Hello, this is the Nueng Air Con Koh Samui team.

Today, we want to share important guidelines regarding hiring terms for air conditioning repairs and services. This knowledge is essential for everyone—from homeowners and accountants to auditors and business owners. The goal is to help you stay informed and understand the details of hiring a technician so that every baht and every minute you spend is worth it.

Did you know? A loosely defined TOR (Terms of Reference) opens the door to corruption or collusion between the hiring party and the contractors.

As a technician with over 10 years of experience managing hotel systems, I would like to share my tips on defining a TOR (Terms of Reference) that every homeowner or business owner should know. This will ensure you get quality work that is worth the investment, without the headaches later.

Many of you may have hired technicians to install or repair ACs only to be disappointed with the results—the AC isn’t cold, water is dripping, wiring is messy, or the work is simply sloppy. These problems often stem from unclear agreements at the start. Let’s plan your TOR together:

1. Clearly Define the Scope of Work

Don't just write "Install 2 air conditioners." You must go deeper.

  • Dismantling: If there are old units, does the price include dismantling and removing the debris/old unit from the site?

  • Positioning: Clearly specify the location of both the Condensing Unit (outdoor) and Fan Coil Unit (indoor) to prevent excessively long piping or installation that blocks views/ruins aesthetics.

  • Restoration: Does the job include repainting, ceiling repair, or patching masonry that might be damaged during installation?

2. Material Specifications are the Heart of Quality

The difference between a "cheap technician" and a "professional technician" often lies in the materials, which directly affect the lifespan of your air conditioner. Your TOR should specify.

Refrigerant Pipes: Must be standard-grade thick copper tubing. Specifying the brand or thickness is even better.

Insulation: What thickness is required? (e.g., 3/4 inch or 1 inch) to prevent condensation and dripping in the long run.

Wiring: Must use standard cables (TIS certified) with the correct size for the current load.

Piping Covers: Are PVC trunking/rails included? These are necessary for aesthetics and to protect pipes from rodents.

3. Standards and Work Methods

To ensure maximum cooling efficiency and avoid paying twice, customers should ask for these steps and include them in the TOR.

  • Vacuuming: The system must be vacuumed to remove air and moisture. Strictly NO "purging" (using refrigerant to push air out), as this will cause the AC to fail quickly. ต้องมีการทำสุญญากาศท่อระบบน้ำยา เพื่อดึงอากาศและความชื้นออกมาจากระบบ ห้ามใช้วิธีไล่น้ำยา หรือ Purge เด็ดขาด เพราะแอร์จะพังเร็ว

  • Leak Testing: Is there a pressure test for leaks before running the machine?

  • System Flushing: In cases where a compressor is being replaced, flushing the system to remove old oil and debris is mandatory. If the pipes aren't cleaned, the new compressor will likely fail or not cool properly. This is crucial to specify.

  • Electrical System: Wire connections must use cable lugs (terminals) or be crimped securely. Air conditioners vibrate constantly; without proper crimping, wires can come loose and cause danger.

4. Site Care and Cleanliness

Hotel technicians are trained strictly on this. Your TOR should state.

  • Protection: Canvas or plastic sheets must be laid down to protect furniture, floors, or walls before work begins.

  • Restoration: The area must be returned to its original condition after work.

  • Waste Disposal: The technician must clear away all installation trash and debris.

5. Warranty

The warranty can be a major headache if not agreed upon beforehand. Without a written agreement, there is a high chance the technician won't return to fix issues. Separate the warranty into two parts.

  • Equipment Warranty: Usually follows manufacturer terms (e.g., Compressor 1-12 years, PCB 1-5 years). Note that this usually excludes labor, transport, and checks, and does not cover accidents, natural disasters, or improper installation.

  • Installation Warranty: This is key. If pipes leak, water drips, or the AC isn't cold due to installation errors, the technician must fix it for free within a set period (e.g., 6 months or 1 year).

Conclusion Creating a detailed TOR is not about being "fussy." It ensures that both the employer and the technician have a mutual understanding. Professional technicians actually prefer a clear TOR because it allows us to quote accurately, select the right tools, and deliver the high-quality work you expect. Importantly, it supports quality technicians in the industry.

If you are looking for a team that understands system standards, values material specifications, and cares for your property like a 5-star hotel.

"Nueng Air Con Team" is ready to serve and consult.