Your aircon is running. The fan is spinning. But the room is still warm. This is one of the most common complaints we receive — and the good news is that most causes are fixable at a reasonable cost. Here are the six most common reasons, ranked from cheapest to most expensive to fix.
1. Clogged Air Filter (Fix: RM70 Service)
The number one cause of poor cooling in Malaysia. The air filter collects dust, pet hair, and fibres from the air. Once it's blocked, air can't flow through properly — the unit can't move enough air over the coil to cool the room effectively.
Signs this is the issue:
- Weak airflow from the indoor unit vents
- Unit works better on max fan speed
- You haven't serviced it in more than 3 months
Fix: A general service (RM70) clears the filter and coil. If the filter has been blocked for a long time, the coil itself may have accumulated grime and you'll need a chemical wash (RM120–150) for full recovery.
2. Dirty Evaporator Coil (Fix: Chemical Wash RM120–150)
Behind the filter sits the evaporator coil — a set of aluminium fins that the refrigerant flows through. When the coil is coated in dust and mould, it can't absorb heat from the room air efficiently.
Signs this is the issue:
- Airflow is okay but the air coming out isn't very cold
- Musty smell when the aircon turns on
- Unit runs continuously without cooling the room
Fix: A chemical wash cleans the coil with chemical solution. This is often the real solution for units that "worked fine last service but now aren't cold."
3. Low Refrigerant (Gas Top-Up Required)
Refrigerant is the gas inside the sealed refrigeration circuit that absorbs and releases heat. If there's a leak in the system, refrigerant level drops and cooling ability decreases significantly.
Signs this is the issue:
- The air coming from the unit is barely cool even with a clean filter
- Ice forming on the copper pipe near the indoor unit
- Unit runs all the time but can't bring the temperature down
Note: In Malaysia, the most common refrigerant is R32 or R410A. A gas top-up without fixing the leak is a temporary fix — the gas will leak out again. Our technician will check for the leak source during the troubleshoot visit (RM80).
4. Faulty Capacitor (Fix: RM100–150)
The capacitor provides the electrical boost needed to start the compressor and fan motor. When a capacitor weakens or fails — which happens frequently in Malaysia's heat — the compressor may fail to start, or start but run at reduced capacity.
Signs this is the issue:
- Outdoor unit hums but the compressor doesn't seem to be working
- The fan spins slowly or erratically
- The unit works sometimes but not others (especially in hot weather)
Fix: Capacitor replacement costs RM100 for 1–1.5HP units and RM150 for 2–2.5HP. Takes about 30–45 minutes. The part is replaced on the spot.
5. Compressor Fault (Serious — Requires Assessment)
The compressor is the heart of the refrigeration cycle. A failing compressor can still run (drawing power, making noise) while producing little to no cooling. Compressor issues are more expensive and require a proper diagnosis before quoting repair vs replace.
Signs this is the issue:
- The outdoor unit runs hot to the touch
- High electricity bills despite poor cooling
- Unit trips the circuit breaker occasionally
- You've already had a gas top-up but cooling is still poor
A troubleshoot (RM80) will determine whether the compressor is at fault and give you options. Sometimes a compressor replacement costs less than a new unit — sometimes it doesn't. We'll give you an honest assessment.
6. Undersized Unit for the Room
If the aircon has always struggled to cool the room (even when new), the unit may be undersized for the space. A 1HP aircon is rated for roughly 100–150 sq ft. A 1.5HP for 150–250 sq ft. If your unit is running in a larger space, it will never fully cool it regardless of condition.
This isn't a repair issue — it's a capacity issue. The solution is a larger unit or adding a second unit.
What to Do Next
If your aircon is not cold and you're not sure which of the above applies, book a Troubleshoot (RM80). Our technician visits, diagnoses the exact cause, and gives you a written quote for the fix. You decide whether to proceed — no pressure.
Call or WhatsApp 011-2677 0063. We cover Cheras, Ampang, Kajang, KL city, Petaling Jaya, Subang, and all of Klang Valley. Monday to Sunday, 8am–8pm.