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Tag: FoamJet Aircon Servicing

  • Is FoamJet Aircon Servicing Safe? What the Foam Actually Does to Your Coils

    You’ve probably seen FoamJet mentioned and wondered: is this just a gimmick with a fancy name, or does it actually do something different? And if it does something different — does that mean your aircon is getting less of what it actually needs?

    Fair questions. Here’s a straight answer.

    What “normal” aircon servicing actually covers

    When most people think of aircon servicing, they mean a standard general service: filter wash, blower wash, drainage vacuum, and a check of the unit. That’s the baseline — and it should happen every 3 to 6 months in Singapore’s climate.

    FoamJet doesn’t replace any of that. Every FoamJet service includes all the standard steps. The foam is what happens on top of them.

    What actually happens during a FoamJet service

    Here’s the full process, in order.

    1. Airflow check before anything starts The technician measures airflow from your unit using an anemometer. This is the baseline — so there’s a before reading to compare against at the end.

    2. AC jacket goes on The unit and surrounding area are covered before any water or foam is applied. Your walls, furniture, and flooring are protected throughout.

    3. Foam applied to filters, coils, blower, and drain tray This is the FoamJet part. The foam compound is applied directly to the components that accumulate the most grime — including the evaporator coil, which a standard rinse doesn’t reach thoroughly. The foam breaks down dirt and grease trapped between the fins and suspends it for removal.

    4. Jet-spray wash Every part of the unit is flushed through with a jet spray — getting into corners and gaps that a brush or cloth can’t reach. All the loosened dirt comes out here.

    5. Dirty water collected The water flushed out goes into a pail — not onto your floor. You’ll see what came out of your unit. For most aircons that haven’t been serviced recently, it’s not pretty. That’s the point.

    6. Drainage pipe declogged with vacuum The drain pipe is vacuumed clear of residue. A blocked drain pipe is one of the most common causes of water leakage from aircons — this step specifically prevents it.

    7. Final test and clean-up The unit is tested before the technician leaves. Airflow is measured again — the after reading. The surrounding area is cleaned and left as it was found.

    Does the foam damage the coils?

    No. The compound isn’t the harsh chemical used in a chemical overhaul. It doesn’t strip coatings, corrode fins, or require the unit to be dismantled. It breaks down organic dirt and grime — the same way a cleaning foam works on a surface — and washes off completely during the jet-spray step.

    Chemical overhaul is a different, more intensive process for units with significant buildup or persistent performance issues. FoamJet is a deeper version of routine servicing, not a step toward chemical overhaul territory.

    How do you know it actually worked?

    The before-and-after airflow readings tell you. Airflow is measured at the start and again at the end — if the clean made a difference, you’ll see it in the numbers. Photos of the coils before and after are captured in the app. The dirty water is shown on completion.

    Most aircon companies don’t do this. Once the technician leaves, there’s no way to verify what was actually done. The proof-of-work record exists precisely because a claim without evidence isn’t worth much.

    When is FoamJet not enough?

    FoamJet handles routine maintenance well — even for units that haven’t been serviced in a while. But it isn’t a fix for everything.

    If your aircon is blowing warm air, leaking water, making unusual noises, or tripping the power, those are repair issues that need diagnosis first. FoamJet servicing won’t resolve a refrigerant leak or a faulty component. Urban Company offers separate repair services with a $60 diagnosis fee — waived if you proceed with the repair.

    If the coil buildup is severe enough — usually from years without servicing — a chemical overhaul may be recommended. A good technician will tell you honestly whether you need it. They shouldn’t be recommending it as a default after every routine visit.

    What does FoamJet servicing cost?

    $23/unit for a one-off service. $20/unit on an annual contract, available as 2x, 3x, or 4x per year.

    Most Singapore households run 2 to 3 units. Servicing all of them in one visit is usually the practical choice — the technician is already there, and per-unit pricing means no penalty for doing them together.

    Book a FoamJet aircon service →

    Does FoamJet replace standard aircon servicing?

    Yes. FoamJet includes all the standard servicing steps — filter wash, blower wash, drainage vacuum — plus foam cleaning of the evaporator coil, blower, and drain tray. It’s a more thorough version of routine servicing.

    Is the foam compound safe for aircon coils?

