Every time haze season hits Malaysia, the same question pops up in homes, offices, and even coffee shops: Should I turn on the aircond more or less? On one hand, the air outside looks thick and unhealthy. On the other, electricity bills are already climbing, and there’s worry that running the aircond too much might make things worse.
Haze isn’t just an outdoor problem. It sneaks indoors through doors, windows, gaps, and even ventilation systems. Suddenly, the place that’s supposed to protect you from pollution doesn’t feel as safe anymore. Breathing feels heavier, eyes feel irritated, and the air feels stale. Naturally, people turn to their aircond for relief—but is that the right move?
Some believe switching off the aircond prevents polluted air from entering. Others think running it nonstop helps “clean” the air. The truth sits somewhere in between, and getting it wrong can affect not just your comfort, but your health and your aircond’s lifespan.
Your aircond can be a powerful ally during haze season if used correctly. But poor usage habits—dirty filters, wrong settings, or skipped maintenance—can turn it into a silent problem. That’s why understanding how to use your aircond wisely during haze is crucial.
With proper guidance and professional support from trusted providers like Rahima Aircond Services, you can protect your indoor air quality without overworking your system. For expert haze-season aircond care, rahimaaircondservices.com is a reliable place to start.
Let’s break it all down and finally answer the big question: Should you run your aircond more or less during haze season?
Before deciding how to use your aircond, it helps to understand what haze really is and why it feels so overwhelming.
Haze in Malaysia is commonly caused by large-scale forest fires, agricultural burning, industrial pollution, and prolonged dry weather. Fine particles known as PM2.5 dominate haze conditions. These particles are extremely small—small enough to enter your lungs and even your bloodstream.
Unlike normal dust, PM2.5 particles stay suspended in the air for long periods, making them harder to escape.
Normal air pollution fluctuates daily and is often diluted by rain and wind. Haze, however, lingers. It reduces visibility, irritates the respiratory system, and creates a constant layer of polluted air that affects both outdoor and indoor environments.
Many people assume indoor air is automatically clean. During haze season, that’s not always true. Pollutants seep in, especially if doors and windows are frequently opened or if air circulation systems aren’t well maintained.
Your home may look sealed, but haze finds a way in.
Haze particles enter through:
Open doors and windows
Gaps around frames
Ventilation systems
Foot traffic bringing particles inside
Once inside, these pollutants settle on surfaces and linger in the air.
Without proper filtration, indoor air can become almost as polluted as outdoor air. This leads to headaches, fatigue, coughing, and general discomfort—even when you’re indoors all day.
Air movement, poor filtration, and lack of maintenance allow haze particles to circulate indoors. That’s why how you use your aircond matters so much during this season.
Your aircond doesn’t just cool—it manages air movement.
Most residential airconds do not pull air from outside. They recirculate indoor air. This is actually a good thing during haze season—if the system is clean.
Air passes through filters before being cooled and redistributed. Clean filters trap dust and some fine particles, improving indoor air quality.
❌ “Aircond brings haze inside”
❌ “Turning it off keeps air clean”
The real issue isn’t usage—it’s maintenance and settings.
This is the heart of the matter.
You shouldn’t blindly run it more or less. The right approach depends on:
Filter cleanliness
Indoor sealing
Aircond condition
Usage habits
A well-maintained aircond with clean filters can improve indoor comfort and reduce pollutant circulation. A dirty system does the opposite.
The goal is controlled usage—not extreme behavior. Smart usage protects both your lungs and your machine.
Haze season isn’t just uncomfortable—it’s a genuine health concern. Understanding how haze affects the body helps you make smarter decisions about aircond usage.
Haze contains fine particles, especially PM2.5, that penetrate deep into the lungs. Prolonged exposure can cause throat irritation, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. Over time, it can worsen existing conditions like asthma, bronchitis, and heart disease.
Unlike larger dust particles, PM2.5 is invisible and odorless. You might not “feel” it immediately, but the effects build up, especially in enclosed spaces with poor air circulation.
Certain groups are more vulnerable during haze season:
Children
Elderly individuals
Pregnant women
People with asthma or respiratory issues
For these groups, maintaining clean indoor air is critical—not optional.
