If you use your air conditioner often, it can get a little less efficient over time. Many air conditioner problems can be fixed by the user without having to call for professional help. However, when an air conditioner breaks down, it is often an emergency situation. You will want to find a qualified air conditioner repair technician as soon as possible to fix the problem before it gets worse.
Signs of an Aircon Emergency
Not every aircon issue requires emergency service, but certain warning signs demand immediate attention.
Here’s when you should book an urgent repair:
Critical Emergency Signs
1. Complete Breakdown During Extreme Heat: When your aircon stops working entirely during peak afternoon hours (12 PM – 6 PM), especially with vulnerable family members at home elderly, infants, or those with medical conditions – this requires immediate action.
2. Water Leaking Heavily: A few drops of condensation is normal, but heavy water leakage that creates puddles or drips onto electrical outlets is dangerous. This could indicate a severely blocked drain line or damaged drain pan that risks electrical hazards and ceiling damage.
3. Strange Burning Smell: Any burning or electrical odor coming from your aircon unit signals potential fire hazards. This often indicates overheating components, electrical short circuits, or motor problems. Turn off the unit immediately and call for emergency service.
4. Loud Grinding or Screeching Noises: While aircons make some noise, sudden grinding, screeching, or banging sounds indicate serious mechanical failure – possibly a failing compressor, loose fan blades, or motor bearing issues that could worsen rapidly.
5. Refrigerant Gas Leak: A hissing sound combined with a sweet, chemical smell (like ether) indicates refrigerant leakage. This is hazardous to health and the environment, and your aircon won’t cool effectively. Refrigerant leaks require immediate professional attention.
6. Aircon Blowing Hot Air: In Singapore’s climate, if your aircon suddenly blows warm or hot air instead of cooling, your compressor may have failed, or refrigerant levels are critically low. This needs urgent diagnosis before the problem escalates.
7. Frequent Circuit Breaker Tripping: If your aircon keeps tripping the circuit breaker, it indicates electrical faults that could damage your home’s wiring or start a fire. Never keep resetting the breaker without professional inspection.
8. Ice Formation on Indoor Unit: Excessive ice buildup on your indoor unit’s coils or pipes signals airflow problems, refrigerant issues, or thermostat malfunctions. This can lead to compressor damage if left unaddressed.
Urgent (But Not Critical) Issues
These issues need prompt attention within 24-48 hours:
- Aircon not cooling effectively (room stays above 26°C)
- Unusual musty or moldy odors
- Irregular cycling (constantly turning on and off)
- Significantly higher electricity bills without usage changes
- Remote control not responding to any setting changes
Common Air Conditioner Problem
Here’s some common air conditioner problems you may encounter:
The Air Conditioner Does Not Turn On
This is often caused by a power outage or a tripped circuit breaker. Check your home’s electrical panel to see if the air conditioner’s circuit breaker has tripped. If it has, reset the breaker and try turning on the air conditioner again.
Be careful when resetting the breaker because it can be dangerous. If the air conditioner still does not turn on, there may be a problem with the air conditioner’s electrical wiring. Do not attempt to fix this problem yourself; call a qualified air conditioner repair technician.
Air Conditoner Not Blowing Cold Air
First, check to see if the air filter is dirty. A dirty air filter will restrict air flow and cause the air conditioner to work harder, which will make it less effective in cooling your home. Clean or replace the air filter as necessary.
Next, check the air conditioner’s evaporator coils. If they are covered in ice, this may be why the air conditioner is not blowing cold air. Turn off the air conditioner and let the coils thaw for about an hour before turning it back on again.
If these steps do not fix the problem, there may be a more serious issue with the air conditioner. Do not attempt to fix this problem yourself; call a qualified air conditioner repair technician.
Noisy Air Conditioner
This is usually caused by a loose or damaged part in the air conditioner. Turn off the air conditioner and inspect it for any loose or damaged parts. Tighten any loose parts and replace any damaged parts. You can opt for professional aircon services in doing this – they will be able to identify the parts that are out of order.
Air Conditioner Leaking Water
This is usually caused by a clogged air conditioner drain line. The air conditioner’s evaporator coils produce water as they cool the air, and this water is drained through a drain line. If the drain line becomes clogged, the water will back up and leak out of the air conditioner.