    Yes. The foam breaks down dirt and grime trapped in the coils and washes off completely during the jet-spray step. It isn’t the harsh chemical compound used in a chemical overhaul and doesn’t damage coil fins or coatings.

    Why does so much dirty water come out during FoamJet servicing?

    That’s the grime that was sitting in your coils. The dirty water is flushed out and collected in a pail as part of the process — your floors stay dry. It’s confirmation the cleaning worked, not a sign something went wrong.

    Will the technician make a mess in my home?

    No. The AC jacket covers the unit and surrounding area before any water or foam is applied. Dirty water is collected in a pail. The technician cleans up and tests the unit before leaving. The process is specifically designed to contain mess at every step.

    How is FoamJet different from a chemical overhaul?

    A chemical overhaul is an intensive process for units with severe buildup or persistent performance issues — it typically involves full dismantling of the unit. FoamJet is a deeper version of routine maintenance for well-functioning units. Your technician will advise honestly if a chemical overhaul is genuinely needed.

    How often should I get FoamJet servicing done?

    Every 3 to 6 months is standard for Singapore’s climate. If you’re running your aircon heavily — which most households are — leaning toward every 3 months keeps performance consistent and prevents buildup from compounding.

    What if my aircon still isn’t cold after servicing?

    Less cooling is a repair issue, not a servicing one. It usually points to low refrigerant, a blocked condenser, or a faulty component. Urban Company offers a less-cooling repair service with a $60 diagnosis fee, waived if you proceed with the repair.

    What does FoamJet servicing cost in Singapore?

    $23/unit for a one-off service. $20/unit on an annual contract (2x, 3x, or 4x per year). Most households service 2 to 3 units per visit.

  • Why Is My Aircon Not Cooling? 6 Common Causes & Fixes

    In Singapore, your aircon isn’t a luxury — it’s infrastructure. When it stops cooling properly, it’s not something you want to diagnose over a few days. Humidity kicks in fast, sleep suffers, and what starts as weak airflow can turn into a full breakdown if left alone.

    The good news: most cases of an aircon not cooling have a specific, identifiable cause. This guide covers the 6 most common ones, what each means for your unit, and what needs to happen to fix it.

    Why Is My Aircon Not Cooling?

    1. Clogged Air Filters

    This is the most common cause — and the easiest to fix. Your aircon’s filters trap dust, pet hair, and airborne particles over time. Once they’re clogged, airflow drops, your unit works harder, and cooling performance suffers noticeably.

    In Singapore’s humidity, filters accumulate grime faster than in drier climates. If you’re running your aircon most of the day — which most households do — filters need attention every 3 to 6 months at minimum.

    What to do: Schedule a professional servicing. A properly trained technician will clean the filters as part of a full unit service, not just a surface wipe.

    2. Dirty Evaporator Coils

    The evaporator coil is what actually absorbs heat from the air in your room. When it gets coated in dust and grime — particularly on the back of the coil where most cleaning methods don’t reach — it loses the ability to absorb heat effectively. The result: your aircon runs but the air coming out isn’t cold.

    This is exactly why standard aircon servicing often falls short. Most providers clean only the front of the coil. Urban Company’s FoamJet servicing uses high-pressure foam to clean both the front and back of the evaporator coil, where the real buildup happens.

    What to do: Book a FoamJet aircon service. From $23/unit, no contract required.

    3. Low Refrigerant (Gas)

    Refrigerant is the substance that makes cooling possible — it absorbs heat from indoor air and releases it outside. If your unit has a refrigerant leak, cooling capacity drops significantly. You might notice the air feels slightly cool but never reaches the temperature you’ve set.

    Signs your refrigerant may be low:

    • Air is less cold than it used to be, even on the lowest temperature setting
    • Hissing or bubbling sounds from the unit
    • Ice forming on the evaporator coil or copper pipes

    What to do: This requires a professional. A technician will check for leaks, repair them, and top up the gas. Urban Company offers gas top-up from $49 for R22 refrigerant.

    4. Blocked Condenser Unit

    The condenser is the unit outside your home — on a ledge, in a yard, or in a dedicated aircon ledge in HDB and condo units. Its job is to release the heat that the indoor unit has absorbed. If it’s blocked by debris, dust buildup, or poor ventilation, it can’t do that job, and your whole system runs less efficiently.

    In landed properties with outdoor condensers, leaves and plant matter are common culprits. In HDB and condo units, dust accumulation on the fins is more typical.

