevent water from entering
  4. Spray chemical agent on the fan coil and blower wheel
  5. Use high pressure water jet to wash away chemical agent

Step-by-Step Guide to Aircon Chemical Overhaul:

  1. Turn on Aircon unit and make sure Aircon compressor is running.
  2. Pump down Aircon gas to keep Aircon gas inside condenser unit.
  3. Remove fan coil unit.
  4. Dismantle fan coil unit completely
  5. spray chemical agent on evaporator coil and blower wheel.
  6. Use high pressure water jet to wash chemical thoroughly on evaporator coil and blower wheel.
  7. Assemble the fan coil unit back and install back.
  8. Release gas back into the system.

Why You Should Never Do Aircon Chemical Wash?

Chemical Agent Can Corrode Your Fan Coil Unit

 

Particularly, if you were to use chemical agent to wash your fan coil unit at the top, you will not likely be able to thoroughly wash away the residue. Because if the technicians put on too high of a pressure, your surrounding area will all be wet. Hence there might be residue left on your fan coil unit. As a result, it will corrode and result in damage coil. By all means, you can refer to the image attached at the side. In effect, your evaporator coil will be able to properly absorb heat and give out cool air to your room. If you chemically wash your coil too often at the top, you might have to change your coil entirely due to damages done by the residue.

damaged-fan-coil-unit

It Can Never Wash Your Fan Coil Unit Thoroughly

 

We have encountered many customers and propose to do chemical overhaul to them. In which they responded “ We just did chemical a few months ago!” Here’s the issue, Chemical wash is not cheap (as compared to normal Aircon servicing). So if you have just done chemical wash a few month ago, you will definitely feel cheated if another technician recommends aircon chemical overhaul. However, normal chemical wash will not be able to properly wash the grime stuck between the coil.

For instance, have you ever encountered a toilet bowl that wasn’t clean properly after flushing? And you are only able to wash it away with water jet. Significantly, it is the same for aircon fancoil unit as well. Those grime and algae requires extremely strong water pressure to get rid of them Besides, we can only wash the area under the coil if we dismantle the entire unit.

Hence, we recommend doing chemical overhaul instead of chemical wash.

dirty fancoil

Chemical Wash Will Not Be Able To Wash Your Back Tray

 

Evaporator coil is V shape. Because if the coil is straight and flat just like the old aircon units in the past. It will take up a lot of space in the room. Therefore, fan coil in the current times are V in shape. Hence, as the evaporator coil condense, the water along with the dirt will flow into the back tray. This area can not be vacuumed and cleaned normally. We will have dismantle it fully in order to properly clean it. The dirt will accumulate in this area (albeit at a much slower rate than your drainage pan). Consequently, a choke at the back tray will result in water overflowing from there and you will have water leaking problem from your fan coil.

dirty backtray

Potential Damage To Your Electrical Components

 

Even though chemical wash is covered under warranty,  it might still  cause damage to the motherboard or other electrical components at the fan coil. Hence, the Aircon company will have to take time to find spare parts to replace for you, resulting in days without Aircon. Nevertheless if you are need of emergency Aircon repair, we can do a tele-consultation with you and arrange for a same-day aircon repair.

aircon pcb

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Aircon Not Cold After Chemical Wash?

As hypocritical as we sound, we still do a chemical wash when a customer insists on it. Even though we don’t think it’s the best solution to your aircon issues, we will still provide that service upon request. Nevertheless, we really recommend doing a chemical overhaul instead of a chemical wash. And if your aircon is not cold after chemical wash, there are a few things you will have to check.

