Month: September 2022

Home Design Apps to Help Achieve Your Dream Home

Home Design Apps to Help Achieve Your Dream Home

Seek design inpiration, swatch paint colours and play around with flat layous with these home design apps.

While many of us might already have an idea of our dream home, we could still use some help when it comes to visualising the final look.
Today, whether it’s to seek design inspiration, play around with layouts, or even swatch paint colours, there are many home design apps and tools to help excited homeowners ease the design process.
​ And we’ve put together a list of them for you.

Source for Inspiration

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With an array of interior design and home décor inspirations, Pinterest has become one of the go-to home design apps, especially when putting together a mood board. You can even save the images that catch your eye through Pinterest’s Pins function before organising them in different Boards (another unique Pinterest function that are essentially albums).

Design Your Home Virtually

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Now that you have a rough idea of the desired aesthetic for your home, it’s time for the fun part – designing! Skip the pen and paper, and use online tools such as Home Design 3D or Home by Me where you can virtually build your home. These home design apps let you draw your home based on your floor plan, and then pick out tiles and furnishings from a wide selection of furniture and accessories. Once you’re done, you can even walk through your home in 3D, as if you are physically there! It’s like playing The Sims, but only more fun.

Track Your Progress

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To keep track of your renovation tasks and progress, leverage online notetaking tools such as Evernote or Google Docs. They may not be fall exactly in the home design app category,  but these easy-to-use tools let you upload images (such as floor plans) and notes, which will come in handy when communicating with your designer or contractor. You could even use Google Sheets to track your renovation budget and progress. The plus point of using these platforms is that they sync between mobile, web, and desktop versions, so the content is readily available at your fingertips.

Source: mynicehome.gov.sg

Taking Care of Your Windows

Taking Care of Your Windows

Keep your windows in tip-top condition with these 3 easy steps!

Windows are essential to a comfortable home, but sometimes we only notice them when they are not functioning properly! Your windows need regular maintenance to be kept in good and safe condition, and here are the reasons why:

  • Windows are exposed to the rain and sun which can lead to wear and tear
  • A worn-out window can fall and cause serious injury to passersby below

Tips for Regular Window Maintenance – The 3 ‘C’s

A little effort can ensure that your windows remain safe. Just remember the 3 ‘C’s – check, clean and change – and window maintenance will be a breeze!

Casement Windows

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Sliding Windows

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Changing Windows and Window Grilles

Your flat already comes with shiny new windows, but if you ever need to replace them, do ensure that your new windows are of the same size, colour, and type as the existing ones. You also must engage a BCA-approved window contractor listed with HDB to replace or repair your windows.

Window grilles may be necessary for safety and security – especially if you have young children around. You may install or replace any window grilles within your home, as long as they do not extend out of your flat and do not modify the building exterior in any way. Check out this page for more information on window safety!

 

Source: mynicehome.gov.sg

Experience the HDB Story at LIVINGSPACE

Experience the HDB Story at LIVINGSPACE

Learn more about the transformation of Singapore’s public housing through LIVINGSPACE’s 8 themed interactive spaces

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Coming to HDB Hub for an appointment? Make sure you pop by LIVINGSPACE, HDB’s gallery for all visitors!

Comprising 8 themed spaces with interactive exhibits, this gallery at HDB Hub takes you on a journey to experience the transformation of Singapore’s public housing over the years. Here’s a sneak peek before your visit!

1. HomeScape

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Begin your journey at Level 1 with panoramic views of the HDB heartland at the HomeScape space. Through a series of videos, immerse yourself in the picturesque vistas of HDB towns and experience Singapore’s public housing landscape from a different perspective.

2. Journey Space

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As you enter the gallery at Basement 1 of HDB Hub, take a walk through Journey Space, where an interactive video wall highlighting key moments from Singapore’s public housing story awaits. At the same time, experience the evolution of the heartland over the past 6 decades through a photo montage exhibition.

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The essence of HDB living is captured through the eyes of Singapore’s younger generation in this beautiful mural titled ‘Impressions of Home’ by students from Pathlight School.

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3. Plan Space

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Make your way to Plan Space and learn more about HDB’s plans to build well-designed and sustainable towns through a variety of tactile exhibits such as 3D models and informative videos.

4. Eco Space

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At Eco Space, discover the development of cutting-edge solutions that help create a smart and more liveable environment for residents. Take a closer look at HDB’s urban innovations and sustainability solutions that have been rolled out across HDB towns, such as the floating wetland systems deployed at My Waterway @ Punggol.

