The most common question we get before a booking: "Should I do chemical wash or just regular service?" It's a fair question because the difference in price is real — RM70 for a general service versus RM120–150 for a chemical wash. Here's how to actually decide.
What a Regular Service Does
A regular service (also called general service) is a maintenance clean. The technician:
- Removes and washes the air filter
- Wipes down the evaporator coil with a wet cloth and cleaning spray
- Flushes the drainage pan and pipe
- Checks airflow and temperature output
- Tightens any loose panels
The whole job takes about 30–45 minutes per unit. It's the aircon equivalent of washing your car — it keeps things working, but it doesn't strip out deeply embedded grime.
When regular service is enough:
- You've been servicing the unit every 3–4 months
- The aircon is still blowing cold air at roughly the same strength as usual
- No bad smell, no visible mould on the grille
- The unit is less than 1 year old
What a Chemical Wash Actually Does
A chemical wash uses a coil-cleaning chemical solution applied directly to the evaporator coil. The chemical is left to dwell, breaks down grease, mineral scale, mould, and bacteria that have bonded to the aluminum fins. Water is then flushed through while the unit is wrapped in a canvas sheet to contain the runoff.
The result: the coil is cleaned to close to its original condition. Airflow improves, cooling efficiency goes up, and the electricity consumption usually drops slightly because the compressor isn't working as hard.
When you actually need a chemical wash:
- The unit hasn't been serviced in more than 6 months
- Airflow is noticeably weaker than it used to be
- The air smells musty or like wet socks when the aircon first turns on
- You can see dark spots or grime on the grille vanes
- The unit is running but taking a long time to cool the room
The Trap: Booking a Regular Service When You Need a Chemical Wash
We see this regularly. A customer books a general service because it's cheaper. The technician does the clean. Three weeks later the customer calls back because "nothing changed." The problem is the coil was so dirty that a surface wipe did nothing — the grime is embedded in the fins.
In this situation the customer has paid RM70, gained nothing, and still needs the chemical wash. They've effectively paid RM70 extra to find out what we could have told them upfront.
If your aircon hasn't been serviced in more than 6–9 months, or the symptoms above match your unit, book a chemical wash the first time. It's not an upsell — it's the right tool for the job.
The Overhaul: One Level Up
For units that still aren't performing well after a chemical wash, or units that haven't been serviced in 2+ years, an overhaul is the correct solution. We fully disassemble the indoor unit, wash every component individually, and reassemble it clean. Prices start at RM200 for 1HP.
This is not something you need every year. Think of it as a once-every-few-years deep reset, usually when:
- The unit still smells after a chemical wash
- The fan barrel is coated with thick black mould deposits
- The drain tray has accumulated scale that won't flush out
Quick Decision Guide
| Your Situation | Recommended Service |
|---|---|
| Serviced within last 3–4 months, no issues | General Service (RM70) |
| Not serviced for 6–12 months | Chemical Wash (RM120+) |
| Not serviced for 2+ years, or still weak after chemical wash | Overhaul (RM200+) |
| Not cold, making noise, or tripping breaker | Troubleshoot first (RM80) |
When in doubt, send us a WhatsApp at 011-2677 0063 with a quick description of your unit's condition. We'll tell you straight which service is appropriate — no pressure, no upsell.
We cover all of Cheras, Ampang, Kajang, Petaling Jaya, Subang, Shah Alam, and all Klang Valley. Bookings open Monday to Sunday, 8am–8pm.