Air conditioning - Any recommendations please?? - Part 2

[Mecisteus]

Hi. I have a 6 year old Daikin System 3 in a fully rented flat. It was installed with 2 fcus but a third was added late last year. Soon after, there was a drop in coolness. Called the installer to check on the pressure (of the 3rd fcu) but it was fine. About a month or two later, same case. This time I changed the pipings for the older 2 fcus. Two months later, all units not cold. Quite headache as just yesterday, tenant called and say the compressor not working.

Question is: Do I try to rectify the compressor knowing at the back of my mind, there may still be issues with leaked gas down the road or do I just change to a new system. And if I do, should I retain the new pipings? I called 2 different companies and both can't pinpoint if there is really a leak or not.

Added info: Last tenant really whacked the air con. Used them almost 24/7. I know coz the bills were in the 300 - 400 range a month.

That's the problem with these tenants.

If you don't warn them, they will switch on 24/7.

I warn all my tenants to limit usage.

What you can do is to do an overhaul with non-inverter aircons from a reputable company. Plus all the pipings. I assume you have problem with pipings.

Get your tenants to be responsible for the maintenance, repair and electricity bills. Make them show you quarterly aircon maintenance receipts as proof.

Your non-inverter aircon is cheap.

 

[everythink]

Hey thanks. Will definitely look into reconditioned units if can't resolve the gas leak issue.

 

[Alphas]

I had sonoff Pow R2 wired into live wire of the FCU on my Daikin system 4. It means I can remotely turn on and off individual FCU using the sonoff app. One of the common room was rented out and I schedule it to 12 hr per day for the tenants.

 

[cheongking888]

I had sonoff Pow R2 wired into live wire of the FCU on my Daikin system 4. It means I can remotely turn on and off individual FCU using the sonoff app. One of the common room was rented out and I schedule it to 12 hr per day for the tenants.

You means the wire from the Compressor to FCU.


It is a good idea but will sonoff POW R2 cause any power surge or power fluctuation thereby damage the control board of the FCU?

 

[cheongking888]

Hi. I have a 6 year old Daikin System 3 in a fully rented flat. It was installed with 2 fcus but a third was added late last year. Soon after, there was a drop in coolness. Called the installer to check on the pressure (of the 3rd fcu) but it was fine. About a month or two later, same case. This time I changed the pipings for the older 2 fcus. Two months later, all units not cold. Quite headache as just yesterday, tenant called and say the compressor not working.

Question is: Do I try to rectify the compressor knowing at the back of my mind, there may still be issues with leaked gas down the road or do I just change to a new system. And if I do, should I retain the new pipings? I called 2 different companies and both can't pinpoint if there is really a leak or not.

Added info: Last tenant really whacked the air con. Used them almost 24/7. I know coz the bills were in the 300 - 400 range a month.

Did your TA include a clause that Tenant is responsible to maintain and pay for it?


My TA included a clause that Tenant is to maintain the Air Cond System every three months without fail and to pay for all the servicing charges including chemical wash as recommended by the technician who is to be engaged by the Landlord.


Every time the technician carries out the maintenance, I will follow to see the condition of the place and also to do an inspection.

 

[Alphas]

Yes. My electrician said if problem don’t find him lol. Been done since 1.5 yr ago, never encountered any issue. The app can monitor how long it’s turned on, and has monthly report. If the FCU was not off before power cut, then it will auto turn on by default. Though the remote can program FCU to turn off at fix time so there isn’t an issue.

 

[cheongking888]

Yes. My electrician said if problem don’t find him lol. Been done since 1.5 yr ago, never encountered any issue. The app can monitor how long it’s turned on, and has monthly report. If the FCU was not off before power cut, then it will auto turn on by default. Though the remote can program FCU to turn off at fix time so there isn’t an issue.

I have one Boardlink. The cables are very thin. I sibei scare. Dare not try.


I once use a pressure jet to wash the outside compressor and broke the fin of the fan. Air con parts are sibei chiu.

 

[Mecisteus]

Hey thanks. Will definitely look into reconditioned units if can't resolve the gas leak issue.

You can check Carousell for 2nd hand Starmex.

 

[Mecisteus]

I know there are some smart aircons out in the market.

You can control the usage.

But I heard the control circuitry is damn cui. Easily spoilt.

 

[petetherock]

I know there are some smart aircons out in the market.

You can control the usage.

But I heard the control circuitry is damn cui. Easily spoilt.

Keep it simple I say
I just want an Aircon that lasts a decade or more and is reasonably efficient

 

[everythink]

Did your TA include a clause that Tenant is responsible to maintain and pay for it?


My TA included a clause that Tenant is to maintain the Air Cond System every three months without fail and to pay for all the servicing charges including chemical wash as recommended by the technician who is to be engaged by the Landlord.


Every time the technician carries out the maintenance, I will follow to see the condition of the place and also to do an inspection.

Yes, TA has all that but basically my fault for not coming down to check. She (the tenant) did send me pictures (of the servicing) and the invoices. However, no amount of servicing can help if the system is on almost 24/7. This, I discovered much later when a neighbour feedback about her brothers having frequent sleepovers with many friends. And to top it all, they vacated the unit on the last week of tenancy and left the door unlocked. I went there for a proper takeover but no one was around. They left hastily leaving a wonderful mess. They also blocked me. I'm more careful with the new tenants. Will definitely come down and check. I've also limited the number of pax to 4 for the entire unit if they are not a family.

* New tenants are cabin crews and they are hardly at home. This is reflected from the low utility bills. So I can't let them bear the responsibility for current breakdown.