To fix this problem, you will need to clear the clog from the air conditioner’s drain line. This can usually be done with a plunger or a plumbers’ snake. To do this , remove the air conditioner’s access panel and locate the drain line. Put the plunger over the drain line and pump it up and down several times. This should clear the clog and allow the water to drain properly.
If you cannot clear the clog yourself, call a qualified air conditioner repair technician.
Air Conditioner Light Blinking
This is usually caused by a problem with the air conditioner’s compressor. The air conditioner’s compressor is responsible for circulating the refrigerant through the air conditioner’s coils. If the compressor is not working properly, the air conditioner will not be able to cool your home effectively.
Another cause of aircon light blinking is a problem with the air conditioner’s capacitor. The capacitor is responsible for storing electrical energy that is used to start the air conditioner’s compressor. If the capacitor is not working properly, the air conditioner will not be able to start its compressor.
If you see the air conditioner’s light blinking, turn off the air conditioner and call a qualified air conditioner repair technician. Do not attempt to fix this problem yourself as it can be dangerous.
Air Conditioner Gas Leaking
A gas leak can be identified by a hissing or bubbling sound coming out from your air conditioner, or a faint gasoline smell. This is caused by a refrigerant leak.
This is a serious problem that requires immediate attention. If you see air conditioner gas leaking, turn off the air conditioner and call a qualified air conditioner repair technician. Do not attempt to fix this problem yourself; it can be dangerous.
How to Solve Any Other Problem With Your Air Conditioner
Try to Restart Your Air Conditioner
This is the most common and easiest air conditioner repair that you can do. Simply turn off your air conditioner at the thermostat for about five minutes and then turn it back on again. This will reset the air conditioner’s compressor and hopefully fix the problem.
Check for Any Damaged Parts
If your air conditioner is not working properly, there may be a loose or damaged part. Inspect the air conditioner for any loose parts and tighten them with a wrench. Also, check for any damaged parts and replace them with new ones.
Calling Professional
If you cannot find the source of the problem or if the air conditioner is not working properly after you have tried to fix it yourself, call a qualified air conditioner repair technician. Do not attempt to fix the air conditioner’s serious problems by yourself.
What to Expect When You Book Urgent Aircon Repair Service
We’ve streamlined our emergency repair process to get your aircon working as quickly as possible. Here’s exactly what happens when you book with Helpling:
Step 1: Immediate Booking & Prioritization (5-15 minutes)
How to Book Emergency Service:
- Call: +65 3129 0042 (existing customers) or +65 8078 9532 (new customers)
- WhatsApp: Message our dedicated support line with “EMERGENCY AIRCON REPAIR”
- Online Platform: Select “Urgent Booking” option at helpling.com.sg/aircon-services
What We’ll Ask You:
- Nature of the emergency (leaking, no cooling, burning smell, etc.)
- Your location and property type (HDB, condo, landed)
- Aircon brand and approximate age
- Best time window for service
- Contact number for technician coordination
Our Response:
- Priority assignment to the nearest available technician
- Confirmation via WhatsApp and email within 15 minutes
- Estimated arrival time (typically 2-4 hours for true emergencies)
- Preliminary advice on immediate safety measures
Step 2: Technician Dispatch & Journey Updates (Real-time)
What You’ll Receive:
- Technician’s name and photo via WhatsApp
- Live tracking of technician’s arrival time
- Direct contact number to reach your assigned technician
- Updates if there are any delays (rare, but we keep you informed)
Our Technicians Come Prepared:
- Fully equipped service van with diagnostic tools
- Common replacement parts (capacitors, contactors, refrigerant)
- Safety equipment (gloves, meters, leak detectors)
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Digital payment options
Step 3: On-Site Inspection & Diagnosis (30-45 minutes)
The Inspection Process:
Your technician will:
- Safety Check: Confirm it’s safe to power on the unit for testing
- Visual Inspection: Examine indoor and outdoor units for obvious issues
- Performance Testing: Measure temperature output, airflow, and pressure
- Diagnostic Tests: Use professional tools to check:
- Refrigerant pressure levels
- Electrical voltage and amperage
