Every aircond owner in Malaysia eventually faces a confusing decision. You must decide whether to book a standard cleaning or invest in a full chemical wash.
The two services sound similar to the untrained ear.
They are fundamentally different in scope, depth, and results.
Choosing the wrong one often leads to overpaying for unnecessary work or underpaying and leaving the root cause of your cooling issue unresolved. Our team at PJ Kool Aircond Service has serviced thousands of units across Petaling Jaya. We have developed a clear framework to help you make the right call.
Here is the breakdown of exactly what your unit needs based on real data and local operating conditions.
What Is Standard Aircond Cleaning?
Standard cleaning is a routine maintenance task. It focuses strictly on the easily accessible parts of your indoor unit.
Technicians often refer to this as a “basic service” or “dry cleaning.”
Our process involves specific steps to maintain surface hygiene:
- Removing and washing the air filters with water to clear dust
- Brushing and vacuuming the evaporator coil surface (front-facing side only)
- Wiping down the air outlet and louvres
- Flushing the drainage pipe with water to prevent minor clogs
- Cleaning the unit casing for a fresh appearance
- Checking basic operation including cooling power, fan speed, and remote functions
The entire process usually takes about 20 to 30 minutes per unit.
We do not use harsh chemicals during this service. The indoor unit remains mounted and is not dismantled.
Think of this like brushing your teeth. It is essential for daily maintenance and removing surface plaque, but it does not fix deep decay or cavities. Standard cleaning removes surface dust effectively. It cannot reach the stubborn grime deep inside the machine.
What Is a Chemical Wash?
A chemical wash is a restorative deep-cleaning process.
This service uses specialised chemical solutions to dissolve and flush out the stubborn “jelly” buildup that standard cleaning cannot touch. This biological slime is common in Malaysian homes due to our high humidity.
At PJ Kool Aircond Service, our chemical wash process goes far beyond surface wiping:
- Full canvas wrapping around the indoor unit to protect your walls and catch dirty water
- Application of an alkaline-based chemical solution to the evaporator coil (safe for aluminium fins)
- High-pressure water flushing to blast away dissolved grime, mould, and biofilm
- Complete cleaning of the blower fan and barrel to restore airflow velocity
- Thorough drainage pipe clearing and sanitisation to prevent leaks
- Cleaning the drain tray and checking for hairline cracks
- Free gas top-up to restore optimal refrigerant levels
- Post-service temperature and performance check
The process takes 45 to 60 minutes per unit.
The results are visibly and measurably different. You will typically see an immediate improvement in airflow and a drop in the air output temperature.
Side-by-Side Comparison
We have compiled a direct comparison to help you evaluate the value of each service.
| Feature | Standard Cleaning | Chemical Wash |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Goal | Maintain hygiene | Restore performance |
| Filter Cleaning | Yes | Yes |
| Coil Cleaning | Surface dust only | Deep chemical flush (removes biofilm) |
| Blower Fan Cleaning | No | Yes |
| Drainage Cleaning | Basic flush | Full clear and sanitise |
| Mould Removal | Partial | Complete |
| Gas Top-up | Not included | Free (included) |
| Duration | 20-30 minutes | 45-60 minutes |
| Price (Wall Unit) | RM50-85 | RM160-210 |
| Recommended Frequency | Every 3-4 months | Every 6-12 months |
When to Choose Standard Cleaning
Standard cleaning is the correct choice for preservation.
It works best when your aircond is already in good working condition and you simply want to keep it that way.
Opt for standard cleaning in these specific scenarios:
- Recent Deep Clean: Your unit was chemically washed within the last 6 months.
- Odour Free: There is no musty or sour smell coming from the unit when you turn it on.
- Strong Performance: The room cools down quickly and the airflow feels forceful.
- Regular Schedule: You have adhered to a strict 3 to 4-month maintenance cycle.
- New Units: The aircond is less than 12-18 months old and has been lightly used.
Standard cleaning costs between RM50 to RM85 per unit. It is an affordable way to keep your electricity bills stable between major services.
When to Choose Chemical Wash
A chemical wash becomes necessary when physical blockage impacts performance.
Standard cleaning will not solve issues caused by sticky bacterial growth or impacted dust within the coil fins.
You should book a chemical wash if you notice these signs:
- Time Gap: It has been 6 months or more since the last chemical service.
- Bad Smells: The aircond produces a musty, vinegar-like, or mouldy smell upon startup.
- Weak Airflow: The fan sounds loud but the air coming out is weak (a sign of a clogged blower).
- Water Leaks: You see water dripping from the unit, indicating a blocked drainage tray or pipe.
- High Bills: Your TNB bill has increased despite normal usage patterns.
- Environment: You have pets, cigarette smoke, or an open kitchen nearby. These factors accelerate the buildup of sticky grease and dander.
The Real Pricing Difference
Cost is often the deciding factor for homeowners.
We want to break down the actual value proposition using PJ Kool Aircond Service’s transparent pricing structure.
Standard Cleaning:
- Wall-mounted unit: RM50 to RM85
- Gas top-up: Charged separately (often RM30-RM50 extra if needed)
- Result: Surface clean only
Chemical Wash (Wall-mounted):
- 1.0HP to 1.5HP: RM160
- 2.0HP to 2.5HP: RM190
- 3.0HP: RM210
- Gas top-up: Free (Included)
The “expensive” option often provides better value when you look at the total package.
Gas top-ups alone can cost between RM80 to RM150 at other service providers in PJ. At PJ Kool, we bundle this essential check into the chemical wash price. This means the effective cost of the deep cleaning labour is significantly lower than it appears on the surface.
A Common Scenario We See Every Week
Our technicians encounter a specific situation regularly in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor.
A homeowner books a standard cleaning because the lower price point is attractive. The technician arrives, cleans the filters, and brushes the surface of the coil.
The aircond seems fine for about three days.
Then the smell returns. The cooling performance drops again within two weeks because the internal blockage remains.
The homeowner calls back to book another standard cleaning. The result is exactly the same. After three rounds of ineffective standard cleaning—totalling RM150 to RM250—they finally agree to a chemical wash.
The chemical wash solves the problem instantly for RM160.
This is the lesson we want to share. If symptoms point to deep contamination like mould or jelly buildup, a standard cleaning will not fix it. You will spend more money applying “band-aid” fixes than you would have spent on a single, thorough chemical wash.
My Recommendation
We recommend a specific maintenance rhythm for homeowners in Petaling Jaya to maximise unit lifespan and energy efficiency.
- Book a standard cleaning every 3 to 4 months as your routine baseline.
- Schedule a chemical wash every 6 months (shift to every 4 months if you have pets or do heavy cooking).
- Consider a chemical overhaul once a year for units older than 7 years to inspect for parts wear.
This schedule keeps your system running at peak efficiency.
It ensures healthy indoor air quality and helps you avoid the expensive emergency repairs that result from neglected maintenance.
If you are still unsure which service your unit requires, get in touch with PJ Kool Aircond Service. We will assess your unit honestly and recommend only what is necessary to get your home cool again.
Mr. Heng
Founder & Lead HVAC Technician
Founder of PJ Kool Aircond Service with 20+ years of HVAC expertise in Petaling Jaya.
