Singapore Aircon Servicing: 2026 Essential Checklist

Quick Summary

Quarterly aircon servicing is a mandatory contractual obligation in most Singapore rental agreements.

Under the 2025 NEA energy regulations, 5-Tick models are now mandatory for all new multi-split aircon installations.

Failing to maintain service receipts can lead to significant security deposit deductions when you move out.

Moving to Singapore brings many surprises, and aircon maintenance is often at the top of the list. In many countries, you might just clean the filter yourself once in a while. However, in Singapore, it is standard practice to hire a professional service every three months. While it may seem like an unnecessary expense at first, neglecting this can lead to losing thousands of dollars from your security deposit when your lease ends.

As we move into 2025 and 2026, Singapore's energy regulations and rising inflation have made aircon maintenance clauses even stricter. Here is everything a Singapore resident needs to know about aircon servicing, including current market rates and essential tips to protect your deposit.

Why Quarterly Servicing is Mandatory, Not Optional

Standard Tenancy Agreements (TA) in Singapore explicitly include clauses regarding aircon servicing. This isn't just about keeping your home cool; it is a legal "tenant's obligation." If you fail to meet this requirement, you may face several consequences:

Security Deposit Deductions: Upon move-out, landlords typically request servicing receipts for the entire duration of the lease (usually the past 2 years). If even one receipt is missing, landlords often deduct the cost of a full "Chemical Overhaul" for the entire system from your deposit, regardless of whether the aircon is working fine.

Shifting Repair Costs: If an aircon unit breaks down and you don't have a consistent servicing record, the landlord can claim the damage was due to tenant negligence. This allows them to charge you for expensive parts or full replacements that would otherwise be the landlord's responsibility.

HDB Specific Risks: For those living in HDB flats, aircon leakages that affect neighboring units can result in fines from the HDB. Regular servicing ensures that drainage pipes remain clear, preventing these costly issues.

2025-2026 Aircon Service Costs and Regulations

Effective April 1, 2025, the National Environment Agency (NEA) has tightened regulations, requiring all new multi-split aircon installations to be 5-Tick (highest energy efficiency) models. This shift has increased the cost of unit replacements, which has subsequently pushed up the "Minor Repair" limits in many new rental contracts.

Service Type	Avg. Cost (SGD)	Approx. KRW	Remarks
General Servicing (per unit)	SGD 25 ~ 45	~29,000 - 52,000	Discounts for annual contracts
Chemical Wash (per unit)	SGD 120 ~ 150	~140,000 - 170,000	Required for jelly-like buildup
Chemical Overhaul (per unit)	SGD 150 ~ 200	~170,000 - 230,000	Full dismantle and deep clean
Gas Top-up (R410A/R32)	SGD 50 ~ 100	~60,000 - 120,000	Extra cost for low refrigerant

In 2026 rental trends, the "Minor Repair Clause" limit—the amount a tenant must pay before the landlord covers the rest—is rising from the traditional SGD 150–200 to SGD 300–600. This means tenants are now liable for a much larger portion of repair costs if a unit fails.

Pro-Tips to Get Your Full Deposit Back

Simply cleaning the units isn't enough. To ensure a smooth handover and get your full deposit back, follow these strategies based on a decade of experience in Singapore:

Sign an Annual Service Contract: Instead of calling different companies each time, sign a 1-year contract (4 visits). This is usually 20% cheaper and provides a consistent service history from a single provider, making documentation much easier for the landlord.

Maintain Digital Receipts: Paper receipts fade over time or get lost. Take a photo of every receipt immediately and save it in a dedicated "Aircon" folder on Google Drive or iCloud. When you move out, you can simply share the link to the folder.

Utilize the 30-Day Warranty: Most rental contracts include a 30-day "problem-free" period after move-in. During this time, run every aircon unit on high for at least 2 hours. If you notice any leaks or strange noises, report them to the landlord immediately to have them fixed for free.

Get Approval for Chemical Washes: If a technician recommends a chemical wash for smells or clogs, treat this as a "repair" rather than "maintenance." Always get the landlord's consent via WhatsApp before proceeding, as this allows you to discuss cost-sharing for the service.

Key Takeaway

In Singapore, an aircon is more than just an appliance; it is a part of the property that you are legally required to maintain. Don't forget to set calendar reminders for your quarterly servicing dates!

Additionally, the Climate Vouchers (SGD 400) program has been extended through 2025. For PRs or Citizens who own their homes or are planning a long-term stay and need to replace their units, make sure to take advantage of this benefit. If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment!