"General service", "chemical wash" and "chemical overhaul" sound similar, but they are very different jobs at very different prices. Here's how to tell which one your aircon actually needs.
General service: routine maintenance
A general service is regular upkeep. The technician cleans the filters, front panel, cooling coil, fan blower and water tray, flushes the drain pipe, and checks refrigerant level, pressure, wiring and drainage.
Choose it when: your aircon is working fine and you want to keep it that way. Most homes need one every 3 to 4 months.
Chemical jet wash: a deep clean without full dismantling
A chemical jet wash removes the outer covers of the indoor unit, applies chemical cleaner to the cooling coil and rinses it with a high-pressure jet pump. The drain pipes, fan blades and blower wheel are cleaned as well.
Choose it when: a general service no longer brings back strong cooling, or the unit has started to smell or leak, but isn't badly clogged.
Chemical overhaul: the most thorough clean
A chemical overhaul fully dismantles the fan coil unit and chemically washes its parts. It reaches dirt, mould and slime that a jet wash can't, deep inside the coil and blower.
Choose it when:
- The unit keeps leaking water even after servicing
- There's a persistent bad smell when the aircon runs
- Cooling is still weak after a general service or jet wash
- The unit hasn't been serviced in a very long time
Don't forget the outdoor unit
The outdoor condenser releases the heat taken from your rooms. If its fins are caked with dust, your whole system works harder. A chemical outdoor condenser wash cleans it thoroughly. It's often worth doing together with an overhaul of the indoor units.
Quick comparison
| General service | Chemical jet wash | Chemical overhaul | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Routine upkeep | Deep clean of the coil | Full dismantle and wash |
| Best for | Healthy units | Weak cooling, early smells or leaks | Persistent leaks, smells, poor cooling |
| Price from | $40 (1 unit) | $90 per unit | $150 per unit |
Still not sure?
Book an aircon diagnosis. A technician will find the actual problem and recommend the right service. The $40 diagnosis fee is waived if you go ahead with the repair. Or simply send us a message describing what's happening.
