5 Signs Your Aircond Needs a Chemical Wash Immediately
Do not ignore these 5 warning signs that your aircond urgently needs a chemical wash. Learn when to act before small problems become costly repairs.
Do Not Wait Until Your Aircond Breaks Down
Your air conditioner rarely fails without warning.
It usually sends clear signals that something is wrong long before a major breakdown occurs.
The trouble is, many homeowners in Petaling Jaya and across the Klang Valley either do not recognise these signs or dismiss them as minor inconveniences.
At PJ Kool Aircond Service, we have serviced thousands of units over the years.
Experience has taught us that the vast majority of expensive repairs could be prevented with a timely chemical wash.
Here are the 5 Signs Your Aircond Needs a Chemical Wash Immediately.
Sign 1: Your Aircond Is Not Cooling Like It Used To
This is the most common complaint we hear from customers in the Klang Valley.
You set the temperature to 24°C, yet the room still feels warm and humid.
Many users react by lowering the setting to 20°C or even 18°C.
Even at these low settings, the air coming out just is not cold enough to combat the Malaysian afternoon heat.
The Science of Airflow Restriction
When dirt, dust, and grime build up on the evaporator coil, they form a thick insulating layer.
This layer prevents the refrigerant inside the copper coils from absorbing heat efficiently from your room.
Your aircond is essentially trying to cool your room through a heavy blanket of grime.
The compressor works harder and consumes more electricity but delivers significantly less cooling power.
The “Biofilm” Factor
In our local climate, humidity often mixes with dust to create a stubborn “jelly” or biofilm on the coils.
Standard vacuuming cannot remove this sticky substance.
We use a specialized chemical solution to dissolve this biofilm and strip away the insulating layer.
This process restores the coil to near-original condition.
Most of our customers in the Petaling Jaya area report a noticeable improvement in cooling within minutes of us completing the service.
Sign 2: Water Is Dripping from Your Indoor Unit
Water dripping from your aircond is not normal and should never be ignored.
This issue frequently occurs in Malaysian homes during the hotter months from March to September when usage peaks.
Understanding the Blockage
The most common cause is a clogged drainage system.
Dirt, mould, and algae accumulate in the drainage tray and pipe over time.
The water produced during the cooling process eventually has nowhere to go.
It backs up and overflows.
This water drips down your wall and potentially damages your furniture, flooring, or electrical wiring.
Chemical Wash vs. General Service
Many homeowners ask if a standard service is enough to stop the leaking.
A standard service often only clears the surface dust.
We recommend a chemical wash because it is the only way to fully flush the drainage system.
| Feature | Standard General Service | Chemical Wash |
|---|---|---|
| Cleaning Method | Vacuum & water spray | Chemical solution & high-pressure flush |
| Drainage Pipe | Surface cleaning only | Deep flush of entire pipe length |
| Jelly/Algae Removal | Ineffective | Highly Effective |
| Odor Removal | Minimal | 99% Bacterial elimination |
A chemical wash clears the entire drainage system so water flows freely to the outside.
We also check for cracks in the drainage tray during this process to ensure no structural leaks exist.
Sign 3: There Is a Musty or Unpleasant Smell
If your aircond emits a damp or sour odour when it starts up, mould has likely colonised the inside of your unit.
Malaysia’s high humidity creates the perfect breeding ground for microorganisms like Cladosporium and Aspergillus.
These fungi thrive on the damp surfaces of the evaporator coil, drainage tray, and blower fan.
Health Implications
This is not just an unpleasant smell since it is a genuine health concern.
Every time your aircond runs, it circulates mould spores and bacterial particles throughout your room.
Exposure to these particles can trigger several issues:
- Allergic reactions including sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes.
- Worsening of asthma symptoms in sensitive individuals.
- Respiratory infections which are risky for children and the elderly.
- Skin irritation and rashes from airborne contaminants.
- Persistent headaches and fatigue.
eradicating the Source
Air fresheners will only mask the problem temporarily.
We use a chemical wash to kill the mould and bacteria at the source and remove the biofilm where they thrive.
The improvement in air quality is often immediate and dramatic.
Sign 4: Strange Noises Coming from Your Unit
A healthy aircond should operate with a quiet and consistent hum around 25 decibels.
If you are hearing strange sounds, your unit is telling you something is wrong.
Decoding the Sounds
Different noises point to different problems within the system:
- Rattling or vibrating: This is often caused by dirt accumulation on the blower fan which throws it off balance.
- Gurgling or bubbling: This usually indicates a partially blocked drainage system or low refrigerant gas.
- High-pitched whistling: This signals restricted airflow due to dirty filters or a clogged coil.
- Clicking during operation: This could indicate loose components or electrical issues.
The Role of Dirt Buildup
While not all noises require a chemical wash, the majority of noise complaints we handle at PJ Kool Aircond Service are resolved by a thorough cleaning.
Dirt buildup is the silent troublemaker behind most aircond noise issues.
A heavy layer of dust on the blower fan adds weight and causes the fan to wobble.
Cleaning this fan restores balance and silence to the room.
Sign 5: Your Electricity Bill Has Spiked
If your Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) bill has increased noticeably without a change in your usage habits, your aircond could be the culprit.
A dirty aircond unit can consume 20% to 30% more electricity than a clean one to produce the same level of cooling.
The Maths Behind It
Inefficiency hits your wallet harder than you might think.
Consider this scenario for a typical Petaling Jaya household:
- A 1.5 HP aircond unit running 10 hours daily uses approximately 1.1 kWh per hour when clean.
- When dirty, that same unit might draw 1.4 to 1.5 kWh per hour due to compressor strain.
- This translates to roughly RM50 to RM80 extra per month per unit at current TNB tariff rates.
- A household with 3 to 4 units could be overpaying by RM150 to RM300 monthly.
Return on Investment
A chemical wash typically costs between RM80 and RM120 per unit.
This service often pays for itself within a single month through energy savings alone.
We consider it one of the best returns on investment for any home maintenance task.
What To Do If You Notice These Signs
If you recognise one or more of these signs, do not delay.
Contact PJ Kool Aircond Service for a professional assessment.
Here is the action plan we recommend based on severity:
- One sign present: Schedule a chemical wash within the next two weeks.
- Two or more signs: Book an appointment as soon as possible.
- Water leak + bad smell: This is urgent so contact us immediately to prevent water damage and health issues.
We serve all areas in Petaling Jaya including Damansara Jaya, SS2, Kelana Jaya, Bandar Utama, Taman SEA, and surrounding neighbourhoods.
Same-day appointments are often available for urgent cases.
Prevention Is Always Better Than Cure
The best approach is to schedule regular chemical washes before these signs appear.
For most homes in the Klang Valley, we recommend a chemical wash every 6 to 9 months.
This frequency keeps your unit running efficiently while ensuring your air stays clean and your electricity bills remain under control.
Contact PJ Kool Aircond Service today to schedule your chemical wash and enjoy the difference a properly maintained aircond makes.