An air conditioning system is a common household appliance that makes Singapore’s hot and humid climate more bearable, which is why it can be frustrating when you encounter problems that cause your AC unit to stop functioning properly.
With Singapore’s temperatures averaging between 25°C to 31°C year-round, and humidity levels often exceeding 80%, a functioning AC system is more than just a convenience—it’s essential for comfortable living and working conditions. Find out the most common air conditioner problems through our handy guide, and how you can solve them easily at home!
15 Common Aircon Problems in Singapore
Noisy Air Conditioner
A noisy air conditioner can be a homeowner's nightmare, especially in Singapore’s compact living spaces where sound travels easily. This issue may arise due to loose parts, debris stuck in the unit, or malfunctioning components such as the fan blades or condenser fan motor. In some cases, a refrigerant leak can also contribute to the problem, leading to odd noises like clunking, rattling, or low whirring sounds.
Regular maintenance is key to avoiding noisy air conditioners. It’s important to schedule periodic servicing with professionals and clean the unit’s external parts frequently to ensure no debris gets trapped. Also, inspect the unit for loose screws or parts and tighten them before they become a bigger issue.
But if your air conditioner is already noisy, you can start by inspecting it for visible debris and remove any you find. Tighten any loose screws and ensure all parts are securely in place.
Read our in-depth article about how to fix noisy aircon compressor.
Refrigerant Leak
A refrigerant leak is a common issue in older air conditioning units across Singapore. Air conditioning systems can lose cooling efficiency due to wear and tear or corrosion in the refrigerant line. This often results in refrigerant leaks, which many people fail to recognize due to the common signs of the leaks, such as the inability to cool the room properly.
For example, one customer reported that their unit was struggling to cool their home. They first thought it was because of the heatwave, but after our inspection, we found out that it was due to a refrigerant leak.
To prevent this issue, it’s important to schedule routine inspections of your air conditioner, especially if your air conditioning units are over five years old. Regular servicing helps detect corrosion or wear early, preventing leaks from becoming severe. Additionally, keeping the unit clean and operating within recommended parameters will also minimize stress on the refrigerant lines. If a refrigerant leak occurs, you will not be able to fix it by yourself. Contact professional technicians immediately, so they can locate and repair the leak.
Dirty Air Filter
Dirty air filters are one of the most overlooked issues in Singaporean households, especially in areas like Geylang or Jurong, where the air can carry higher levels of dust and pollutants. When filters are not cleaned regularly, airflow is restricted, causing the unit to overwork and reduce cooling efficiency.
Make it a habit to clean the air filters every two weeks. Simply remove the mesh, rinse it with soap and water, and let it dry before reattaching it. This prevents the accumulation of dust and ensures optimal airflow. If your air filter is already dirty, remove it and follow the cleaning steps mentioned above. For heavily clogged filters or those that have deteriorated, consider replacing them with new ones. Replacement filters are widely available at hardware stores across Singapore.
Freezing Up
An air conditioner freezing up is a common complaint that we often hear from our customers, especially during humid months in Singapore. Aircon freezing up can stem from many factors, from dirty air filters, refrigerant leaks, leaking ducts, or clogged condenser coils. It’s important to ensure air filters and evaporator coils are clean at all times to prevent this issue. You can also avoid overworking the unit by setting a moderate temperature instead of the lowest setting, which can strain the system and cause the aircon to freeze up.
Not Blowing Cold Air
When an air conditioner blows warm air, it’s natural to find ourselves in a panic. Especially if we are currently in the midst of Singapore's hottest day. This issue is frequently caused by clogged filters, low refrigerant levels, low thermostat batteries, or an AC unit that’s too small for the room.
You can prevent this issue by making sure the aircon cooling capacity matches the size of the room when you purchase a new aircon. It’s also important to clean or replace the air filters regularly and check the thermostat batteries at least twice a year. If this doesn’t resolve the issue, schedule a servicing session with a reputable aircon technician to check the refrigerant levels!
Fan Not Spinning
A fan that’s not spinning can lead to your air conditioner freezing up or failing to cool the room. This issue may be caused by folded or bent fan blades, a malfunctioning blower motor, or broken fan blades.
