Why It Matters: What a Dirty Filter Costs You
When the filter gets clogged with dust, pet hair, and airborne particles, the unit must work much harder to push air through. This means:
- 15–40% higher electricity consumption
- Slower cooling — takes longer to cool your room
- Musty smell developing (trapped moisture and mould)
- Indoor unit working non-stop, wearing out faster
Clean filters every 4–6 weeks, and you cut those costs immediately. In a year, that's RM200–500 in electricity savings for most homes.
How Often Should You Clean?
Standard homes: Every 4–6 weeks. If you notice reduced airflow or musty smell sooner, don't wait — clean it then.
Households with pets or dusty environment: Every 2–3 weeks.
In Malaysian weather: The constant heat and humidity mean dust accumulates faster than in temperate climates. Plan for the shorter 4-week interval.
What You'll Need (All DIY)
- Soft brush or old toothbrush
- Running water (tap is fine)
- Vacuum cleaner (optional, for dislodging loose dust)
- Dry cloth or towel
- 30–60 minutes for complete drying
Step-by-Step Cleaning Process
Don't just turn it off at the remote. Walk to the wall isolator switch and switch it off there. This ensures the internal fan can't suddenly start while you're working, preventing accidents.
Most wall-mounted units have clips on both the left and right sides of the front plastic panel. Grip it gently and lift upwards. It should open smoothly. If it's stuck, don't force it — apply gentle pressure and work slowly.
You'll usually see 1–2 mesh panels behind the front panel. Grip them by the edges and slide them out towards you. Be gentle; they're delicate. If there are two, both slide out the same way.
Don't clean the filter over your sink — it'll clog with dust. Take them outside or to a bathroom where dust can fall freely. A balcony or garden is ideal.
Hold each filter vertically and tap it gently 10–15 times against a table or your hand. You'll see clouds of dust. This removes the easy stuff before water rinsing. Don't bang hard — you might damage the mesh.
This is crucial: spray water from the clean side (the side that faces the room in your aircond), so water pushes dirt out the back. Use gentle water pressure — not full blast from a hose. Let water flow over the filter for 1–2 minutes until it runs clear.
If you see grime or dust still stuck to the mesh, use a soft toothbrush to gently scrub. Light strokes only — you're not scrubbing a pot. The goal is to loosen, not damage the filter material.
Grip the filter by its edges and shake off excess water. Stand it vertically in a shady spot (NOT in direct sun, which can warp plastic frames). The filter must be completely dry before reinserting — this takes 30–60 minutes depending on humidity. In Malaysia's humidity, plan for 45 minutes minimum. Touch it; if it feels damp anywhere, wait longer.
Filter still smelling musty after cleaning?
That's a sign the evaporator coil or drain pan needs professional cleaning. WhatsApp us and we'll book a chemical wash service for your unit.
Book a ServiceReinserting the Filter
Once the filter is completely dry, slide it back into the unit the same way it came out. Make sure it's aligned properly so it sits flush. Close the front panel gently — it should click into place. Turn the aircond back on at the wall switch, then the remote.
What You CANNOT Clean Yourself
The filter is only the first layer of protection. Behind it sits the evaporator coil, which also collects dust and mould. You cannot clean this yourself because:
- It requires opening the unit's internal structure
- Improper handling voids warranty
- It uses chemical cleaning (foam spray) — not just water
- The drain pan beneath it often has mould that needs professional removal
Signs That Cleaning Isn't Enough
If you clean the filter regularly but still experience:
- Musty, mouldy smell that persists
- Water dripping from the indoor unit
- Poor cooling despite clean filters
...then the problem is deeper — likely the evaporator coil or drain system. This requires professional chemical wash service (RM150–350 depending on unit size).
Filter Cleaning vs. Full Service: What's the Difference?
Filter cleaning (DIY, 15 minutes): Removes dust from the mesh panels only. Improves airflow and reduces electricity use.
Full chemical wash (professional, 2 hours): Includes filter, evaporator coil, drain pan, blower fan, and refrigerant piping. Removes mould, bacteria, and deep grime. Recommended every 6–12 months in Malaysia.
For best results, clean your filter regularly yourself, and book a professional service twice per year.
Filter Cleaning Checklist
- Turn off aircond at wall switch AND remote
- Open front panel gently
- Slide out filter(s)
- Take outside; tap out loose dust
- Rinse from clean side with cool water
- Brush stubborn grime gently
- Shake off water; dry completely (45+ minutes)
- Reinsert and close panel
- Turn aircond back on