How to Prepare Your AC for Malaysia's Hot Season

How to Prepare Your AC for Malaysia

Malaysia’s heat season is predictable, but 2026 brings a unique challenge with Hari Raya Aidilfitri landing right in the peak of the hot weather on March 19. The combination of the “Level 1” heat alerts (35°C-37°C) forecasted by MetMalaysia and the festive season means your air conditioner will be working overtime when you need it most.

Here is how we recommend getting your system ready before the heat—and the guests—arrive.

Why Pre-Season Prep Matters

The stakes are higher this year due to the new electricity tariff structure.

• Outdoor temperatures consistently hit 35°C+: Your compressor has to work 30-50% harder to bridge the gap between outside heat and your cool interior.
• TNB’s RP4 Tariff Impact: Under the new structure effective until 2027, crossing the 1,500 kWh usage threshold triggers a higher energy charge of 37.03 sen/kWh plus fixed charges.
• Technician Scarcity: Service slots fill up rapidly 2-3 weeks before Ramadan starts.
• Comfort is Non-Negotiable: A breakdown during an Open House is a host’s worst nightmare.

Preparing in advance:

• Keeps your monthly usage in the lower, subsidized tariff tiers (under 600 kWh is ideal).
• Secures a slot before the pre-Raya rush claims all weekend appointments.
• Identifies potential refrigerant leaks before they cause the coil to freeze up.
• Maximizes cooling power per Ringgit spent on electricity.

Timing: When to Prepare

Ideal Timing

• 1-2 months before hot season (January-Mid February)
• Technicians are less busy, meaning you can often get a next-day appointment.
• This gives you a buffer to order specific parts (like a replacement PCB board) if a major repair is needed.
• Your home is cool and ready before the fasting month begins.

Last Minute (Still Better Than Nothing)

• 2-4 weeks before
• You may face wait times of 5-7 days for a slot.
• Preventative cleaning now is still cheaper than an emergency repair later.

Your Pre-Season Checklist

Step 1: Clean or Replace Filters (DIY)

Time needed: 15 minutes per unit

Your filter is the first line of defense against the haze and dust common in Klang Valley.

1. Open the front panel and gently unclip the mesh filters.
2. Hold them up to a light source—if you can’t see light through the dust, airflow is blocked.
3. Wash them with lukewarm water and mild soap; avoid harsh brushes that can tear the mesh.
4. Let them air dry completely (damp filters encourage mold growth) before reinstalling.

Insider Tip: If you live near construction zones like Kepong or Segambut, consider adding a layer of 3M Filtrete electrostatic sheets to your existing mesh for better PM2.5 filtration.

Step 2: Check Outdoor Unit (DIY)

Time needed: 10 minutes

The outdoor compressor is often ignored until it fails.

1. Inspect the back of the unit for “blanket” dust blocking the fins.
2. Look for bird nests—pigeons and mynas love nesting in warm compressor nooks in high-rise condos.
3. Ensure the unit has at least 30cm of clearance from potted plants or balcony furniture.
4. Verify the fan spins without a wobbling sound when the unit is running.
5. Splash water gently on the fins to rinse off loose dust (do not spray hard).

Don’t: Use a high-pressure jet sprayer directly on the delicate aluminum fins, as bending them will permanently reduce cooling efficiency.

Step 3: Test All Units (DIY)

Time needed: 30 minutes

You need to perform a “Delta T” test to verify performance.

1. Turn on the unit and set it to “Cool” mode (not “Auto” or “Dry”) at 16°C.
2. Let it run at maximum fan speed for 15 minutes to stabilize.
3. Place a thermometer at the air intake (top of unit) and then at the cold air outlet.
4. Calculate the difference: A healthy unit should show a temperature drop of at least 8°C to 10°C.
5. Listen for any gurgling noises, which often indicate low refrigerant gas.
6. Check the drain pipe outlet to ensure water is flowing out steadily, not dripping indoors.
7. Sniff the air for musty odors, a sign of bacterial slime in the cooling coil.

Why now: Finding a gas leak today allows us to fix it before you lose all cooling capacity during a 36°C afternoon.

Step 4: Schedule Professional Service

Why professional service is essential:

Surface cleaning often misses the “bio-slime” or “jelly” that grows in Malaysia’s humid climate.

• Evaporator coil cleaning: We remove the stubborn dust that acts as an insulator and blocks cold air.
• Drain pan and line flushing: Prevents the “jelly” buildup that causes 90% of water leak issues.
• Blower fan deep clean: A dust-caked fan blade spins slower and moves less air.
• Refrigerant pressure check: We verify gas levels (R32, R410A, or R22) are within the manufacturer’s specs.
• Electrical safety check: Tightens loose connections that can cause sparks or circuit board failure.
• Overall system inspection: Professional eyes spot rusting parts or failing capacitors early.