6. Create Space

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A multi-touch showcase at Create Space helps visitors understand more about Singapore’s successful public housing programme, from its key policies to diverse housing options. Also, discover how HDB has continuously rejuvenated its towns, such as Toa Payoh, to meet residents’ needs!

7. Share Space

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Vibrant communities are integral to every HDB town. At Share Space, find out how HDB has, through supporting a variety of initiatives, facilitated and enabled community initiatives that foster stronger community bonds.

8. Future Space

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Ever thought about what the homes of tomorrow would be like? Upcoming plans in new housing areas at Punggol Point, Tengah and Tampines North are on display at Future Space. You can also share your hopes and aspirations for HDB living in the future here.

Have you thought about what the homes of tomorrow would be like? Upcoming plans in new housing areas at Punggol Point, Tengah and Tampines North are on display at the Future Space. You can also share your hopes and aspirations for HDB living in the future here.

Curious about HDB’s newest town, Tengah? Catch a glimpse of how Tengah was planned through the wide-screen displays, projection mapping and interactives at the Theatre.

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Before concluding your tour of LIVINGSPACE, check out the one-of-a-kind ‘Flavours of the Heartland’ vending machine and its curated collection of merchandise comprising of LEGO kits, keychains and magnets that are inspired by iconic HDB buildings and playgrounds.

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Lastly, commemorate your visit with a photo against the iconic Dragon Playground, re-created at LIVINGSPACE.

You can even relive your childhood by going down the slide!

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LIVINGSPACE is open from Mondays to Saturdays, 8:30am to 5:00pm. Admission is free.

Source: mynicehome.gov.sg

Design Ideas – Kitchen Sink Ideas for Maximising Utility

Kitchen Sink Ideas for Maximising Utility

From design to size to material, here are some considerations to keep in mind when shopping for your kitchen sink.

Choosing a kitchen sink goes beyond your interior style. You’ll also need to consider your lifestyle, especially if you’ll be cooking and cleaning up regularly. It’s one of the most important decisions to make when planning your kitchen layout, as it can’t be changed as easily. To help you find a kitchen sink idea that works best for you, here are some considerations to keep in mind.

 

1. Design – Drop-in vs. Undermount Sinks

Drop-in sinks, as the name suggests, are placed with a visible rim that rests on the countertop. This kitchen sink idea makes such sinks easier to install and replace. They are generally more affordable as well. But you’d need to clean the rim regularly, to prevent dirt and grime from building up.

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Drop in sinks

Undermount sinks are fitted beneath the countertop and are held in place with cement. This kitchen sink idea gives you slightly more countertop space – a huge plus for compact kitchens. It’s also more convenient to sweep food and water over the countertop and into the sink. However, it’s important to perform regular checks for leaks, to prevent mould and avoid expensive carpentry repair costs.

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Undermount sinks

 

2. Material – Steel vs. Granite vs. Porcelain

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Stainless steel is one of the most popular material for kitchen sinks, as it requires low maintenance and is heat-resistant. It can also blend well with most designs and countertop material, making it a classic in the modern-day kitchen. The only con is that water spots and scratches may appear over time, though these can be easily buffed out with the right equipment.

Granite composite and porcelain are also popular material choices. Granite composite is highly resistant to water spots, scratches and dents, while porcelain sinks are perfect for  vintage and farmhouse interiors. However, beware of scuff marks and chipping for the latter!

 

3. Size and Configuration

A double-bowl kitchen sink, with a divider in the middle, is a practical design for separate tasks. You could soap and rinse dirty dishes separately, or prep ingredients in one sink and clean your hands in the other.

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On the other hand, a single-bowl sink makes it easier to soak and wash larger pots and woks, or prep larger quantities of ingredients. Also, consider the size of your sink based on the availability of countertop space, as well as the configuration of your cabinets.

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4. Fittings

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Once you’ve narrowed down your kitchen sink ideas, choose a kitchen tap design that’ll complement the sink. Make sure the height and direction of the lever work best with your kitchen sink design and kitchen layout. For larger sinks, consider an extendable spray that’ll help you reach all corners, to make washing up much more efficient.

Looking to renovate your kitchen? From kitchen islands to backsplashes, we’ve got your interior inspiration covered.

Source: mynicehome.gov.sg

A Guide to Defects Inspection for Your New HDB Flat

Defects inspection for new HDB BTO flats should be conducted shortly upon key collection, with defects reported within 30 days.

Collecting the keys to your new BTO flat and planning that first visit soon?
Besides the celebratory TikTok video or Instagram story to share your joy, it’s important to conduct a defects inspection for your HDB BTO flat.

Completing this step quickly can help expedite your home renovation, and get you moving into your new home sooner.

What is defects inspection?