 

[cheongking888]

Yes, TA has all that but basically my fault for not coming down to check. She (the tenant) did send me pictures (of the servicing) and the invoices. However, no amount of servicing can help if the system is on almost 24/7. This, I discovered much later when a neighbour feedback about her brothers having frequent sleepovers with many friends. And to top it all, they vacated the unit on the last week of tenancy and left the door unlocked. I went there for a proper takeover but no one was around. They left hastily leaving a wonderful mess. They also blocked me. I'm more careful with the new tenants. Will definitely come down and check. I've also limited the number of pax to 4 for the entire unit if they are not a family.

* New tenants are cabin crews and they are hardly at home. This is reflected from the low utility bills. So I can't let them bear the responsibility for current breakdown.

Is the Aircon man engaged by you? If yes, why didn't they Da Xiao Bao Gao?


My Aircon man after servicing will tell me from the amount of dirt which aircon was overused. I will ask that tenant to pay the Chemical Wash expense of his FCU. Once they know they have to pay, they will automatic a bit.

 

[edcruz]

GainCity In-store promotion

Just wanted to share that Gaincity is having in-store promotion now. I went to Gain City Waterway Point planning to know more and thinking between Jex Aircon and GainCity. Pleasantly surprised that it's a big discount now. NOT AVAILABLE ONLINE!

System 4: Mitsubishi 33 compressor, 9/9/12/24 BTU. $3979
Online price: $4449
https://www.gaincity.com/catalog/product/view/id/2866/s/t0116256/category/36/

JexAircon: $3950
https://jexaircon.sg/product/mitsubishi-starmex-system-4-fn-series-5-ticks/

Used FavPay get 2% rebate, through GrabPay for Grab Points. And GainCity free membership extra 1%!

 

[everythink]

Is the Aircon man engaged by you? If yes, why didn't they Da Xiao Bao Gao?


My Aircon man after servicing will tell me from the amount of dirt which aircon was overused. I will ask that tenant to pay the Chemical Wash expense of his FCU. Once they know they have to pay, they will automatic a bit.

My mistake to not engage a vendor of own choice. Gave them the freedom as long as there was an invoice.

Expensive lesson. They were locals waiting for bto. One factor that probably made me less guarded. Thanks for the tips.

 

[cloh090]

Just wanted to share that Gaincity is having in-store promotion now. I went to Gain City Waterway Point planning to know more and thinking between Jex Aircon and GainCity. Pleasantly surprised that it's a big discount now. NOT AVAILABLE ONLINE!

System 4: Mitsubishi 33 compressor, 9/9/12/24 BTU. $3979
Online price: $4449
https://www.gaincity.com/catalog/product/view/id/2866/s/t0116256/category/36/

JexAircon: $3950
https://jexaircon.sg/product/mitsubishi-starmex-system-4-fn-series-5-ticks/

Used FavPay get 2% rebate, through GrabPay for Grab Points. And GainCity free membership extra 1%!

saw on gain city FB that they were having warehouse sale also!! i think also can go check it out on their FB: https://www.facebook.com/likegaincity/
but this link is for their online warehouse sale if you lazy to go down to their showrooms : https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http...TSQiNoYFhbxgiACz8iwWM5mZBqknH7cMpTcNE_O17Sgb0

 

[bjornng]

Do note that an oversized BTU aircon is not good also.

The room may cool down too fast and may cause humidity problem.

Do google search about this phenomenon.

So it is important to buy a BTU size that is not too high or too low.

hey mike! sorry for the late reply! was busy sourcing and selecting my ID..! haha

okay, noted. i guess for MBR+hacked CBR, 9/9 would be sufficient and 12/9 would be a good to have.

for my living room area, i am planning to hack the service yard as well, and open kitchen concept. in the case where i just need my living and dining to be the "cooler" area, would it make sense for me to put 18k, located near to the living area?

i have asked a few friends, and they all said they can count with their hands the no. of times they on their living room AC! hence though to get 18k to save some $$..

thanks in advance!

 

[Mecisteus]

for my living room area, i am planning to hack the service yard as well, and open kitchen concept. in the case where i just need my living and dining to be the "cooler" area, would it make sense for me to put 18k, located near to the living area?

i have asked a few friends, and they all said they can count with their hands the no. of times they on their living room AC! hence though to get 18k to save some $$..

1) I hope your 18k is sufficient based on the floor area.
2) It makes sense to put the FCU at a location where you will spend time longer at. Also, a place easily accessible for future maintenance.
3) Can consider non-inverter type if you don't plan to switch on too long.

 

[senocs]

hi everyone, i wanted to check if my quote from this aircon company is reasonable or not.

Currently, I already have System 3 in my BTO (1 blower for each bedroom). I need to install 2 more blowers for my living room. During site inspection, the company rep said that my existing System 3 piping was leaking (he was right, it was quite obvious) and the system 3 piping needed to be fully replaced. Here was the quote I got

1) System 2 Mistubishi Starmex MXY2G20VA2, 9/9k BTU is $2050 (price includes installation and piping for System 2)
2) Old system 3 repiping (and combined with new system 2 piping) $900
3) 2 indoor unit chemical overhaul $240

The air-con price is very reasonable. But I am not so sure about the $900 for the system 3 re-piping. Essentially, is it likened to adding $900 to make it brand new piping for a System 5 ? The confusing bit is that the price of $2050 already includes System 2 piping, so it kind of throws me off a little as to whether $900 is reasonable or not.

What do you guys think?

 

[GBC]

So how much does a new system 5 with installation and new piping cost ?

 

[senocs]

So how much does a new system 5 with installation and new piping cost ?

From the same vendor:
System 5 on the same brand/series is $5,050
System 2 on the same brand/series is $2,050