If you live in Malaysia, your aircond isn’t a luxury—it’s a lifeline. Between the heat, humidity, and haze, most units run for hours every day. The problem? When the air isn’t cold or your TNB bill skyrockets, it’s not your imagination. These issues often come from simple maintenance habits that get overlooked.
After servicing thousands of units across the Klang Valley, I can tell you that consistent care is the key. It stops small problems from becoming costly breakdowns. For more general advice and tips on keeping your unit healthy, the team at Aircond Care has a wealth of helpful information. Here are the top 10 maintenance tips every Malaysian homeowner should follow to keep cooling strong, bills low, and your unit running for years.
1. Clean Your Air Filters Every 2–4 Weeks
Think of your aircond filter as its lungs. In our dusty environment—from construction sites to busy roads—these filters clog up incredibly fast. A blocked filter chokes the airflow, forcing the fan motor to work much harder and use more electricity. All you need to do is pop open the front panel, slide the mesh filters out, and rinses them with water. Let them dry completely in the shade before putting them back. Doing this simple step monthly can improve your cooling efficiency by up to 20% and keep your indoor air cleaner.
2. Pick a Reliable Brand from the Start
Good maintenance works best on a good foundation. Investing in a well-built, energy-efficient model from a trusted aircond brand is the best decision for long-term performance and lower bills. A reliable unit is designed to handle our humidity and continuous use much better than a cheaper alternative, saving you money and hassle from the start.
3. Keep the Outdoor Unit Clear and Clean
That big metal box outside (the condenser) is responsible for releasing heat. If it’s surrounded by overgrown plants, stacked storage, or caked in a layer of grime and leaves, it can’t do its job. This causes the system to overwork, leading to weak cooling and higher power consumption. Make sure there’s at least one foot of clear space all around it. Every few months, gently hose down the fins at the back to wash away dust and debris. This simple act of giving it some breathing room is a major efficiency booster.
4. Use the Right Temperature Settings (24°C – 26°C)
I know it’s tempting to set the remote to 18°C, but that doesn’t cool your room faster—it only makes the compressor work non-stop until it reaches that unrealistic temperature, wasting a huge amount of energy. The ideal range for comfort and efficiency in Malaysia is 24°C to 26°C. Pair this with a ceiling fan on low speed; the air movement will make the room feel several degrees cooler. Remember, every 1°C you raise the setting can save you up to 6% on your cooling costs.
5. Schedule Professional Servicing At Least Once a Year
Cleaning filters is your job, but a professional service tackles what you can’t see. Over time, dirt builds up deep on the evaporator coils, inside the blower wheel, and in the drain pipe. A pro will do a deep clean, check refrigerant pressure, clear the drain line to prevent leaks, and ensure all electrical components are safe. For units used daily, I recommend servicing every six months. This one habit prevents the vast majority of major breakdowns.
6. Check for Refrigerant (Gas) Leaks Promptly
Refrigerant is the lifeblood of your cooling system; it doesn’t get “used up.” If the level is low, there is a leak. Signs include weak cooling, ice forming on the copper pipes, and the unit running constantly without shutting off. Topping up the gas without fixing the leak is a temporary, wasteful fix that strains the compressor. If you notice these symptoms, it’s time to schedule a professional inspection to find and seal the leak before it causes costly compressor failure.
7. Ensure Proper Airflow in Your Room
Your aircond can only cool the air in front of it. Make its job easier by ensuring good airflow. Keep doors and windows closed when it’s running. Avoid placing sofas or large cabinets directly in front of the indoor unit. For rooms that get the hot afternoon sun, using blackout curtains or blinds can significantly reduce the heat load, helping your unit cool more efficiently.
8. Fix Water Leaks Immediately
A dripping indoor unit is a common warning sign in our humid climate. The most frequent cause is a clogged drain pipe from algae and sludge buildup. Ignoring it can lead to ceiling stains, mold growth, and even electrical issues. If you see water, it’s a clear signal that your unit needs attention. While you can sometimes pour warm water down the drain pipe to clear a mild clog, recurring leaks need a technician’s touch.
9. Consider a Deep Chemical Wash When Performance Drops
Sometimes, even regular servicing isn’t enough. After years of use, the evaporator and condenser coils can get insulated with a layer of stubborn, oily grime that water alone can’t remove. If your unit has very weak airflow, inconsistent cooling, or a persistent musty smell, a professional chemical wash might be needed. This isn’t a routine service, but a restorative clean that can bring a struggling unit back to life.
10. Know When to Upgrade an Old Unit
If your non-inverter aircond is over 10 years old, requires constant repairs, and your electricity bills keep climbing, it’s often more cost-effective to replace it. Modern inverter models are far more energy-efficient. The savings on your monthly TNB bill can justify the investment over time. When you do upgrade, remember that a proper professional installation service is just as critical as the unit you choose. A poor installation can cause leaks, noise, and inefficiency from day one, undermining your investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I service my aircond in Malaysia?
For typical home use, a full professional service once a year is the minimum. If you use it daily, have allergies, or have multiple units, servicing every six months is ideal to maintain performance and air quality.
Why is my aircond still not cold after cleaning the filter?
A clean filter is the first step. If cooling is still weak, the issue could be low refrigerant, a completely blocked outdoor unit, dirty coils, or a failing compressor. These require a professional inspection.
What is the best aircond setting to save electricity?
Set your temperature to 25°C on “Cool” mode with a medium fan speed. Using the “Dry” mode on very humid days can also be more efficient than “Cool” mode as it removes moisture first.
Is it okay to just top up the refrigerant gas?
No. Refrigerant exists in a sealed system. Low gas means there is a leak. Topping up without finding and fixing the leak is illegal for environmental reasons, wastes money, and will quickly lead to the same problem while risking permanent damage to the expensive compressor.
Final Thoughts
Sticking to these habits transforms your aircond from a source of worry into a source of comfort. You’ll enjoy more reliable cooling, cleaner air, and the satisfaction of lower, more predictable bills. Most problems start small, and a little attention goes a very long way.
If it’s been over a year since your last service, or you’re noticing weaker airflow, strange noises, or water dripping, don’t wait for a full breakdown. Send us a message on WhatsApp to schedule a check-up. Our technicians will get your unit running efficiently again, saving you money and keeping your home comfortably cool.
