Aircon Not Cooling? 7 Common Causes and Fixes

Introduction

Turning on your air conditioner on a super hot day in Malaysia—and getting only warm air? That’s the worst. A broken AC? It’s not just a pain. It makes your electricity bills go up and can mess up the system, too. At AirconServices.my, we’ve handled thousands of aircon repairs across Malaysia. In this guide, we’ll break down the 7 most common reasons your aircon isn’t cooling and provide actionable fixes—from DIY solutions to when it’s time to call professionals.

1. Dirty or Clogged Air Filters

What’s Happening:
Air filters catch dust, pollen, and stuff. But they get clogged up after a while. This makes less air go through—and your AC has to work more. It’s like… it’s trying too hard to breathe.

Signs to Watch:

• Weak airflow
• Frost buildup on coils
• Higher electricity bills

Fix:

• DIY: Clean reusable filters monthly with water and mild detergent.
• Pro Tip: Replace disposable filters every 1-2 months.
• Need Help? Book our Affordable Aircon Servicing for a thorough filter cleaning and system check.

2. Low Refrigerant (Gas) Levels

What’s Happening:
Refrigerant is the lifeblood of your AC, absorbing heat from your room. Leaks or low levels mean your AC can’t cool effectively.

Signs to Watch:

• Hissing or bubbling noises
• Ice on evaporator coils
• AC runs constantly but doesn’t cool

Fix:

• DIY: None. Refrigerant handling requires licensed technicians.
• Pro Tip: Schedule a Professional Gas Top-Up Service to fix leaks and recharge refrigerant safely.

3. Broken Thermostat

What’s Happening:
So, the thermostat’s not working right—it thinks it’s hotter or colder than it actually is. This makes your AC turn on and off at the wrong times. Or it might just stop too soon.

Signs to Watch:

• Inconsistent cooling
• AC doesn’t turn on/off
• Display errors

Fix:

• DIY: Replace batteries, ensure it’s set to “cool” mode, and clean dust around the sensor.
• Need Help? Our technicians can recalibrate or replace thermostats during an AC Inspection.

4. Dirty Condenser Coils

What’s Happening:
So, those outdoor coils—they push out heat from your place, right? But if they’re all covered in dirt—well, they just can’t get rid of that heat well.

Signs to Watch:

• AC blows warm air
• Unusual humming noise
• Overheating unit

Fix:

• DIY: Gently clean coils with a garden hose (power off first!).
• Pro Tip: For deep grime, opt for a Chemical Wash Service to restore efficiency.

5. Airflow Blocked (Vents or Ducts)

What’s Happening:
So, you got vents that are shut tight, stuff in the way, or ducts all clogged up. This stops the cool air from moving around.

Signs to Watch:

• Uneven cooling in rooms
• Whistling noises
• Dust buildup around vents

Fix:

• DIY: Open all vents, clear obstructions, and vacuum duct covers.
• Need Help? Our team offers Duct Cleaning Services to resolve stubborn blockages.

6. Electrical Issues

What’s Happening:
Bad wires, flipped switches, or busted parts might mess up your AC’s power.

Signs to Watch:

• AC won’t turn on
• Frequent circuit breaker trips
• Burning smell

Fix:

• DIY: Reset the circuit breaker and check for loose wires (if comfortable).
• Pro Tip: Electrical repairs are dangerous—always call certified experts like AirconServices.my.

7. Aging or Overworked Unit

What’s Happening:
Older ACs (10+ years) lose efficiency. Overuse in Malaysia’s heat can also wear out components.

Signs to Watch:

• Frequent breakdowns
• Rising repair costs
• Inefficient cooling

Fix:

• DIY: Schedule shorter cooling cycles and shade outdoor units.
• Pro Tip: Consider upgrading to an energy-efficient inverter AC with our Professional AC Installation.

FAQs: Why Is My Aircon Not Cooling?

Can I fix my AC myself?

Simple fixes (cleaning filters, unclogging vents) are DIY-friendly. For refrigerant, electrical, or mechanical issues, always hire professionals.

How often should I service my aircon?

Every 3-6 months in Malaysia’s humid climate. For a detailed breakdown, read our Expert Guide to Aircon Servicing Frequency.

How much does aircon repair cost in Malaysia?

• Basic: RM80–RM150 (filter/coil cleaning)
• Moderate: RM200–RM500 (gas top-up, capacitor)
• Major: RM800+ (compressor replacement)

See Full Price List

How long can I wait before repairing a non-cooling AC?

Don’t wait more than 2-3 days. A malfunctioning AC strains the compressor, risking costly damage. Even minor issues like dirty filters worsen over time.

Why does my AC cool some rooms but not others?

This usually indicates blocked ducts, closed vents, or an undersized unit. Check if furniture is blocking vents or if dampers are closed.

Does humidity affect AC cooling performance?

High humidity makes ACs work harder. If your unit struggles in Malaysia’s humidity, clean the coils and ensure proper airflow to improve dehumidification.

Conclusion

So, your aircon’s not cooling? That’s a big issue—not just annoying but it’s something that can really get worse. Simple upkeep might fix the little stuff, but for the big problems—like leaks in the refrigerant or wiring troubles—you’ll need someone who knows their stuff.

Need Reliable Help?

At AirconServices.my, we’ve served thousands of happy customers across Malaysia with:
✅ Same-day repairs
✅ Licensed technicians
✅ 6-month service warranty
✅ Transparent pricing

Don’t sweat it out! ☎️ Call us at +60109568172 or Book Online for fast, affordable aircon repairs.