- Compressor functionality
- Fan motor operation
- Drainage system flow
- Thermostat calibration
Communication:
- Technicians explain findings in clear, non-technical language
- Show you the problem area (when visible and safe)
- Answer all your questions about the issue
Step 4: Transparent Quotation (10-15 minutes)
What’s Included in Your Quote:
Before any repair work begins, you’ll receive:
- Detailed breakdown of required repairs
- Parts costs (if replacement needed)
- Labor charges for the repair work
- Estimated completion time
- Warranty information on parts and labor
- Alternative options (if applicable, e.g., repair vs. replace)
Our Pricing Promise:
- ✅ No hidden charges or surprise fees
- ✅ Upfront pricing before work begins
- ✅ Competitive rates for emergency services
- ✅ You approve the quote before we proceed
- ✅ Written quotation provided via email/WhatsApp
Common Emergency Repair Price Ranges:
- Diagnostic fee: $50-$80 (waived if repair proceeds)
- Capacitor replacement: $80-$150
- Drain line clearing: $100-$180
- Refrigerant gas top-up: $150-$300 (depending on type and amount)
- Fan motor replacement: $200-$400
- Compressor replacement: $500-$1,200 (depending on unit capacity)
Note: Exact prices depend on aircon brand, model, and extent of damage
Step 5: Professional Repair Work (1-4 hours)
During Repairs:
- Technicians work efficiently while maintaining quality standards
- Minimal disruption to your household
- Clean work environment (protective sheets laid down)
- Regular updates on progress
- Proper disposal of faulty parts
Quality Assurance:
- All repairs follow manufacturer specifications
- Genuine or equivalent-quality replacement parts
- Thorough testing after each repair stage
- Multiple performance checks before completion
Step 6: Post-Repair Testing & Verification (20-30 minutes)
Comprehensive Testing:
Our technicians ensure your aircon is working perfectly:
- Cooling Performance Test: Verify temperature drop (should reach set temperature within 15-20 minutes)
- Airflow Check: Confirm strong, consistent airflow from all vents
- Drainage Test: Ensure water flows freely without leaks
- Electrical Safety: Test all electrical connections and circuit integrity
- Noise Level: Confirm quiet operation without unusual sounds
- Remote Control: Test all functions and settings
Before Leaving:
- Demonstration that your aircon is working properly
- Walkthrough of the repair completed
- Opportunity to ask questions or raise concerns
- You test the unit yourself to confirm satisfaction
Step 7: Documentation & Follow-Up
You’ll Receive:
- Service Report: Detailed documentation of diagnosis and repairs
- Warranty Certificate: Coverage details for parts and labor
- Maintenance Recommendations: When to schedule next service
- Invoice/Receipt: Digital copy via email
- Preventive Tips: Advice to avoid future emergencies
Our Warranty:
- 30-day workmanship guarantee on all repairs
- Manufacturer warranty on replacement parts
- Free follow-up visit if the same issue recurs within warranty period
Ongoing Support:
- 7-day customer support for any post-repair questions
- 15-minute response time via WhatsApp
- Easy rebooking for regular maintenance
- Service history tracking for better future diagnostics
Step 8: Payment Options
Flexible Payment Methods:
- Cash
- Pay Now
- Credit/Debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, AMEX)
- Grab Pay
- Digital invoicing for corporate clients
Payment Timing:
- Payment after successful repair completion
- You only pay once you’re satisfied with the work
Final Thoughts
Air conditioners are complex machines and they require regular maintenance to keep them running properly. However if your air conditioner is not working properly and you are unable to troubleshoot it by yourself, it is best to call a qualified air conditioner repair technician. They will be able to identify the source of the problem and fix it.
About Helpling
Helpling is a super app for household services. As a home service company, we work with, and train cleaning professionals to provide a wide range of services such as home cleaning service, aircon service, carpet cleaning, and mattress cleaning.
Beyond that, we also provide solutions for other household needs such as handyman, plumbing, and gardening service, all of which can be seamlessly and efficiently booked through our app or, for existing customers, via their personal Home Advisors.
Helpling’s professional cleaners are top-rated, thoughtful and thorough which give you the confidence and assurance you need so that you can focus on your priorities.
Helpling – A world of household services, just one click away.
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