While HDB conducts quality checks during the construction process, minor defects on surfaces, fixtures and/ or fittings may still exist. Fret not, new HDB BTO flats are covered under a warranty within the 1-year Defects Liability Period (DLP), which starts from the date of your key collection.

Upon key collection, you have 30 days to report your defects, before you start your renovation. Otherwise, it would be difficult to ascertain if it was the building contractor or the renovation contractor who may have caused the defect(s), and who should be the party to carry out the repairs.

While the completion of repair works usually take less than 2 weeks, you should discuss the works with the Building Service Centre (BSC) staff in order to keep to your intended renovation schedule.

How do I check for defects?

It’s easy to check for defects on your own, without the help of specialists. In the following steps, we share tips on the key things to look out for.

During your inspection, you may come across imperfections such as minor colour variations of your floor tiles or timber floor, and differences in the size of tile grouts. These are perfectly normal, and occur due to the inherent nature of the materials and manual nature of construction work.

Step 1: Preparing for defects inspection

Refer to the checklist below for what you need:

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Save and share this with someone who needs it!

Step 2: Checking the flat

Defects inspection essentially involves the 4 major areas listed below. Go through your flat systematically, while labelling defects with painter’s tape or post it-notes, and noting them down in your defect(s) list.
Here is a handy guide to refer to when conducting your defects inspection!

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Download this handy guide for reference!

Step 3: Book a joint inspection with BSC staff

You can do it online or contact the Building Services Centre (BSC) located within your BTO project.
Our friendly BSC staff will go through the items you have reported for your unit, before arranging for the rectification works and a final closing inspection with you.

Once you complete the defects inspection of your new HDB BTO flat, you can start on your home renovation!

Pest Prevention Tips to Safeguard Your Home

Pest Prevention Tips to Safeguard Your Home

Household pests such as the Aedes mosquito can cause Dengue and Zika symptoms – keep them at bay with these pest prevention tips

A clean, comfortable home is essential for daily living. But are pests lurking in dark spots you can’t see? In addition to unsanitary living conditions, household pests like the Aedes mosquito can cause serious Dengue and Zika symptoms like prolonged high fevers, joint pains, and headaches. Follow these pest prevention tips to keep unwanted visitors at bay!

1. Remove Food Sources

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Pests, such as ants and roaches, are usually attracted to food and water sources, so they’ll likely seek out unwashed dishes, food waste and even forgotten food bits in pantry cabinets. A useful pest prevention tip is to clean up food and water spills quickly, clear your trash regularly and do a quick vacuum or wipe down after you eat so you don’t leave crumbs for these pests!

2. Keep Spaces Clean, Tidy and Dry

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Dark, damp areas are favourite lounging spots for pests. Here are some of the often-forgotten places in your home and how you can keep them pest-free:

  • Underneath cabinets and sinks: Remove all items and scrub the entire area, focusing on hard-to-reach corners. Declutter your items so there are fewer hiding spots for pesky pests.
  • Behind fridges: Mop up spills and fix any leaky plumbing to remove water sources
  • Vases, pails, toothbrush holders and other containers with water: Remove stagnant water, wipe dry and keep them overturned

While other pests may need a larger area to breed, the Aedes mosquito only needs stagnant water the size of a 20-cent coin! Here’s a simple checklist to prevent mosquito breeding and keep your family protected:

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Photo: National Environment Agency Singapore

3. Spray For Extra Protection

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Once you’ve established a regular cleaning routine, pests are less likely to find your home desirable. Use these simple sprays for added pest prevention:

  • Ants, roaches: Add lemon slices and a few drops of eucalyptus or peppermint essential oil into water and spray the mixture at possible hiding spots
  • Lizards: Mix pepper and chilli powder into water and spray into corners
  • Mosquitoes: Spray insecticide at dark corners around the house. Repellents containing DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide), picaridin or IR3535 as the active ingredient are the most effective in repelling mosquitoes.

4. Screen and Seal Entrances

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Even in the cleanest of homes, it’s possible to find the occasional unwanted guest. Consider installing magnetic window screens that can obstruct the path of lizards and bugs, while keeping your homes ventilated. These strips can also be easily removable and cleaned.

Cracks and crevices on walls, ceilings and along ledges can help with pest prevention, so seal up all possible areas of entry using silicone sealants to keep your homes truly pest-proof!

For more tips on home maintenance, check out the latest reads or refer to our guide getting the basics of maintaining your flat right!

