Many homeowners in Singapore think all aircon units need the same care. At first, this seems logical. After all, every unit cools a room. However, this idea often causes problems. In reality, old and new aircon units in Singapore are built very differently. Because of this, servicing them the same way can lead to weak cooling, higher electricity bills, and even damage.
Knowing the difference helps you protect your aircon.
How Old and New Aircon Units Differ
Aircon technology has improved over the years. As a result, servicing methods must change too.
Older Aircon Units (Non-Inverter Models)
Older aircon units are usually:
Non-inverter systems
Less energy-efficient
Built with thicker materials
Able to handle stronger cleaning
Because of this, deeper cleaning often works well.
New Aircon Units (Inverter Models)
New aircon units in Singapore are often:
Inverter aircon systems
Energy-saving models
Built with thinner coils
Fitted with sensors and control boards
Therefore, they need gentle and careful servicing.
Why Using the Same Servicing Method Causes Issues
Although it saves time, using one method for all aircons is risky.
1. Strong Water Pressure Can Damage New Units
Older aircons can handle high water pressure. However, new inverter aircons cannot.
High pressure may:
Bend cooling fins
Damage sensors
Affect electronic parts
As a result, the aircon may not cool properly.
2. Chemical Cleaning Strength Matters
Older units often need stronger chemicals. On the other hand, new units need mild solutions.
If harsh chemicals are used:
Coil coatings wear off
Rust forms faster
Cooling drops
3. Over-Servicing Can Harm New Aircons
New aircons do not need frequent chemical washes. Instead, regular general servicing is enough.
Too much chemical cleaning can:
Damage coils
Reduce efficiency
Shorten lifespan
Therefore, more cleaning is not always better.
Why Older Aircon Units Need Extra Care
Older aircon units often hide problems inside.
Common issues include:
Heavy dirt buildup
Weaker airflow
Aging parts
Higher power use
Because of this, deeper checks are often required.
Signs Your Aircon Is Being Serviced the Wrong Way
Watch out for these signs:
Cooling feels weaker
New noises appear
Water starts leaking
Power bills rise
If this happens, servicing may not match your unit’s age.
Correct Aircon Servicing Schedule in Singapore
Singapore’s humid climate makes servicing important. However, the schedule should differ.
A simple guide:
New inverter aircons: service every 3–4 months
Older aircons: deeper cleaning every 6–12 months
All units: filter cleaning every 2–4 weeks
This approach keeps cooling strong and costs low.
Why Proper Servicing Saves Money
When servicing matches the unit:
-
Cooling stays steady
-
Electricity bills stay lower
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Breakdowns reduce
-
The aircon lasts longer
In the long run, this saves money.
Old and new aircon units should never be treated the same. While older systems need stronger cleaning, newer inverter units need careful handling. Choosing the right method prevents damage and avoids unnecessary repairs.
Book the Right Aircon Servicing with Lion City Aircon
At Lion City Air Conditioner Services, we customise our aircon servicing in Singapore based on your unit’s age and condition. We focus on proper care, not rushed work.
📞 Call us at +65 8818 5781
🌐 Book your service online: lioncityaircon.sg