Check if your Aircon Compressor is Running

 

If your aircon compressor is not running, the compressor won’t supply refrigerant to the evaporator coil. Normal Aircon chemical wash will not affect the compressor’s functionality. So if your aircon compressor stops working after a chemical wash, it is likely that the electrical components in the condensing unit have malfunctioned at the same time. Thus, you can listen to the sound of the condenser unit to tell if it is still running.

compressor

Check If You Have Sufficient Refrigerant

 

It is very likely that you will not have the right tools or experience to do so. What you can do is to place your hand over the evaporator coil. If it is cold, your refrigerant is most likely sufficient. While If you feel that that the “coldness” level is not adequate,  it might be that the technician has forgotten to do an aircon gas top up after chemical wash.

refrigerant

When an air conditioner is not cold after a chemical wash, it can be due to several reasons. A chemical wash is basically a cleaning process that involves using chemical solutions to remove dirt, dust, and other contaminants from the aircon’s components, particularly the evaporator coils and filters. However, if the aircon is still not cold after this procedure, it may indicate deeper issues that a chemical wash alone cannot resolve. Here are the detailed reasons why this might happen:

Incomplete Cleaning
🔖Residual Dirt and Debris: A chemical wash may not always remove all the dirt and debris, especially if the buildup is severe or if the cleaning process is not thorough. Residual dirt can still obstruct airflow and reduce cooling efficiency.
🔖Clogged Drainage System: If the drainage system is clogged, water may accumulate in the unit, leading to reduced cooling performance. A chemical wash might not address this issue if the clog is deep within the drainage pipes.

Component Wear and Tear
🔖Compressor Issues: The compressor is a critical component that circulates refrigerant through the system. If the compressor is faulty or worn out, the aircon will not cool effectively, regardless of how clean the coils are.
🔖Refrigerant Leaks: Over time, the refrigerant can leak due to wear and tear or damage to the refrigerant lines. A chemical wash does not address refrigerant levels or leaks, which are essential for proper cooling.
🔖Fan Motor Problems: The fan motor is responsible for blowing air over the evaporator coils. If the fan motor is malfunctioning, the aircon will not distribute cold air effectively, even if the coils are clean.

Electrical Issues
🔖Faulty Wiring or Connections: Electrical issues, such as faulty wiring or loose connections, can affect the performance of the aircon. These issues are not resolved by a chemical wash and require a more comprehensive inspection.
🔖Capacitor Failure: The capacitor helps start the compressor and fan motors. If the capacitor is faulty, the aircon may not cool properly, even after a chemical wash.

Incorrect Chemical Wash Procedure
🔖Improper Use of Chemicals: If the wrong type or concentration of chemicals is used during the wash, it can damage the coils or other components, leading to reduced cooling efficiency.
🔖Inadequate Rinsing: If the chemical residues are not thoroughly rinsed off, they can corrode the coils or other parts, leading to performance issues.

Conclusion: Opt for a Chemical Overhaul Service Instead

 

If your aircon is not cold after a chemical wash procedure, it might be a better option to go do a chemical overhaul instead. Intuitively, you might even think that the next aircon technician that recommends chemical overhaul may be scamming you. However, the dirt and grime deep inside the evaporator coil will still be dirty without a chemical overhaul. Hence, our professional opinion is : ALWAYS go for chemical overhaul when in doubt. For more information regarding our aircon servicing or chemical overhaul pricing, call or Whatsapp 96515152.

Why a Chemical Overhaul is the Preferred Solution

A chemical overhaul is a more comprehensive maintenance procedure that goes beyond a simple chemical wash. It involves a thorough cleaning of all components, inspection, and repair of any issues that may be affecting the aircon’s performance. Here’s why it is often the preferred solution:

Complete Cleaning
✔️Deep Cleaning of Coils: A chemical overhaul ensures that the evaporator and condenser coils are thoroughly cleaned, removing all dirt and debris that could obstruct airflow and reduce cooling efficiency.
✔️Cleaning of Internal Components: In addition to the coils, other internal components such as the blower fan, drain pan, and drainage system are also cleaned, ensuring optimal performance.