A properly maintained aircond with clean filters can reduce indoor discomfort and limit the circulation of pollutants already inside the home. However, a dirty aircond can redistribute haze particles repeatedly, worsening indoor air quality. The difference lies in maintenance, not mere usage.
If haze season had a hero and a villain inside your aircond, filters would be both—depending on how well you maintain them.
Aircond filters trap dust, pollen, and a portion of fine particles. While standard filters aren’t medical-grade HEPA filters, they still play a significant role in reducing particle circulation.
During haze season, filters fill up much faster than usual. This makes frequent cleaning essential.
A clogged filter:
Restricts airflow
Reduces cooling efficiency
Increases electricity usage
Circulates polluted air repeatedly
Instead of helping you breathe easier, the aircond becomes part of the problem.
During haze, filters should be checked weekly and cleaned at least once every 7–10 days, depending on usage and haze severity. Professional servicing ensures deeper cleaning and proper inspection.
Using the right settings makes a big difference in both comfort and health.
Set your aircond between 24–26°C. This range balances comfort and energy efficiency without overworking the system.
Fan mode helps circulate air but does not filter it effectively. During haze, cool mode with clean filters is usually the better choice.
Avoid fresh air or ventilation modes during heavy haze, as they may introduce polluted outdoor air. Recirculation is generally safer when outdoor air quality is poor.
Aircond alone isn’t always enough.
Air purifiers with HEPA filters are excellent companions during haze season. While airconds cool and circulate air, purifiers actively remove fine particles.
Keep doors and windows closed as much as possible. Seal gaps to prevent haze from entering.
Remove shoes before entering
Wipe surfaces regularly
Avoid indoor smoking or burning
Clean filters frequently
Running the aircond more doesn’t automatically mean waste—inefficient usage does.
Yes, but inefficient systems and dirty filters increase bills far more than controlled usage with proper maintenance.
Clean filters regularly
Avoid extreme temperature settings
Use timers or sleep modes
Service the unit during haze season
Comfort and efficiency can coexist when your aircond is clean and properly set.
Haze brings unique challenges for aircond systems.
This is the most common issue. Reduced airflow leads to weak cooling and system strain.
Dust and pollutants trapped in moist components can create stale or musty odors.
Longer run times combined with restricted airflow accelerate wear and tear.
Haze season is not the time to skip servicing.
Increased pollutants mean faster buildup inside your aircond. Professional cleaning ensures internal components remain clean and efficient.
What Professional Servicing Includes
Deep filter and coil cleaning
Inspection of airflow and performance
Removal of dust and contaminants
Safety and efficiency checks
Servicing improves air quality, reduces energy consumption, and prevents breakdowns.
Not all servicing is equal.
Rahima Aircond Services understands Malaysia’s haze patterns and how they affect aircond systems locally.
Their servicing prioritizes clean airflow and safe indoor environments—especially important during haze.
With professional technicians and proven expertise, Rahima Aircond Services is a dependable choice. Visit rahimaaircondservices.com for expert assistance.
Don’t ignore these red flags.
Weak airflow
Reduced cooling
Strange noises
Frequent cycling
Persistent coughing indoors
Eye or throat irritation when aircond is on
Dusty or burnt smells
If you notice these, it’s time to call a professional.
A simple checklist keeps things under control.
| Task | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Keep doors/windows closed | Daily |
| Filter inspection | Weekly |
| Surface cleaning | Weekly |
| Professional servicing | Once during haze |
Consistency in these habits helps maintain a healthier indoor environment.
So, should you run your aircond more or less during haze season? The real answer is smarter, not simply more or less. A clean, well-maintained aircond used with the right settings can protect your comfort and reduce indoor pollution. A neglected one can make things worse.
By maintaining clean filters, sealing your home, using proper settings, and scheduling professional servicing with Rahima Aircond Services, you can navigate haze season with greater peace of mind. Clean air starts with informed choices—and your aircond plays a bigger role than you might think.
No. If filters are clean and windows are closed, running the aircond can help maintain indoor comfort.
Standard filters reduce some particles but work best when paired with air purifiers.
Every 7–10 days, or more frequently during severe haze.
Fan mode circulates air but doesn’t filter effectively. Cool mode is usually better.
Rahima Aircond Services provides professional, health-focused aircond care. Visit rahimaaircondservices.com.
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