How to Clean and Maintain Your Air Conditioner for Better Cooling
- My Lektrik
- Nov 20
- 2 min read
A well-maintained air conditioner not only cools faster but also reduces electricity usage, improves air quality, and prolongs the lifespan of your unit. Whether you use a wall-mounted inverter aircond, non-inverter unit, or portable AC, regular cleaning is essential—especially in Malaysia’s hot and dusty climate.
Below is a simple, step-by-step guide to help you keep your air conditioner running at top performance.
1. Clean the Air Filters (Every 2–4 Weeks)
Dirty filters are the No.1 reason for weak cooling.
How to do it:
Turn off the aircond and open the front panel.
Remove the filters gently.
Rinse with running water (no detergent needed).
Let the filters dry completely.
Reinstall them back into the unit.
Benefits:
✔ Stronger airflow
✔ Lower electricity consumption
✔ Cleaner indoor air
2. Vacuum or Wash the Evaporator Coil (Every 3–6 Months)
The evaporator coil (the cooling coil inside the indoor unit) collects dust, reducing cooling efficiency.
How to clean:
Use a soft brush or vacuum to remove dust.
For a deeper clean, use a coil cleaner spray (safe for home use).
Why it matters:
✔ Faster cooling
✔ Reduced strain on the compressor
✔ Longer lifespan of your aircond
3. Clean the Outdoor Condenser Unit (Every 6 Months)
Heat trapped in the outdoor unit weakens cooling inside your home.
Steps:
Turn off the power.
Clear leaves, dust, or debris around the unit.
Brush or vacuum the fins.
If possible, gently wash the casing with water (avoid the electrical parts).
Results:
✔ Better heat release
✔ Stronger, faster cooling
✔ Lower energy usage
4. Unclog the Drain Pipe (When Water Leaks From Indoor Unit)
A blocked drain pipe can cause water dripping and reduced performance.
How to fix it:
Use a wet/dry vacuum to suck out dirt from the drain pipe.
Or ask a technician to flush the pipe professionally.
Signs of clogged drainage:
⚠️ Water dripping
⚠️ Moldy smell
⚠️ Weak airflow
5. Clean the Aircond Blower Wheel (Every 6–12 Months)
The blower wheel collects thick dust over time, causing noise and weak airflow.
Best cleaned by a technician because the unit must be disassembled.
Benefits:
✔ Powerful airflow
✔ Quiet operation
6. Check Gas/Refrigerant Levels (Yearly Check)
Low gas = weak cooling + higher electricity bill.
Let a technician check the gas level if you notice:
Air is not cold even at 16°C
Compressor keeps running nonstop
Ice forms on copper pipes
7. Schedule Professional Servicing (Every 6–12 Months)
A full service includes:
✔ Chemical cleaning
✔ Coil washing
✔ Blower wheel cleaning
✔ Outdoor condenser wash
✔ Gas level check
✔ Drain pipe flushing
This ensures your aircond works like new.
Final Tips for Better Cooling
Keep windows and doors closed when AC is running.
Avoid setting temperature too low (24–26°C saves energy).
Use ceiling fan or circulating fan together for faster cooling.
Don’t block the indoor unit with curtains or furniture.
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