There are two ways to clean your air conditioner: a chemical wash or a chemical overhaul. Both methods will remove dirt and debris from your AC unit, but there are some key differences between the two.
What is Aircon Chemical Wash?
An aircon chemical wash is a process of using chemicals to clean the air conditioner. This method is often used to remove dirt and grime from the air conditioner coils and fan blades. The chemical wash solution will also kill any mould or mildew that may be growing on the air conditioner.
Is Chemical Wash Harmful for the Aircon?
No, aircon chemical wash will not harm your air conditioner. In fact, it is the recommended method of cleaning for air conditioners. The chemicals used in the aircon chemical wash are safe and will not damage the air conditioner.
Is A Chemical Wash Necessary for the Aircon?
Yes, aircon chemical wash is necessary to keep your air conditioner working properly. If you do not clean your air conditioner. The air conditioner coils and fan blades will become clogged with dirt and debris, and the air conditioner will not be able to cool your home properly and it will eventually stop working.
What is Chemical Overhaul?
A chemical overhaul is a more intensive cleaning process that not only cleans the air conditioner, but also replaces any parts that are worn or damaged. This method is often used when the air conditioner is not working properly or if it has not been cleaned in a long time. The chemical overhaul process will also clean the air conditioner’s ductwork and vents.
How Necessary Is A Chemical Overhaul?
A chemical aircon wash is not necessary if your air conditioner is working properly and is regularly cleaned. However, if your air conditioner is not working properly or has not been cleaned in a long time, it may be necessary.
So, which One Should I Choose?
If your air conditioner is not working properly, or if it has not been cleaned in a long time, you may want to consider a chemical overhaul. This method will clean the air conditioner and replace any parts that are worn or damaged. If your air conditioner is working properly and you just need to remove some dirt and grime, a chemical wash will be sufficient.
How Do I Know If My Aircon Needs Chemical Wash?
Aircon may need a chemical wash if:
- It has been a long time since your air conditioner was cleaned
- There is a lot of dirt and grime on your air conditioner
- You can see mould or mildew growing on your air conditioner
How Do I Know If My Aircon Needs Chemical Overhaul?
Aircon may need chemical overhaul if:
- It has been a long time since your air conditioner was cleaned
- Your air conditioner is not working properly
- There is a lot of dirt and grime on your air conditioner
- The air conditioner’s coils and fan blades are clogged with dirt and debris
- You can see mould or mildew growing on your air conditioner.
If you’re not sure whether your air conditioner needs a chemical wash or overhaul, you can always contact a aircon service for help. They will be able to inspect your air conditioner.
Additionally, if you’re facing cooling issues, our aircon not cold article can provide you with helpful insights.
How Often Should I Do Aircon Chemical Wash?
You should wash your air conditioner every 6 to 12 months. This will help keep your air conditioner clean and working properly. If you have a lot of dirt and debris on your air conditioner, you may need to aircon chemical wash it more often.
How Often Should I Do Chemical Overhaul?
You should aircon chemical overhaul your air conditioner every 3 to 5 years. This will help keep your air conditioner clean and working properly. If you have a lot of dirt and debris on your air conditioner, you may need to aircon chemical overhaul it more often.
Aircon Chemical Wash VS Chemical Overhaul
Cleaning Process
The primary difference between an aircon chemical wash and chemical overhaul lies in the depth and scope of cleaning performed.
A chemical wash focuses on cleaning accessible components like the evaporator coils, blower wheel, and drain tray using specialized chemical solutions. The unit is partially dismantled, cleaned thoroughly, and reassembled.
On the other hand, a chemical overhaul is far more comprehensive it involves complete dismantling of both indoor and outdoor units, intensive chemical cleaning of all components including the condenser coils and compressor area, and thorough inspection of every part for wear and damage.
Parts Replacement
Chemical wash is purely a cleaning service with no parts replacement involved. The technician will clean existing components but won’t replace any parts, even if they show signs of wear.
In contrast, a chemical overhaul includes inspection and replacement of worn or damaged parts such as bearings, capacitors, thermistors, and gaskets. This makes the overhaul more of a restoration service that brings your aircon back to near-original condition, while chemical wash simply maintains current performance.
Time Required
An aircon chemical wash is a relatively quick service, typically taking 1 to 2 hours to complete for a standard single unit. The technician can usually service your aircon and have it running again within a morning or afternoon.
A chemical overhaul, however, is far more time-intensive, requiring 3 to 5 hours or even longer for complex units. This is because every component must be carefully dismantled, cleaned, inspected, and reassembled, with potential parts replacement adding extra time.
Price Range
Naturally, the price of an aircon chemical wash is significantly lower than an overhaul, typically ranging from $80 to $120 per unit in Singapore. This makes it an affordable option for regular maintenance.
A chemical overhaul costs substantially more, usually between $150 to $250 per unit, given the labor-intensive process, longer duration, and potential cost of replacement parts. The price difference reflects the comprehensive nature of the service and the expertise required.
Long-Term Cost Effectiveness
While chemical wash costs less per service, you’ll need it more frequently (every 6-12 months), which adds up over time. However, regular chemical washes can prevent major problems from developing, potentially reducing the need for expensive repairs.
Chemical overhauls cost more upfront but are needed less frequently (every 3-5 years). When performed at the right time, an overhaul can extend your aircon’s lifespan significantly, making it a worthwhile investment that prevents premature replacement.
The key is choosing the right service at the right time rather than always opting for the cheaper or more expensive option.
| Feature | Chemical Wash | Chemical Overhaul |
| Cleaning Depth | Moderate | Intensive |
| Clean the Filter | No | Yes (if needed) |
| Duration | 1-2 hours | 3-5 hours |
| Cost Range | $80-$120 | $150-$250 |
| Frequency | Every 6-12 months | Every 3-5 years |
| Best For | Regular maintenance | Poor performance/old units |
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.
New to Helpling? Book now to enjoy $10 off your first aircon servicing!
Follow Helpling’s social media channels such as Facebook and Instagram for more content and tips.
