Foam Jet vs Power Jet vs Dry AC Service: Which One Does Your AC Actually Need?

Dry service — the routine one

This covers filter cleaning, wiping down visible dust, and a general inspection without disassembling the unit or using cleaning agents on the coil. It's quick, and it's what most ACs need every 2–3 months during heavy use to stay in good shape.

Foam jet service — the deep clean most ACs actually need once or twice a year

A foaming cleaning solution is applied to the indoor and outdoor coils, breaking down dust, grease and mould buildup that a dry wipe-down can't reach, then rinsed away. This is the service most homes actually need before summer, since it restores cooling efficiency that gradually erodes from months of coil buildup.

Power jet service — for units that have been neglected for a long time

Higher-pressure water is used to blast away heavier, more stubborn buildup — think an AC that hasn't been serviced in a year or more, or one showing visible grime and reduced airflow even after a standard clean. This isn't something most ACs need routinely, but it's the right call for a badly neglected unit.

So which one do you actually need?

If it's been under 3 months since your last service and the AC is cooling fine, a dry service is enough. If it's been 6+ months, or you're noticing weaker cooling and a slight musty smell, a foam jet service is the right call. If the unit hasn't been touched in over a year, ask your technician whether a power jet clean is warranted — they'll be able to tell from a quick inspection.

Frequently asked questions