Aircon Not Cooling? Common Problems and Quick Fixes

It’s a sweltering afternoon in Manila. You turn on your aircon, hoping for instant relief, but instead of a cool breeze, you’re met with weak airflow and a faint musty smell. The room barely cools down, and by the end of the month, your electricity bill has shot up higher than ever.

In the Philippines’ hot and humid climate, it’s essential to clean your air conditioner regularly to maintain its efficiency and ensure clean, healthy air indoors. Ideally, basic cleaning like filter washing should be done every two weeks, especially during peak usage months, while professional deep cleaning is recommended every 3 to 6 months, depending on usage and location. Homes near busy roads or in areas with high dust levels may require more frequent maintenance. Regular cleaning not only improves cooling performance but also helps lower electricity bills and extends the lifespan of your unit.

How Often Should You Clean Your Aircon in the Philippines?

In the Philippines’ hot and humid climate, air conditioners work overtime to keep homes and offices cool. Because of the constant use combined with high humidity, urban pollution, and dust, aircon units quickly collect dirt, mold, and moisture. Without regular cleaning, your aircon will struggle to cool your room, consume more electricity, and may even break down earlier than expected.

Clean your aircon every 3 months to keep it efficient. If you live in dusty or polluted areas, wash the filters monthly. For long-term protection, schedule professional deep cleaning once or twice a year.

Why Cleaning Your Aircon Matters

An air conditioner is more than just a cooling machine. It affects your family’s comfort, health, and even your electricity bills. Over time, filters, coils, and vents trap:

  • Dust and dirt from daily use
  • Smoke and soot if you live near highways or construction areas
  • Pet hair and dander if you have cats or dogs
  • Moisture and mold spores from humid air

When these build up, your aircon’s cooling capacity weakens, indoor air quality worsens, and your electric bill can spike. Regular cleaning ensures:

  • Strong and consistent airflow
  • Lower energy consumption
  • Healthier indoor air free of allergens and mold
  • Longer lifespan for your unit

Recommended Cleaning Frequency

For most Filipino households, every 3 months is the ideal schedule. But some situations call for more frequent care:

  • Dusty or polluted areas such as highways, factories, or construction sites: Wash filters monthly
  • Homes with pets: Check filters every 2 months since hair and dander clog airflow
  • Business or office aircons: Consider monthly filter cleaning and quarterly professional service
  • Heavy daily use during summer: Increase cleaning frequency to prevent overworking the unit

Signs Your Aircon Needs Immediate Cleaning

Even if you follow the schedule, some warning signs mean your aircon needs urgent attention:

  • Weak airflow even on high fan setting
  • Musty or unpleasant odors when turned on
  • Musty or unpleasant odors when turned on
  • Sudden spike in electricity bills
  • Ice forming on coils or water leaking indoors

Professional vs. DIY Cleaning

Not all cleaning tasks are the same. Here’s what you can do safely at home and when to call the pros:

DIY Cleaning Safe:

  1. Wash or vacuum air filters
  2. Wipe vents and outer panels
  3. Clear visible dust around the unit

Professional Cleaning Recommended:

  1. Chemical wash to remove stubborn dirt and mold
  2. Coil brushing and fin straightening
  3. Drainage pipe and water tray cleaning
  4. Refrigerant level and wiring inspection

FAQs About Aircon Cleaning in the Philippines

  1. How often should I get professional aircon cleaning?
     At least once or twice a year, depending on how often you use it and where you live.
  2. Can I use my aircon right after cleaning?
     Yes, if only filters and vents were cleaned. For deep cleaning, wait 30 minutes to 1 hour for all parts to dry.
  3. What happens if I don’t clean my aircon regularly?
     Expect higher electricity bills, weak airflow, and possible health risks due to dust and mold circulation.
  4. Can I clean my aircon myself?
     Yes. Basic tasks like filter washing and vent cleaning are safe. For coils, wiring, and refrigerant systems, call a technician.
  5. How do I know if my aircon needs chemical cleaning?
     If it still smells bad or cools poorly after basic cleaning, chemical cleaning is likely required to eliminate mold and hardened dirt.