Air conditioning contractors glossary

Short, plain-English definitions of the terms you'll meet when choosing a air conditioning contractor provider in Tampines.

What are System 1, System 2, System 3, and System 4 air conditioning?: System 1 through System 4 describe multi-split air conditioning setups where 1 to 4 indoor units connect to one outdoor condenser unit, with higher system numbers indicating more indoor units and greater cooling capacity.
What is a BCA/CMES licensed air conditioning contractor?: A BCA/CMES licensed aircon contractor is a registered installer in Singapore who has met Building and Construction Authority standards and air conditioning certification requirements, ensuring compliance with building codes and warranty validity.
What is a capacitor in an air conditioner?: A capacitor is an electrical component that stores and releases energy to help start the compressor and fan motor in an air conditioning unit.
What is a cassette aircon?: A cassette aircon is a ceiling-mounted air conditioning unit that distributes air in four directions, widely used in commercial and office environments for even cooling across large open areas.
What is a chemical overhaul?: A chemical overhaul is the complete dismantling, chemical cleaning, and reassembly of both indoor and outdoor air conditioning units to remove accumulated dirt, mould, and debris from internal components.
What is a chemical wash?: A chemical wash is a deep cleaning procedure where the air conditioning fan coil unit is dismantled and each component is washed with specialized chemical solution to remove accumulated dirt, mold, and sediment.
What is a condensate drain pipe?: A condensate drain pipe is a small plastic tube that carries water collected by the indoor air conditioning unit to a drainage outlet, preventing water accumulation inside the system.
What is a condensing unit?: The condensing unit is the outdoor component of a split air conditioning system that compresses refrigerant and expels heat to cool air for the building.
What is a ducted aircon system?: A ducted aircon system uses a single outdoor compressor connected to concealed ducts and ceiling diffusers to cool multiple rooms throughout a property.
What is a fan coil unit?: A fan coil unit is the indoor component of a split air conditioning system that receives refrigerant from the outdoor compressor and uses a blower fan, evaporator coil, and filter to cool and distribute air throughout a room or zone.
What is a multi-split air conditioning system?: A multi-split air conditioning system uses a single outdoor compressor unit connected to two or more indoor wall-mounted or ceiling units, allowing separate temperature control in different rooms.
What is a PCB board in an air conditioner?: A PCB board (printed circuit board) is the electronic control module in an air conditioner that manages cooling functions, fan speed, temperature settings, and power distribution; when it fails, repair or replacement becomes necessary depending on the fault and unit age.
What is a VRV/VRF system?: A Variable Refrigerant Volume (VRV) or Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) system is a commercial-grade air conditioning solution that uses a single outdoor compressor unit to supply refrigerant to multiple indoor units across different zones, each controlled independently.
What is aircon horsepower (HP) rating?: Horsepower (HP) rating is a colloquial measure used in Singapore to indicate an air conditioner's cooling capacity, ranging from 0.5HP to 3HP or higher, with each unit roughly equivalent to 9000 to 18000 BTU per hour of cooling power.
What is an air conditioner outdoor unit bracket?: A metal bracket or mounting platform installed on exterior walls to support and secure an air conditioning condenser unit, designed to meet structural load requirements and building safety codes.
What is an isolator switch?: An isolator switch is an electrical disconnection device installed near the outdoor condenser unit that safely cuts off all power supply during air conditioning maintenance and repairs.
What is an NEA gas trade license?: An NEA gas trade license is a legal permit issued by Singapore's National Environment Agency under the Environmental Protection and Management Act, required to handle, store, and trade refrigerant gases used in air conditioning systems.
What is BTU in air conditioning?: BTU (British Thermal Unit) is the standard measurement of how much heat an air conditioning unit can remove from a room per hour.
What is inverter compressor technology?: Inverter compressor technology adjusts the motor speed of an air conditioner's compressor based on cooling demand, rather than running at constant speed, to reduce energy consumption and improve temperature stability.
What is mould and bacteria coil coating?: A protective coating applied to air conditioner evaporator coils to inhibit mould and bacterial growth, improve drainage efficiency, and reduce odours caused by microbial buildup.
What is R32 refrigerant?: R32 is a hydrofluoroolefin refrigerant gas commonly used in modern split-unit air conditioners, chosen for its lower global warming potential and efficiency compared to older refrigerants like R22.
What is R410A refrigerant?: R410A is a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerant blend used in most modern air conditioning systems, valued for its stability and efficiency in cooling capacity.
What is refrigerant leak detection?: Refrigerant leak detection is the diagnostic method technicians use to locate and identify gas leaks in an air conditioning system before performing a top-up or recharge.
What is trunking for air conditioning piping?: Trunking is a PVC or plastic casing that encloses the copper refrigerant lines and electrical wiring running between an air conditioning indoor and outdoor unit.