Inspection and Repair
✔️Identification of Issues: During a chemical overhaul, the technician will inspect the entire system for any issues, such as refrigerant leaks, compressor problems, or electrical faults. This allows for the identification and repair of problems that a chemical wash alone cannot address.
✔️Refrigerant Recharge: If the refrigerant level is low, the technician will recharge it to the appropriate level, ensuring that the aircon can cool effectively.
✔️Component Replacement: Any worn-out or faulty components, such as capacitors, fan motors, or filters, can be replaced during the overhaul, restoring the aircon’s performance.

Preventive Maintenance
✔️Lubrication of Moving Parts: Moving parts such as fan motors and bearings are lubricated during a chemical overhaul, reducing friction and wear, which can improve efficiency and extend the lifespan of the unit.
✔️System Calibration: The technician may also calibrate the system, ensuring that it operates at peak efficiency.

Long-Term Benefits
✔️Improved Efficiency: A chemical overhaul can significantly improve the aircon’s efficiency, leading to better cooling performance and lower energy consumption.
✔️Extended Lifespan: By addressing underlying issues and performing preventive maintenance, a chemical overhaul can extend the lifespan of the aircon, reducing the need for frequent repairs or replacements.

So, while a chemical wash can improve the performance of an aircon by cleaning the coils and filters, it may not be sufficient if there are deeper issues such as refrigerant leaks, compressor problems, or electrical faults. A chemical overhaul is the preferred solution because it provides a comprehensive cleaning, inspection, and repair process that addresses all potential issues, ensuring that the aircon operates efficiently and effectively. This not only restores cooling performance but also extends the lifespan of the unit, making it a more cost-effective solution in the long run.

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Aircon Chemical Cleaning FAQ

 

Is chemical overhaul or chemical wash better?

 Chemical overhaul is a more extensive form of chemical cleaning for your air conditioning units. The entire air conditioning unit would be dismantled into the internal components such as PCB, fan motor, blower wheel, drain pan and evaporator coil. Such internal components are then checked and washed with chemical solutions which rids of grime and mould.

How much is chemical wash in Singapore?

For silverback aircon, we charge only $80 for each unit of air conditioner on every chemical wash.

How often do you need chemical wash in Singapore?

You should get a chemical wash for your air conditioner in the 3 common scenarios.

1. if the aircon no longer produces cold air

When the aircon is full or dust and dirt, it begins to produce little to no cooling air. Most of the time, this is caused by heavy ice accumulation in the condenser.

2. if the aircon is leaking water

A leaking aircon is often the result of a back flow that occurs when the unit’s drainage pipe has been clogged up.

3. if the aircon starts producing a foul smell

When the air conditioner produces a very strong stench, you shouldn’t worry as it is most likely to just be a case of a lot of bacteria build up inside your unit. This situation does render a chemical wash.

How is an aircon chemical wash different from regular servicing?

While regular servicing involves basic cleaning of filters and external parts, a chemical wash goes deeper. It cleans internal components like the evaporator coils, condenser, and drainage pipes using specialized chemical solutions, ensuring better performance and hygiene.

When should I consider an aircon chemical wash?

You should definitely consider a chemical wash if your aircon emits a foul odor, its cooling efficiency has significantly dropped, and there is mold or dirt visible inside the unit. Do consider a chemical wash, too, if there’s water leakage or unusual noises coming out of your air conditioner.

How long does the chemical wash process take?

The process typically takes 1 to 2 hours per unit, depending on the condition and type of air conditioner.

Can I perform a chemical wash myself?

While minor cleaning can be done at home, a chemical wash requires expertise and proper tools. DIY attempts may damage your aircon or void the warranty. It’s best to hire professionals for this service.

Does a chemical wash fix all aircon issues?

A chemical wash addresses issues caused by dirt and buildup but won’t fix mechanical problems like a faulty compressor or broken fan motor. Professional inspection is necessary to diagnose other issues.

Are there any precautions to take after a chemical wash?

Ensure the unit is thoroughly dried before use to prevent electrical issues. Schedule regular maintenance to maintain the benefits of the wash.

Can a chemical wash reduce electricity consumption?

Yes, by improving efficiency and reducing the workload on the aircon, a chemical wash can lower electricity usage over time.

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