3 DIY Aircond Cleaning Tips You Can Do Between Professional Services

You don’t need to call a technician every time your aircond needs attention.

We know the frustration of waiting for a service appointment while your house feels like a sauna.

Most homeowners in the Klang Valley are unaware that simple maintenance tasks can solve many common cooling issues.

These habits do more than just improve comfort.

They directly impact your Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) bill.

We have seen consistent maintenance extend a unit’s lifespan by years.

Here are three essential DIY cleaning tips every Malaysian homeowner should know, plus the specific tasks you must leave to the professionals.

Tip 1: Clean Your Air Filters (Every 2-4 Weeks)

This is the single most impactful thing you can do for your cooling system.

We often find that “broken” airconds are simply choked by dust.

Dirty filters restrict airflow and force your compressor to work significantly harder.

This extra strain can drive up your electricity usage by 5% to 15% according to general energy efficiency data.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Switch off the aircond and wait a few minutes for the unit to stop completely.
2. Open the front panel by locating the clips or tabs on the sides; gently pull the panel forward and lift it up.
3. Slide out the filters, which are usually mesh screens sitting just above the evaporator coil.
4. Rinse under running water using a shower head or kitchen tap; scrub gently with a soft brush for stubborn grime.
5. Let them dry completely for at least 30 minutes in a ventilated area to prevent mould growth.
6. Slide them back in and securely close the front panel.

How Often Should You Clean?

The frequency depends heavily on your specific environment.

Environment	Recommended Frequency	Why?
Standard Home	Every 4 weeks	Normal dust accumulation.
Pet Owners	Every 2 weeks	Cat and dog hair clogs filters rapidly.
High Traffic Areas	Every 2-3 weeks	Homes near construction sites (like the LDP or DASH highway works) face heavier dust loads.
Haze Season	Weekly	Fine particulate matter builds up much faster.

Pro Tips:

• Inspect for damage. If the mesh has holes or the frame is cracked, replace it immediately. Replacement filters typically cost between RM10 and RM30 at local hardware stores.
• Wipe the coil. While the filter is out, use a dry cloth to wipe visible dust from the evaporator coil surface, but do not spray water or chemicals on it.
• Check for two filters. Many modern units, such as those from Daikin or Panasonic, have two separate filter screens. Ensure you clean both.

Tip 2: Wipe Down the Exterior and Clear the Outdoor Unit (Monthly)

Indoor Unit Maintenance

Dust accumulates on the aircond’s exterior, air louvres, and the surrounding wall area.

We recommend a quick wipe-down every month to prevent this dust from being recirculated into your bedroom or living room.

How to do it:

• Use a slightly damp microfibre cloth that is not dripping wet.
• Wipe the top of the unit, the front panel, and the air louvres carefully.
• Use a thin cloth wrapped around an old toothbrush to clean between the slats of the louvres.
• Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach or glass cleaner as they can damage plastic and discolour the casing.

Outdoor Unit Maintenance

Your outdoor compressor (condenser) needs adequate airflow to release heat effectively.

We have measured energy consumption spikes of 10% to 15% in units where the outdoor airflow is blocked.

Monthly outdoor unit checklist:

• Check clearance. Ensure there is at least 30cm of clear space around all sides of the unit.
• Clear debris. Remove any fallen leaves, spider webs, or bird droppings from the casing.
• Trim vegetation. Check that potted plants or garden shrubs haven’t grown too close to the fan.
• Gentle cleaning. Hose down the condenser fins if they are visibly dirty, but use a light spray rather than a high-pressure jet.
• Inspect drainage. Make sure the drainage outlet isn’t buried in soil or blocked by items.
• Clear the area. Remove any mops, buckets, or boxes stored on top of or right next to the unit.

In areas like Petaling Jaya, outdoor units placed at ground level tend to accumulate more organic debris.

Rooftop units on condos generally stay cleaner but face more intense sun exposure which can make plastic parts brittle over time.

Tip 3: Check and Maintain the Drainage System (Monthly)

The drainage system is frequently overlooked by homeowners.