Source: mynicehome.gov.sg

Common Fire Hazards: Fire Prevention & Safety Tips

Common Fire Hazards: Fire Prevention & Safety Tips

Defence is the best offence when it comes to fire prevention – find out what the common fire hazards and what you can do to prevent them

Creating that perfect home may take years of hard work and investment. But if we’re not vigilant about fire prevention and safety, everything that we’ve painstakingly built can go up in flames (literally) in a matter of seconds.

As such, home fire alarm devices and fire extinguishers are extremely valuable tools for fire prevention.

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Did you know? From June 2018, smoke or heat detectors are mandatory in all new HDB flats

As always, fire prevention is the best defence. Read on for a list of common fire hazards at home, and what you can do to prevent them:

Personal Mobility Device (PMD)

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Avoid charging the battery of your PMD overnight – better yet, don’t charge it without supervision. Also, avoid placing the charging battery near combustible materials such as paper and fabric (think books and curtains).

Before purchasing a PMD, it’s important to ensure that the device is of an LTA-approved model and must be registered with the LTA. This condition is also applicable to second-hand PMDs. Penalties include a $5,000 fine and/or a jail term of up to three months, and are applicable to owners with PMDs that were LTA-approved but later modified.

Kitchen Stoves

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It takes just a few minutes for a pot or pan to overheat and catch fire, so avoid leaving cooking unattended. Remember to keep flammable liquids (such as cooking oil) or combustible materials away from the stove as part of fire prevention.

Power Sockets

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When power sockets are overloaded, electrical fires can occur. Use them safely and limit your use to the number of sockets that have been provided. Switch off and unplug all electrical appliances when not in use.

Incense Sticks and Candles

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Avoid placing lighted incense sticks and candles near curtains or combustible materials, which may catch fire when they are near the open flame.

Cigarette Butts

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When there’s smoke, there’s fire. Refrain from throwing lighted cigarette butts into the rubbish chute or bin.

Rest assured knowing that there are several measures in place to protect your flat, including the unfortunate event of a fire – read our guide to home insurance to find out more!

Source: mynicehome.gov.sg

How Light Affects Paint Color

When starting any paint project, choosing paint colors that work within a cohesive color palette is half the battle. You also have to select a paint type, a paint finish and keep in mind how a room’s natural and artificial light may affect the colors you’ve chosen after application.

Don’t do all that painting only to find that the wall colors you’ve selected don’t look the same as the paint samples on which you based your color decision. Just follow the tips below for successful color choices.

How Does Light Affect Paint Color?

So you’ve painted your walls and your paint results don’t look much like the samples you used to make your paint choices. In fact, the walls look different depending on the time of day. So what happened? You’re not the only one. Many DIY painters have found themselves in this predicament. This is because of an effect called metamerism.

You have probably experienced this effect when putting on socks. In LED light, it may look like you’ve put on two black socks, only to find in different light, such as natural light, that one sock is dark blue. This can happen with paint color as well and should be considered when choosing paint colors. Both the sample—in this case, the socks—and the source of illumination can affect one’s perception of color.

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Your local True Value store’s paint experts are available to answer questions you have about paint, choosing paint colors and the effects of light in your home. Also, pick up a Custom Mixed Color Sample to try a few colors on your walls at home. Choosing colors based on how they look in the store can often lead to less than perfect results when the paint meets the wall. Color samples allow you to paint a small space and live with different options for a while before making your final decision.

Natural Light

Natural light (light that comes in through your home’s windows) affects the way colors appear in a room and should be considered when choosing paint colors. And the effect this light has depends on the direction in which it comes into the room and the position of the sun. If your room is north-facing, the light that enters will be softer and will produce a warmer effect—darker hues will be darker-looking and light colors will be a touch more subdued. This is because light from the north adds a touch of blue. If the room you’re painting has a southern exposure, it will receive the most intense light. Darker colors will be somewhat brightened and light colors (especially white) have the potential to leave the room washed out. In the evening, a room on the west side of your home will have warmth from the orange colors added and can leave rooms that are orange, red, or yellow saturated. Eastern exposure adds a bit of green to your room’s walls—you can brighten this room up with soft cheerful yellows.

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The best way to determine how natural light will affect the color of your painted walls is to test the paint colors in the room. Use True Value’s Custom Mixed Color Samples to paint the colors you’re considering on each wall in the room to see how the colors’ shades will work on each wall. Because one wall might be illuminated by direct sunlight, while another stays in the shade, you will be able to get a good idea of how the color works in the room overall. After you’ve painted a few small spots, check the colors throughout the day to see how they may change as the light in the room changes. You can adjust by going a shade darker or lighter, depending on what you’re going for.

HELPFUL TIP

Add the sampled paint to the walls in the morning so you can check it throughout the day to see the change in color shades.

