Singapore’s tropical climate makes air conditioning a necessity rather than a luxury. With the relentless heat and humidity, our reliance on these cooling systems means they work overtime, accumulating dust, grime, and even mould. Regular maintenance, particularly professional aircon servicing in Singapore, becomes crucial not just for efficiency but also for the quality of the air we breathe. But have you ever asked yourself what goes into that deep clean, particularly in a “chemical wash”? Let’s take a look at the not-so-obvious realm of the chemicals involved with keeping your AC shining and running smoothly.
The Work of Coil Cleaners
When a technician from an aircon company in Singapore shows up to clean an AC, he’s not only equipped with brushes and cloth. All sorts of chemical cleaners are used, each formulated to break down certain kinds of buildup. The most commonly used form of cleaner is a coil cleaner. These are usually alkaline or acid solutions designed to break down dirt, grease, and other impurities that form on the evaporator and condenser coils. Alkaline cleaners, usually in the form of potassium hydroxide or sodium hydroxide, are excellent at decomposing organic material and grease. They do this by saponifying fats and oils, allowing them to be rinsed away more easily. Acid cleaners, meanwhile, will often carry phosphoric acid or hydrochloric acid in diluted strengths. They are very effective at breaking down rust, mineral buildup, and oxidation, which can form on metal surfaces. You may need to use alkaline or acidic, depending on the nature of the dirt as well as the coil material.
Dealing with Mould and Odour
In addition to coil cleaners, you may come across mould and mildew removers. As Singapore has a humid climate, mould development inside AC units is a general issue with musty smells and possible health complications. These specialised cleaners generally include fungicides or mildewcides, such as quaternary ammonium compounds or chlorine solutions, that efficiently destroy and suppress the growth of these unwanted microorganisms. The solutions are then applied, followed by good rinsing to remove any chemical residue that may be circulated in the air. Deodorisers are also used by technicians, either as part of the cleaning solution or as a final treatment. These agents have neutralising products for bad smells and not just masking them, leaving your home smelling clean and fresh.
Degreasers and the Chemical Wash Process
Another group of chemicals utilised are detergents and degreasers. Although coil cleaners possess limited degreasing action, specialised degreasers may be applied to very stubborn grease buildup, particularly on outside components or fan blades. They are usually surfactant-based agents that emulsify oil and grease into small particles so that they can be easily washed away. To perform a thorough aircon chemical wash, these different agents are used systematically. The procedure typically starts with a preliminary rinse, the application of the selected chemical solution, letting it sit and dissolve the grime, and lastly, an intense high-pressure rinse to rinse everything out. This careful process means that the AC equipment is not only superficially cleaned but also more profoundly sanitised.
Why Expertise is Important
Note that although these chemicals work effectively, they need to be applied by an expert. Professional technicians are trained in handling these substances safely, ensuring adequate ventilation and using personal protective equipment. They also understand the correct dilution ratios and application techniques to prevent damage to your AC unit’s components. Using the wrong chemical or applying it incorrectly can corrode coils, damage delicate electronic parts, and even pose health risks if residues are not completely removed. This is why trying to chemical wash yourself without proper knowledge and tools is not recommended. Counting on a trusted aircon company in Singapore ensures that the cleaning is done effectively and safely, prolonging the life of your unit and keeping indoor air quality at its best.
Conclusion
In short, chemicals in AC cleaning are a judiciously chosen collection of alkaline and acidic coil cleaners, mildew and mould removers, degreasers, and deodorisers. Each one is crucial in the breakdown and dissipation of the various types of filth that pile up in your air conditioner. Knowing what chemicals are used and why they are applied can give a better appreciation for the extent of professional AC cleaning services. The advantages of a deep clean, particularly an aircon chemical wash, go beyond mere enhanced cooling performance; it also plays a large role in ensuring a healthier living space by removing allergens, bacteria, and mould.
Regular professional aircon servicing is an investment in your comfort and health. If you need a service or you observe your AC not running the way it should, don’t wait any longer to contact Airple today to put your unit in first-class working condition.
