By AirCond Care — Certified HVAC technicians with years of on-site experience serving Malaysian homes and businesses.
Living in Malaysia means relying on your aircond to get through our hot and humid weather. There’s nothing worse than switching it on and realising something’s not right. If you’ve ever faced a unit that’s blowing warm air, making weird noises, or leaking water, you’re not alone. Understanding these common aircond problems in Malaysia can save you from discomfort and costly repairs down the line.
The 10 Most Common Aircond Problems in Malaysia
1. Aircond Not Cooling
This is probably the most frequent complaint. You turn the unit on, but the air coming out is just not cold.
Why does it happen?
Often, it’s as simple as a dirty air filter that’s blocking airflow. It could also be a low refrigerant gas level, a faulty compressor, or an incorrectly set thermostat.
Signs to look for:
Weak cooling, the room feels stuffy, or the unit runs continuously without lowering the temperature.
Simple fix:
Check and clean your air filters. Ensure that no furniture is blocking the vents and that your thermostat is set to “cool” with a temperature lower than the room’s current temperature.
When to call a technician:
If cleaning the filter doesn’t help, it’s time for a professional. You could be low on gas or have an electrical issue. For this kind of diagnosis, a proper AC repair service is your best bet.
2. Water Leaking Indoors
Finding a puddle of water around your indoor unit is a common and messy problem.
Why does it happen?
The most common culprit is a clogged drain pipe. Over time, algae and dust can block the pipe that carries condensation away. A dirty air filter can also cause the evaporator coil to freeze and then drip water when it melts.
Signs to look for:
Water dripping from the indoor unit, damp patches on the wall, or a musty smell.
Simple fix:
You can try pouring a little warm water down the drain pipe outlet (usually located outside) to clear a minor clog.
When to call a technician:
If the leak persists, the drain line likely needs a thorough cleaning. A professional aircond chemical wash can clear this blockage and clean the internal components.
3. Weak Airflow
You feel like you have to stand right in front of the aircond to feel any breeze.
Why does it happen?
A clogged air filter is the usual suspect. It could also be a failing blower fan or blocked ductwork.
Signs to look for:
Little to no air is coming from the vents, even when the unit is on high speed.
Simple fix:
Switch off the unit and give the air filter a good clean. Also, check that all your room vents are fully open.
When to call a technician:
If the filter is clean and the airflow is still weak, your blower motor might need attention. This is a job for a technician.
4. Strange Noises
Your aircond should run with a relatively quiet, steady hum. Banging, rattling, or screeching sounds are a cry for help.
Why does it happen?
Rattling often points to a loose part. Squealing could mean a problem with the fan motor bearings, and buzzing might indicate an electrical issue.
Signs to look for:
Any unusual noise that you don’t normally hear.
Simple fix:
Ensure the outer covers are fitted securely.
When to call a technician:
For any persistent strange noise, it’s safest to get a technician to inspect it before a small problem becomes a major repair.
5. Aircon Bad Smell
A musty or sour smell coming from your aircond every time you switch it on is not just unpleasant — it can affect your air quality.
Why does it happen?
Mould or mildew growing on the damp evaporator coil or inside the drain pan is the most common reason. A burnt smell could point to an electrical fault.
Signs to look for:
A damp, mouldy odour when the unit starts.
Simple fix:
Regularly clean your filter and ensure proper drainage.
When to call a technician:
A persistent musty smell usually requires a deep cleaning for aircond to kill the mould and bacteria.
You can also read this helpful comparison:
👉 Chemical vs. Normal Aircond Service
6. High Electricity Bill
Have you noticed a sudden, unexplained jump in your TNB bill? Your aircond could be the culprit.
Why does it happen?
An ageing unit, low refrigerant forcing the compressor to work harder, or dirty coils and filters can all cause your system to become less efficient.
Signs to look for:
Your bill is significantly higher than usual, with no change in usage.
Simple fix:
Clean your filters regularly and ensure your outdoor unit has plenty of space for airflow.
When to call a technician:
If your unit is over 10 years old, it might simply be inefficient. It could be worth exploring a new, energy-saving setup from a certified aircond installation team.
7. Ice Forming on Coils
Seeing ice on your indoor or outdoor unit is a clear sign that something’s wrong.
Why does it happen?
Typically caused by poor airflow or low refrigerant levels.
Signs to look for:
Ice on the copper pipes or the indoor unit, plus reduced cooling.
Simple fix:
Turn the unit off completely and let the ice melt. Check and clean the air filter.
When to call a technician:
If the ice comes back, you likely have a gas issue that needs expert repair.
8. Aircond Automatically Turning Off
The unit switches off by itself after a short while, known as short-cycling.
Why does it happen?
Faulty thermostat, overheating compressor, or clogged filter.
Signs to look for:
The unit runs for a few minutes and then turns off.
Simple fix:
Clean your filter and ensure the thermostat isn’t placed near heat sources.
When to call a technician:
Short-cycling puts strain on the compressor and needs proper diagnosis.
9. Thermostat Issues
Sometimes the issue is not the aircond but the controller.
Why does it happen:
Dead batteries, wrong mode, or wiring issues.
Signs to look for:
The room temperature doesn’t match the setting, or the display is blank.
Simple fix:
Replace batteries and ensure it’s set to COOL mode.
When to call a technician:
A technician can check wiring or calibration.
10. Outdoor Unit Overheating
Your outdoor unit can overheat, especially in Malaysia’s climate.
Why does it happen?
Clogged condenser fins, blocked airflow, or a faulty fan motor.
Signs to look for:
Outdoor fan not spinning, unit extremely hot, or power tripping.
Simple fix:
Clear debris and gently wash the fins (power off).
When to call a technician:
If the fan isn’t working, a proper service is needed.
Final Thoughts
A well-maintained aircond is key to staying comfortable in our climate. Many of these issues can be prevented with simple habits like regular filter cleaning and scheduling an annual service. It’s always better to tackle a small problem early than to wait for a full breakdown.
If you need fast and reliable help, AirCond Care is always ready to assist. Our team covers aircon repair, servicing, installation, and chemical cleaning across Malaysia.
Reach us anytime for friendly, professional support → Contact Us
