Your aircon has stopped working properly and now you’re doing the sums. Repair it, or put that money towards a new one? No single rule fits every aircon, but a few questions usually settle it.
First, is it actually broken?
Plenty of “dying” aircons are just very dirty. Weak air, poor cooling and leaks can all come from a clogged coil, blower or drain. A proper servicing or chemical wash is worth trying before you pay for parts.
What affects the repair cost
- Which part failed. A capacitor is a small part. A compressor is the most expensive part in the system.
- The brand and model. Some parts are easier to find than others.
- Age. Parts for older models can be harder to get.
- Gas. Leak repairs often need a gas recharge afterwards.
Our diagnostic fee is SGD 50, waived if you go ahead with the repair (T&C apply). You’ll get a clear quote before any work starts, so you can decide with real numbers.
Repair usually makes sense when
- The unit is fairly young and has been reliable
- It’s a first fault and a smaller part, such as a capacitor or fan motor
- The rest of the system is in good condition
Replacing is worth considering when
- The aircon is around 10 years old or more and the faults keep coming
- The compressor has failed and is out of warranty
- It runs on older R22 gas, which is being phased out
- You were planning to renovate anyway
New models can also be more efficient, which you can check on the NEA energy label. If you do replace, our installation cost guide tells you what to look out for.
What to ask your technician
- What exactly failed, and can you show me?
- What’s the total price, parts and labour?
- Is the repair covered by any warranty, and for how long?
- If this were your aircon, would you repair it?
Want a price before deciding? See aircon repair: we diagnose first and quote before any work starts.
Need a second opinion? WhatsApp us your aircon’s brand, age and what it’s doing, or book a repair check online.