What a multi-split system is
A multi-split system is one outdoor condenser on the aircon ledge feeding two, three or four indoor units, called fan coils. Most newer homes in Jurong run this set-up instead of one outdoor unit per room. In Singapore, these are known as System 2, System 3 and System 4, by the number of fan coils.
Almost all of them are inverter systems, so servicing inverter multi split aircon is now the everyday job for most Jurong flats. An inverter compressor speeds up and slows down to hold the room temperature, rather than switching fully on and off. That saves power, but the unit also runs for longer, steadier periods. City Cooling Engineering puts inverter models at 30 to 50% more energy-efficient than non-inverter ones under sustained use, which is why we see them in nearly every flat.
The catch is that a unit running that often collects dirt faster. For routine aircon servicing in Jurong, each fan coil is priced as one unit.
How servicing differs on a multi-split
The servicing checklist is the same as a single unit. It is done on each fan coil first, then on the shared condenser.
| Part | What is done | How often counted |
|---|---|---|
| Each indoor fan coil | Filter clean, coil check and clean, drain line flush, drain pan check, thermostat test, airflow and temperature test | Once per fan coil |
| Shared outdoor condenser | Refrigerant pressure check, electrical check, airflow around the unit | Checked once |
Pricing follows the unit count. System 3 aircon servicing counts as 3 units, so general servicing is S$70. A System 4 counts as 4 units, so it is S$85.
Skipping visits costs you in power as well as comfort. City Cooling Engineering notes that aircons left 12 months or more without servicing can use 20 to 30% more electricity than well-maintained ones. On a system that runs daily, that adds up quickly.
One room warm, the others fine
Because each fan coil has its own coil, sensor and refrigerant line, one room can cool poorly while the rest work. A dirty coil or a faulty sensor on that fan coil is the usual cause. If servicing does not fix it, our aircon not cold repair traces the fault on that line.
When a new BTO needs its first deep clean
A new BTO usually needs its first deep clean after about one to two years of daily use. New flats in Jurong West, around Pioneer, Yunnan and Hong Kah, often move in with brand-new multi-split systems. Owners sometimes assume new units need little attention. They do.
Fresh paint dust, renovation debris and the first months of daily use load up the filters and coils quickly. That is why BTO aircon first servicing should not wait for a problem. With servicing every 3 to 4 months, most units stay healthy for a while.
Then dirt and mould settle deep in the coil and blower, where general servicing cannot reach. Here is what that looks like in your flat:
- Cooling feels slower than it did in the first year
- A faint musty smell at start-up
- Water marks or drips near a fan coil
At that point, book a first chemical wash. It costs from S$80 per unit and cleans each fan coil’s coil and blower with solution while it stays on the wall.
Condo access and booking
Condos need a little more planning than HDB flats, because the management office often has a say. Many condos around Lakeside, Jurong East Central and the Jurong Lake District run multi-split systems too. Some require contractors to be registered with the management office before a visit, and some limit work to certain hours.
When you WhatsApp us, tell us:
- Your condo name or block
- How many fan coils you have (System 2, 3 or 4)
- Whether the outdoor unit is on a ledge, a balcony or a shared plant area
- Any management office rules you know of
We will plan the slot around that. Booking a day ahead is safer for condos, since approval can take time and our team travels from Simei.
Keeping a multi-split healthy
Five habits keep a multi-split healthy between visits:
- Clean the filters on every fan coil every 2 to 4 weeks (NEA advises checking filters monthly)
- Book general servicing every 3 to 4 months
- Plan a chemical wash every year or so for units used daily
- Keep the area around the outdoor condenser clear so it can breathe
- Run the fan only for a few minutes after cooling to help the coil dry
Your thermostat matters too. NEA recommends setting the aircon to 25°C and estimates that each degree you raise the setting saves about 3% of household utility costs. With three or four fan coils running, that adds up.
If you keep forgetting, the annual maintenance contract books four visits a year for you. For more on timing, see how often to service your aircon. Ready to book? WhatsApp us your System 2, 3 or 4 details and we will find you a slot.