Step 5: Address Any Issues Found

We always recommend acting fast on the technician’s report.

• Minor issues: Replace a weak capacitor (usually ~RM80-RM150) now to prevent the compressor from overheating later.
• Major issues: If an old R22 unit has a compressor failure, it is often more cost-effective to buy a new inverter unit given the 2026 energy tariffs.
• Efficiency concerns: An older non-inverter unit running 8 hours a day costs significantly more to run than a modern 4-star or 5-star energy rated model.

Don’t wait—a small rattle today becomes a seized motor next month.

What Professional Service Should Include

Chemical Wash (Recommended)

Our chemical wash (often called a “chemical overhaul” if dismantling is involved) covers:

• Complete disassembly of the indoor unit cover and water tray.
• Application of alkaline-based coil cleaner to dissolve grime from the evaporator.
• High-pressure water flush of the blower fan cylinder.
• Vacuuming of the drainage pipe to remove algae and slime.
• Antibacterial misting to kill mold spores.
• Gas pressure check (PSI measurement).
• FREE gas top-up (up to 10kg/PSI, subject to gas type).
• System testing for airflow and cooling speed.

Cost: RM180/unit (discounts available for 3+ units).

Standard Cleaning (Minimum)

This service is best for units that are less than a year old:

• Filter washing and sanitizing.
• Brush cleaning of the evaporator coil surface.
• Wiping down the exterior casing.
• Flushing the drain line with water.
• Basic performance check.

Cost: RM70/unit.

Optimizing for Hot Season Performance

Room Preparation

Your AC works best when the room helps it out.

Reduce heat gain:

• Apply high-performance window films (like V-Kool or 3M) which can reject up to 60% of solar heat.
• Close blackout curtains on east-facing windows in the morning and west-facing ones in the afternoon.
• Install door bottom seals to stop cold air from escaping under the door gap.

Improve insulation:

• Check window frames for gaps where hot air leaks in.
• Use “weather stripping” foam tape to seal loose sliding windows.
• Keep bathroom doors closed if they have exhaust fans that suck out conditioned air.

Reduce internal heat:

• Avoid using the oven or dryer during the hottest part of the day (2 PM - 4 PM).
• Switch to LED bulbs; old incandescent bulbs act like mini heaters.
• Turn off computers and gaming consoles when not in use.

Usage Tips for Hot Season

Temperature setting:

• Set your remote to 24°C; every degree lower can increase electricity usage by 10%.
• Use the “Timer” function to turn the unit off 30 minutes before you wake up (the room stays cool).
• Pair your AC with a ceiling fan—this allows you to set the AC at 26°C while feeling like 24°C due to the wind chill effect.

Timing:

• Turn the AC on 15 minutes before your guests arrive to pre-cool the walls and furniture.
• Use the “Powerful” or “Turbo” mode only for the first 20 minutes, then switch back to normal.
• Avoid “Auto” mode if you want consistent cooling; stick to “Cool” mode with a fixed fan speed.

Maintenance:

• Vacuum your filters every two weeks during the hazy season.
• Pour a cup of warm water down the evaporator coil (if accessible) monthly to keep the drain clear.
• Listen for changes in fan noise, which often precedes a failure.

Signs Your AC Isn’t Ready

Red flags that need attention before hot season:

Emergency Backup Plan

Even with preparation, Malaysia’s thunderstorms can cause power surges that trip ACs.

1. Know who to call

• Save our number in your phone now, not when the leak starts.
• Confirm if your regular technician works on weekends or public holidays (many close for Hari Raya).

2. Have alternatives ready

• Keep a high-velocity portable fan clean and accessible.
• identify the coolest room in the house (usually downstairs on the shady side).
• Have a plan to move elderly family members to a hotel or mall if the AC fails during a heatwave.

3. Keep contact info handy

• Our WhatsApp: 012-2252 623
• We offer prioritized slots for emergency breakdowns.

Book Your Pre-Season Service

Don’t wait for the March heatwave to hit. WhatsApp us at 012-2252 623 to schedule your pre-season AC service today.

Pre-season benefits:

• Secure a slot that fits your schedule, including weekends.
• Avoid the “peak season surcharge” some companies apply during high demand.
• Ensure your home is guest-ready for the upcoming festivities.

Our chemical wash includes:

• Full cleaning of indoor and outdoor components.
• FREE gas top-up (up to 10kg for standard gases).
• Antibacterial coating to prevent mold regrowth.
• 30-day workmanship warranty on all leaks and cleaning.

Multi-unit discounts:

• 2 units: RM160 each
• 3+ units: RM150 each

We proudly serve Kepong, Mont Kiara, Desa ParkCity, Segambut, Damansara, and surrounding Kuala Lumpur areas. Get your home ready for the heat—book now while appointments are still available.