If your aircon is leaking, smelly or no longer cold, you have probably been told it needs a “chemical wash” or a “chemical overhaul”. Both are deep-cleaning services, but they are not the same — and the price difference can be significant. Here is what each one involves and how to choose.
What is an aircon chemical wash?
A chemical wash is a deep clean done with the fan coil still mounted on the wall. The technician removes the cover and filters, protects the surrounding area, then applies a specialised coil cleaner to the evaporator coil and blower wheel. The chemical breaks down mould, oil and stubborn dirt, which is then rinsed away into a water-catch bag.
Best for: units that are serviced reasonably regularly but have developed a smell, slight leak or reduced cooling.
What is an aircon chemical overhaul?
A chemical overhaul goes much further. The fan coil is taken off the wall and dismantled completely. The coil, blower, condensate tray and casing are soaked in chemical solution, scrubbed, rinsed and dried before the unit is reassembled, re-mounted and tested.
Best for: units that have not been serviced for years, units with heavy mould growth, or units that still leak or make noise after a chemical wash.
Side-by-side comparison
| Chemical Wash | Chemical Overhaul | |
|---|---|---|
| Unit dismantled? | No – cleaned on the wall | Yes – fully dismantled |
| Time per unit | About 1 hour | 1.5 – 2 hours |
| Cleaning depth | Coil and blower | Every internal component |
| Typical price (wall-mounted) | From $70 | From $150 |
| Recommended frequency | Once a year | Only when needed |
How to decide
Ask yourself three questions:
- When was the unit last serviced? If it was within the last 6 to 12 months, a chemical wash is usually enough. If it has been two years or more, an overhaul may be needed.
- Can you see black spots on the blower? Shine a torch into the air outlet. Light spotting is usually cleared by a chemical wash; thick black slime often needs an overhaul.
- Did a previous chemical wash fix the problem? If leaks or smells came back quickly, the dirt is likely deep inside the coil or tray — an overhaul will get to it.
A word about upselling
Because an overhaul costs roughly twice as much, some companies recommend it by default. At Arctiq, our technicians inspect each unit first and show you photos of what they find. If a chemical wash will solve the problem, that is what we recommend. If an overhaul is genuinely needed, we will explain why before starting.
Not sure which one you need? WhatsApp us a photo of your aircon’s air outlet and we will give you an honest recommendation — free.