You may also take into consideration the time of day the room is used most. If you use your dining room mainly in the evenings, determine the shade of your color that looks best at that time of day.

Note: Depending on the time of year, the effects of artificial light combined with natural light might come into play in the evening as well.

Artificial Light

Another type of light that you should test before choosing your paint colors is artificial light. Interior residential lighting is usually from a combination of bulbs with different warmth and brightness. Depending on the kind of light you’re using in a particular room, the effect it will have on paint color will vary. Check your sample colors with the light on in the room to see how the colors look under that particular light.

HELPFUL TIPS

Furnishings are important. Don’t check light versus color in an empty room. Objects in the room also affect color perspectives because they absorb and reflect light in different ways.

Remember to take into consideration the effects of accent lighting and task lighting, if it’s being used in addition to other light sources.

Note that shadows can make paint colors look different than the parts of a room that are directly lighted. Dark colors may seem dulled in these areas and lighter colors may seem a bit brighter.

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Paint Finish and Color

A major part of choosing paint colors is also deciding what type of finish would work with your room as well. Paint finishes (flat, gloss, semi-gloss, etc.) play a role in how color can change in certain light, especially gloss finishes. Gloss can add depth to any color, but under certain light can be very reflective, which changes perception of the color. The glossier the finish, the more light will bounce off and distort color appearance. Flat finishes have less light bounce.

Particular colors also play a part in how much they may or may not change in certain light. Whites and off-whites may seem vanilla, but they are often very adaptable to all light conditions. This can also be said of pale shades of other colors. However, whites and other light colors can sometimes reflect hues from objects in the room, such as furniture, flooring, rugs, etc. Brighter, richer colors can often be problematic and colors like khaki, sage and taupe are some of the worst offenders when it comes to changing under different lighting.

That’s it! Now you’re armed with a better understanding of how light affects your paint color choices and feel more confident when choosing paint colors for your home.

Must-Know Air Conditioning Maintenance Tips for Home Owners

Must-Know Air Conditioning Maintenance Tips for Home Owners

Never underestimate the important of regular air conditioner maintenance!

With Singapore’s tropical climate, many of us have air-conditioners installed at home. Want to keep your air-conditioner running in top condition and help it last longer? Here are some tips for air conditioning maintenance!

1. Clean the Filters

Your air-conditioner typically has filters located behind its front cover that help prevent dust particles from entering the evaporator coils. These filters tend to accumulate dirt and dust, which may block the airflow and reduce cooling efficiency. As such, it’s important to clean the filters in your air-conditioner at least once a month.

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Air conditioning maintenance tip #1: clean the filters thoroughly!

Make sure your air-conditioner is turned off at the mains before removing the filters. Visually inspect the filters to check for signs of wear and tear, and replace them if they are damaged.

If the filters are still in good condition, use a vacuum cleaner to get rid of any accumulated dirt and grime. Next, wash the filters with warm water and a little detergent. Rinse and wipe the filters dry before replacing them within the air-conditioner.

2. Clean the Coil Fins

The next air conditioning maintenance tip: cleaning the filters! While filters help prevent dust particles from soiling the evaporator coils, some particles may still find their way into the coil fins, which may eventually affect the air-conditioner’s performance.

It’s a good idea to clean the fins at the same time as your filters. Use either the vacuum cleaner or a brush to remove any dirt. Since the aluminium fins on the evaporator coils are usually very thin and susceptible to bending, avoid wire brushes or hard-bristle brushes as they may damage the fins.

Alternatively, spray a commercial cleaner on the fins as directed, and allow the cleaner to soak in and loosen the debris. Re-apply the cleaner until the fins are clean.

3. Engage a Professional

In addition to regular air conditioning maintenance, you should also engage a professional to service your air-conditioner regularly. In particular, the condensing system requires servicing on a 6-month or yearly basis, depending on your usage frequency.

The contractor will usually check and clean all the parts of your air-conditioner, including the outdoor condenser, individual indoor fan coils, controls, thermostats, refrigerant system, to keep them in perfect working condition.

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You should also ensure that the outdoor condenser’s refrigerant piping is properly insulated, and the condensation water from your air-conditioner is properly discharged into a nearby internal drainage opening. This will prevent leakage of condensation water that could inconvenience your lower floor neighbours or passers-by.

If your outdoor condenser is leaking, you can consider installing HDB’s patented air-conditioner tray. Do note that the service between yourself and the vendor is on a private arrangement basis.

Remember – regular air conditioner maintenance will keep your air-conditioner in good shape, so you save costs in the long run! Check out our guide for more home maintenance tips!

 

Source: mynicehome.gov.sg