Chemical Wash vs Normal Servicing: Which Does Your Aircond Need?

You’ve likely stood in front of your dripping air conditioner wondering if a cheap service is enough to fix it.

It is a common dilemma for homeowners in Puchong and Kuala Lumpur.

We hear this question almost daily from customers tired of vague advice.

Choosing the wrong option often leads to wasted money or, worse, a unit that breaks down again two weeks later.

We wrote this guide to strip away the confusion.

This breakdown compares the data, the costs, and the specific results of both services so you can decide with confidence.

Quick Comparison Table

Aspect	Normal Servicing	Chemical Wash
Price (Market Avg)	RM30-50/unit	RM120-180/unit
Duration	15-30 minutes	45-60 minutes
Frequency	Every 2-3 months	Every 6-12 months
Primary Goal	Preventative Maintenance	Restoration & Repair
Dismantle	No (Cover only)	Yes (Complete Teardown)
Impact on TNB Bill	Maintains current usage	Can reduce by 15-25%

What is Normal Servicing?

Normal servicing acts as the first line of defense for your cooling unit.

Think of it like an oil change for your car; it keeps things running smoothly but won’t fix a broken engine.

We focus on the surface-level components that collect the most daily dust.

What’s Included:

• Filter purification - Removing the mesh screens to wash away the thick grey dust layer.
• Exterior sanitation - Wiping down the casing to remove surface grime.
• Drainage flow test - Pouring water through the pipe to ensure basic flow.
• PSI Pressure Check - Measuring refrigerant levels (specifically for R32 or R410A gas).
• Amperage reading - Checking if the motor is drawing the correct amount of electricity.

What’s NOT Included:

• Deep coil cleaning (between the aluminum fins).
• Blower wheel removal (where heavy mold hides).
• Chemical treatment to kill bacteria.
• Clearing stubborn “jelly” blockages in the water tray.

When to Choose Normal Servicing:

• Your unit is less than 12 months old.
• The airflow is still strong and cold.
• You completed a chemical wash within the last 4 months.
• There are no water leaks or strange noises.

What is Chemical Wash?

Chemical wash is a restorative procedure designed to bring an older unit back to factory-level performance.

We completely strip the unit down to its skeleton to reach areas a vacuum cannot touch.

This process uses specialized alkaline-based solutions to dissolve biological buildup without corroding the metal fins.

The Step-by-Step Process:

1. Complete Dismantle We remove the casing, the water tray, the filters, and the heavy blower wheel fan.

2. Chemical Application Technicians apply a biodegradable chemical solution to the evaporator coil. This foams up to push out dirt stuck deep inside the aluminum fins.

3. High-Pressure Rinse Water jets flush out the dissolved grime, mold, and chemical residue.

4. Drainage Overhaul We vacuum the drainage pipe to remove the biofilm (often called “jelly”) that causes 90% of water leaks in Malaysian homes.

5. Reassembly and Gas Top-up The unit is put back together, tested, and the gas is refilled to optimal PSI levels.

When to Choose Chemical Wash:

• You have not deep cleaned the unit in over 9 months.
• The air feels “heavy” or not cold enough even at 18°C.
• A sour or vinegar-like smell comes from the vents (a sign of mold).
• Water is dripping from the corners of the indoor unit.
• Your TNB bill has spiked despite normal usage.

The Key Differences Explained

1. Depth of Cleaning

Normal Servicing: This removes about 30% of the visible dust. Chemical Wash: This removes 99% of dirt, including hidden mold spores and bacteria deep inside the machine.

2. Disassembly

Normal Servicing: The unit stays on the wall with only the front cover open. Chemical Wash: The vital internal parts are removed and washed in a separate bathroom or washing area.

3. Impact on Electricity Bills

Normal Servicing: Keeps energy consumption steady. Chemical Wash: A clean blower wheel spins faster with less energy. Our data shows that removing thick grime can drop a unit’s energy consumption by up to 25%, directly lowering your monthly TNB bill.

4. Problem Solving

Normal Servicing: Preventative only. Chemical Wash: Curative. This solves water leaks, weak airflow, and bad odors.

When Normal Servicing Isn’t Enough

Sometimes a basic clean simply masks a bigger problem.

Here are the specific technical signs that you need a chemical overhaul:

1. The “Wind Speed” Drop - If you put your hand near the vent and the air feels weak even on “High Fan,” the blower wheel is likely clogged with heavy dust.
2. The “Jelly” Plug - In Malaysia’s humid climate, algae grows in the water tray, forming a jelly-like substance that blocks pipes. Normal water flushing cannot dislodge this.
3. Visible Mold Spots - If you use a flashlight and see black spots on the roller fan inside, you are breathing in mold spores.
4. Ice Formation - Ice on the copper pipes usually indicates restricted airflow due to a dirty coil or low gas.

Our Recommendation

We base these guidelines on the high humidity levels found in the Klang Valley.

Moisture accelerates dirt accumulation, meaning standard manufacturer guidelines often don’t apply here.

For Residential Homes:

• Normal Servicing: Every 3 months.
• Chemical Wash: Once a year helps maintain air quality and prevents leaks.

For Offices/Commercial Lots:

• Normal Servicing: Monthly (due to carpet dust and high foot traffic).
• Chemical Wash: Every 6 months.

For Heavy Usage (Master Bedrooms/Servers):

• Normal Servicing: Every 2 months.
• Chemical Wash: Every 6 months. This schedule prevents the “sudden breakdown” that always seems to happen on the hottest night of the year.

Why We Include FREE Gas Top-Up

Many contractors in KL use low entry prices as bait.

They charge RM80 for the cleaning but then add RM150 for “gas refill” and “transport charges.”

We reject that business model.

A chemical wash requires checking the gas to ensure the compressor runs efficiently.

Charging extra for a necessary part of the job feels dishonest to us.

Our price includes the R32 or R410A gas top-up because a clean machine with low gas still won’t cool your room.

Making the Right Choice

Choose Normal Servicing if:

• ✓ The unit is cooling perfectly fine.
• ✓ You have a regular maintenance schedule in place.
• ✓ The air smells fresh and clean.
• ✓ You want to keep the warranty valid on a new unit.

Choose Chemical Wash if:

• ✓ The airflow is weak.
• ✓ There is a musty, sour smell.
• ✓ You noticed water dripping on your furniture.
• ✓ It has been a year since the last major service.
• ✓ You just moved into a sub-sale house and don’t know the unit’s history.

Book the Right Service

Uncertainty about pricing is stressful.

We invite you to WhatsApp us a photo of your aircon or describe the issue.

Our team will tell you exactly which service matches your problem so you don’t overspend.

Chemical Wash: From RM160/unit (Includes full dismantle + FREE gas top-up) Normal Servicing: We recommend chemical wash for long-term value!

Learn more about our Chemical Wash service