If you notice that the fan of your air conditioner is not spinning, you should first turn off the unit and inspect the blades. Carefully bend them back into position if they are folded. But if you see that the blades are broken or you notice a malfunctioning motor, it’s best to immediately contact our team at Luce. Never attempt to fix electrical components without proper training, because this can be dangerous for you.
Find the ultimate causes of air conditioner fans not spinning and how to troubleshoot them.
Water Leak
Water leaks from an air conditioner are one of the most common issues our customers often report. This is mainly because most of the aircon units will need to work hard in the humid climate of Singapore. As most people in Singapore also live in HDB, they often shared how this common problem not only affects AC functionality but also causes stains on the wall due to the water drip—which can be a big issue for them.
Thus, we always recommend that the best way to prevent this is by regularly maintaining the AC unit. Check and clean the condensate drain lines every few months to ensure they remain clear.
Blowing Fuses
Blown fuses in air conditioning systems can be a frustrating issue for homeowners. This happens when the AC draws more power than the circuit can handle, often caused by extreme temperatures, a faulty capacitor, or an overworked unit.
To avoid blown fuses, ensure your aircon is not overworked by setting the temperature at a reasonable level (around 22°C–26°C). Many people in Singapore set the aircon at very low temperatures to cool their rooms during hot weather. However, it’s important to know that a temperature range of 22°C-26°C is enough to make yourself comfortable.
AC Smells Bad
A foul smell from your air conditioner can disrupt the comfort of your home and may indicate issues such as mold growth, stagnant water, refrigerant leaks, or burnt components.
Prevent unpleasant odors by cleaning your AC unit regularly. Ensure the drain pan and line are free of standing water, and replace filters frequently to avoid mold buildup.
But if your AC already smells bad, the first thing to do is identify the odor. Musty smells often indicate mold, while burnt smells may mean wiring issues. You can address this issue by cleaning the drain line and pan first–but if the smells persist, contact a technician immediately.
Turning On and Off
Air conditioners that turn on and off repeatedly are often called short cycling. When this problem happens, it can cause concern about major underlying problems. While it’s not wrong, it isn’t always as serious as it seems. Short cycling can be caused by failing components, but it can also happen due to a simple issue.
For example, one of our clients recently reported that their AC was cycling every few minutes and was worried it would cause costly repair. However, upon our inspection, we discovered that the problem was simply caused by clogged filters that restrict the airflow.
Not Working
An air conditioner that refuses to turn on can be a major inconvenience, particularly in Singapore’s sweltering heat. The causes range from power outages and tripped breakers to faulty parts or low thermostat batteries.
To prevent this from happening, it’s important to perform regular checks on your AC unit and its components. Replace batteries every six months and ensure no external objects block the power source.
But if your AC suddenly won’t turn on, start by checking for a power outage or a tripped breaker. You can also perform a hard reset using the instructions in the user manual. If none of these steps work, call a technician to diagnose and resolve the issue.
Have Other Aircon Problems?
If you’re facing air conditioning issues not mentioned above, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team. We’ll help diagnose the problem and recommend the best solution for your needs. You can also explore more of our articles on the website for additional tips and insights into common AC issues.
Tips on Maintaining Your Air Conditioner
Regular aircon services in Singapore are a must for any AC brand or model. Here are our best tips to prevent air conditioner problems, and maintain the good working condition of AC unit:
- Have the AC undergo a general cleaning twice a year (at least every 6 months).
- Verse yourself in common air conditioning problems to be aware of symptoms to watch out for. This will alert you of any underlying problem with your unit, and prevent further damages.
- Have your AC undergo a chemical cleaning at least once a year, especially for air conditioning units that are not regularly cleaned.
- Clean the air filter every two weeks for optimal performance.
- Avoid overloading circuit breakers. Unplug all unnecessary devices and appliances.
- Avoid overworking the AC unit.
For all your air conditioning needs, Luce SG is the best aircon servicing company in Singapore to provide you with top-quality cleaning and maintenance services for air conditioners across all models and brands! Our experienced HVAC professionals will get your AC up and running again as they diagnose, repair, and solve the issue for you.
Find out more about our aircon services in Singapore, or give us a call today. We can schedule an appointment at your most convenient time!