We identify clogged pipes as the primary cause of water leaks in over half our service calls.

Malaysia’s high humidity, often hovering around 80%, creates the perfect breeding ground for algae and “biofilm” slime inside drainage pipes.

What to Check:

The drainage pipe outlet: Find the small PVC pipe that exits your wall.

This is where condensation water should drip out when the aircond is running.

If the unit is running but this pipe is bone dry, the water is likely trapped inside the unit.

The drainage tray: When you remove the filters, look for the tray beneath the evaporator coil.

If you see standing water, thick slime, or greenish discolouration, a blockage is forming.

Simple Maintenance Routine:

1. Test the flow. Pour a cup of warm water (about 250ml) into the drainage tray and watch the external pipe.
2. Time it. The water should flow out within 30 to 60 seconds.
3. Clear minor clogs. If it drains slowly, pour a mixture of warm water and a tablespoon of white vinegar into the tray to help break down the algae.
4. Call for help. If it doesn’t drain at all, the blockage is solid and requires professional vacuuming or flushing.
5. Inspect the exit. Check the external pipe end for insect nests or dirt plugs.

Prevention:

• Pour a small amount of vinegar solution into the drainage tray once a month to inhibit algae growth.
• Run your seldom-used airconds (like in the guest room) for at least 15-20 minutes weekly to keep the drainage flowing and prevent stagnant water buildup.

What You Should NOT Do Yourself

While DIY maintenance is valuable, there are clear limits to what is safe for a homeowner to attempt.

We have had to repair expensive damage caused by well-meaning owners attempting complex repairs without training.

Don’t Spray Water or Chemicals on the Evaporator Coil

The evaporator coil consists of delicate aluminium fins.

Spraying water without a proper catchment bag can flood the electrical circuit board located on the right side of most units.

Generic household cleaning sprays often contain chemicals that corrode the aluminium fins, permanently reducing cooling efficiency.

Don’t Attempt Gas Top-Ups

Refrigerant gas handling requires a license and specialised gauges.

We use specific gas types (like R32 or R410A) that operate at different pressures.

Overfilling the gas is just as dangerous as underfilling and can destroy the compressor valves immediately.

Don’t Dismantle the Unit

Removing the blower fan, motor, or main casing requires technical knowledge of the assembly.

Incorrect reassembly often leads to vibration noise, water leaks, or potential electrical short circuits.

Don’t Use a Pressure Washer on the Outdoor Unit

The condenser fins are extremely thin and pliable.

A high-pressure washer will flatten these fins instantly.

Flattened fins block airflow completely, which ruins the unit’s ability to expel heat and often requires a full coil replacement.

When DIY Isn’t Enough: Call a Professional

Even with diligent DIY maintenance, your aircond requires a deep clean to function at its peak.

We recommend a standard professional service every 3-4 months and a chemical wash every 6-12 months to flush out deep-seated grime.

Call a professional immediately if you notice:

• Reduced cooling performance despite clean filters.
• Water dripping from the indoor unit corners.
• Unusual sounds like clicking, rattling, or grinding.
• Musty or sour odours that persist after you clean the filters.
• Ice forming on the copper pipes near the outdoor unit.
• The unit failing to turn on or constantly tripping the MCB (circuit breaker).

The Ideal Maintenance Routine

Combine your own care with professional service for the best results.

Task	Frequency	Who Does It
Filter cleaning	Every 2-4 weeks	You
Exterior wipe-down	Monthly	You
Drainage check	Monthly	You
Outdoor unit clearance	Monthly	You
Standard professional service	Every 3-4 months	Technician
Chemical wash	Every 6-12 months	Technician

Sticking to this schedule will reward you with reliable cooling and lower bills, even in Malaysia’s tropical climate.

Need Professional Service?

When it is time for a thorough chemical wash, we are ready to help.

WhatsApp PJ Kool at 012-2252 623.

We serve all areas in PJ, KL, Damansara, Subang Jaya, Shah Alam, Puchong, and the Klang Valley.

Visit our chemical wash service page for pricing and a detailed breakdown of what is included.