I had purchased a Panasonic system 4 aircon from Gaincity in 2016. I top up for the following: upgrade 1/2" sys4 class 1, copper 23 to 22 sys 4, 16mm drainage pipe.
Due to my negligence, I did not service it until now, almost 20 months. Although the aircon is still very cool (I use master and study mostly, and some months I did not turn on), the condenser unit was generating loud fan noises.
I called Gaincity to request a warranty check and also concurrently engaged Aircon Servicing.SG to do cleaning. I found this recommendation (https://www.aircon-servicing.sg) from another thread.
Gaincity service technician came first and obviously (since I never service before), the finding is that the aircon is dirty and we must clean it. He also helped to clean the condenser slightly.
The aircon continued to be cool until the day the cleaning technicians from Aircon Servicing.SG (Well Airconditioning and Services) came. The price was $220 for:
- chemical clean 2 most used fan coils ($140)
- normal clean the other 2 fan coils ($60)
- clean the condenser ($60)
- discount (-$40)
- the breakdown is estimated, can't remember the phone call well.
The cleaning technicians were very friendly and kept sharing with me many aircon knowhow and tips while doing the cleaning. Finally, all the 4 fan coils were cleaned and then the uncomfortable issues started to happen.
He climbed into the aircon ledge to inspect my condenser unit. After a while, he told me that the aircon gas is very low and the condenser is dirty because I never service for so long. When the aircon gas is low, the condenser will get too hot and may get damaged. He said I can pay him $160 and he will top up the gas immediately. Previously, the Gaincity warranty technician did not mention this so I did not want to pay. Now that I looked at the website, it is stated as $60-120. Also, he will reduce to $120 if I buy a servicing contract from his company.
I noticed he was preparing to come back from the ledge. I insisted the condenser unit cleaning was in the price before he kept calling his office. Finally, he proceeded to clean the condenser with his colleague. When the cleaning job was completed, he was still trying to convince me to pay a deposit for a servicing contract which I refused.
So, getting nothing extra from me, they left pretty quickly. In the afternoon, my relatives came over and I turned on the living room aircon for half a day. Everything was cool and fine. Then at night when I came home from supper, the aircon was blowing hot air in cool mode. I tried all the units and they are the same. It was so annoying that this happened right after a cleaning service.
I tried to find out more info about aircon gas now. It seems the refrigerant is just like a fridge where there is no need to top up unless there is a leak or other issues. Especially not so when the aircon can cool my room the night before this cleaning, and then became low gas a day later.
The hot air also has a sour smell and the condenser unit is so quiet now. Come to think of it, I did not seem to notice any difference between the chemical cleaning and normal cleaning of the units too.
Most importantly, do you think the cleaning technician deliberately caused a aircon gas leak?
If so, this is unprofessional and outright cheating. I understand if a technician like to earn extra cash through upselling. Similar to letting an ID bring you to buy lightings and accessories where he can earn comm from the shops. I am fine as long as he does a good job. I am still thinking how I can resolve this aircon issue.
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