    What to do: Keep the area around the condenser clear. Urban Company’s condenser cleaning service addresses this directly — from $49 for 1 unit.

    5. Thermostat or Sensor Issues

    Sometimes the problem isn’t the cooling system itself — it’s the thermostat misreading the room temperature and cutting the compressor too early. This can make it feel like the aircon isn’t cooling when it’s actually just stopping prematurely.

    Check: is the aircon blowing cold air for a while and then switching to fan mode before the room feels cool? That pattern points to a thermostat or sensor issue rather than a coil or refrigerant problem.

    What to do: Check your remote settings first — make sure you’re on Cool mode, not Fan mode, and that the set temperature isn’t too high. If settings are correct and the issue persists, a technician should inspect the sensor.

    6. Compressor Failure

    The compressor is the heart of the system. It circulates the refrigerant and drives the whole cooling cycle. A failing compressor usually means no cooling at all — the unit may run and blow air, but nothing gets cold.

    Compressor issues are typically the most expensive repair. They’re also often the result of years of inadequate maintenance — dirty coils and low refrigerant both put extra strain on the compressor over time.

    What to do: Call a technician for diagnosis. Urban Company charges a $60 diagnosis fee, which is waived if you proceed with the repair.

    How Urban Company Fixes Aircon Not Cooling

    Depending on what the technician finds, there are a few different service paths:

    FoamJet Aircon Servicing

    For units that aren’t cooling due to dirty coils or reduced airflow — which covers most cases — FoamJet servicing is the right starting point. High-pressure foam cleans both sides of the evaporator coil, restoring airflow and cooling efficiency. Every job includes before-and-after airflow measurements with an anemometer, captured in the app, so you can see the difference.

    From $23/unit, or $20/unit on an annual contract.

    Condenser Cleaning

    For units where the outdoor condenser is contributing to the problem. From $49 for 1 unit.

    Gas Top-Up

    For units confirmed to have low refrigerant. From $49 for a half gas top-up of R22.

    Aircon Repair

    For diagnosed faults — water leakage, power issues, noises, or reduced cooling that servicing alone can’t fix. $60 diagnosis fee, waived if you proceed with the repair.

    Book an aircon service →

    Why Regular Aircon Maintenance Prevents Most of These Problems

    Most of the causes above — clogged filters, dirty coils, strain on the compressor — are preventable with consistent servicing. In Singapore’s climate, every 3 to 6 months is the right cadence for most households. If you’re running 3 or more units daily, lean towards every 3 months.

    The cost of a missed service is almost always higher than the service itself. A $23 FoamJet service done regularly prevents the conditions that lead to a $160+ chemical overhaul or a compressor repair that runs into the hundreds.

    FAQ

    Why is my aircon running but not cooling the room?

    The most common reasons are dirty evaporator coils, clogged air filters, or low refrigerant. All 3 reduce your unit’s ability to absorb and remove heat from the room. A professional service will identify which one applies to your unit.

    How do I know if my aircon needs gas top-up?

    Signs include air that feels slightly cool but never reaches the set temperature, hissing sounds from the unit, or ice forming on the coil or pipes. A technician can confirm with a pressure check.


    How often should I service my aircon in Singapore?

    Every 3 to 6 months, depending on usage. For households running aircon most of the day across multiple rooms, every 3 months is more appropriate. Annual contracts with Urban Company work out to $20/unit per service.

    What is FoamJet aircon servicing?

    FoamJet is Urban Company’s standard aircon service. It uses high-pressure foam to clean both the front and back of the evaporator coil — the back is where most dirt accumulates and where standard servicing doesn’t reach. Every job includes before-and-after airflow measurements captured in the app.

    What’s the difference between aircon servicing and a chemical overhaul?

    Servicing — done regularly — cleans the unit and maintains performance. A chemical overhaul is a more intensive process for units with heavy mould, rust, or blockage that regular servicing can’t clear. Regular FoamJet servicing is specifically designed to prevent the buildup that makes a chemical overhaul necessary.

    How much does aircon repair cost in Singapore?

    Urban Company charges a $60 diagnosis fee for repair jobs — covering water leakage, less cooling, power issues, and unusual noises. The fee is waived if you proceed with the repair. Full repair pricing is shown in the app before you commit.