Let me start with a scenario that happens far too often in Petaling Jaya and across Malaysia. You call an aircond technician because your unit is not cooling well. The technician arrives, checks the outdoor unit for a few minutes, and declares: “Your gas is low. Need to top up. That will be RM200.” You pay, the aircond works fine for a week or two, then the same problem returns. You call again, and the same technician tells you the gas is low once more. Another RM200.
What just happened? You may have fallen victim to the fake gas leak scam, one of the most common and profitable tricks used by dishonest aircond service providers in Malaysia.
How the Fake Gas Leak Scam Works
The scam operates on a simple principle: most homeowners do not understand how aircond refrigerant works, so they trust whatever the technician tells them.
Here is the truth that every homeowner should know: Aircond refrigerant (gas) does not get consumed during normal operation. It circulates in a sealed, closed-loop system. If the gas level is low, it can only mean one thing: there is a leak somewhere in the system.
A legitimate low-gas situation requires two steps:
- Find and repair the leak
- Then recharge the refrigerant
What the scam technician does is skip step one entirely. They simply add gas without fixing the leak (or sometimes without there being a leak at all). This guarantees the customer will call back in a few weeks or months with the same problem, and the cycle repeats.
Some particularly unscrupulous technicians take it further:
- They deliberately release gas from the system during the “inspection,” then show you the low reading
- They use a fake pressure gauge that always shows a low reading
- They claim gas has “evaporated” due to heat or old age, which is not how refrigerant works
- They add only a small amount of gas (costing them RM10-20) and charge you RM150-250
Red Flags to Watch For
1. “Your Gas Is Low” Without Any Diagnostic Work
If a technician declares low gas within minutes of arriving, without connecting a pressure gauge to the service ports on the outdoor unit, be very suspicious. Proper refrigerant testing requires:
- Connecting a manifold gauge set to the high and low pressure ports
- Running the system for several minutes to stabilise pressures
- Comparing readings against the manufacturer’s specifications for that particular model and ambient temperature
A technician who diagnoses low gas just by “feeling the pipe” or “listening to the sound” is guessing at best, scamming at worst.
2. Gas Top-Up Without a Leak Test
This is the biggest red flag. If a technician recommends gas top-up but does not mention finding and fixing the leak first, ask them directly: “If the gas is low, where is the leak?”
A legitimate response involves inspecting the system for leaks using nitrogen pressure testing, electronic leak detectors, or UV dye. If the technician cannot answer the question or says something like “sometimes gas just runs out over time,” walk away.
3. Very Low Pricing for “Full Service”
Beware of companies advertising aircond servicing for RM20-30 per unit. At that price, they are not covering their costs. The real business model is to use the cheap service call as a way into your home, then upsell you on gas top-ups, part replacements, or other unnecessary repairs.
A legitimate standard cleaning costs RM50-80 per unit in Petaling Jaya. If someone is offering it for significantly less, they plan to make their money elsewhere.
4. Pressure to Decide Immediately
“If you do not top up the gas now, your compressor will burn out and that will cost you RM2,000.” This kind of pressure tactic is designed to prevent you from getting a second opinion. While it is true that very low refrigerant can damage a compressor, one extra day to verify the diagnosis will not make a difference.
5. No Written Receipt or Invoice
Legitimate aircond companies provide itemised receipts showing what work was done, what parts or materials were used, and the cost breakdown. If a technician only accepts cash and does not provide any documentation, you have no recourse if something goes wrong.
Other Common Aircond Scams in Malaysia
The Unnecessary Compressor Replacement
A technician tells you the compressor is “failing” and needs replacement (RM800-2,000). In reality, the problem might be a faulty capacitor (RM80-150) or simply a dirty condenser coil that is causing the compressor to overheat.
How to protect yourself: Ask for a specific diagnosis. What exactly is wrong with the compressor? Can you show me the test results? Get a second opinion before agreeing to compressor replacement.
The PCB Board Swap
The technician says your PCB (printed circuit board) is faulty and needs replacement (RM300-600). They take the “faulty” board away, repair a minor component on it for RM20, then install it in another customer’s unit and charge them full price.
How to protect yourself: Ask if the board can be repaired rather than replaced. Request to keep the old board if it is genuinely being replaced.
The Bait-and-Switch Chemical Wash
You book a chemical wash at an advertised price of RM80 (which is too low for a genuine chemical wash). The technician arrives, does a basic spray cleaning, and calls it a “chemical wash.” When you complain about the results, they offer a “premium chemical wash” at an additional cost.
How to protect yourself: A genuine chemical wash for a wall-mounted unit costs RM120-200 in the Klang Valley. If the price seems too good to be true, it is.
How to Find an Honest Aircond Technician
Check Reviews and Reputation
Look for companies with genuine Google reviews, Facebook reviews, or recommendations from people you know. Pay attention to how the company responds to negative reviews. A company that addresses complaints professionally is more trustworthy than one that ignores them.
Ask for Credentials
In Malaysia, aircond technicians should ideally hold a Sijil Kemahiran Malaysia (SKM) in refrigeration and air conditioning, or equivalent certification. While not all good technicians have formal certification, it does indicate a baseline level of training.
Request Itemised Quotes
Before any work begins, ask for a detailed breakdown of what will be done and what it will cost. A trustworthy technician will explain the problem clearly, offer options where applicable, and give you a firm price before starting work.
Get a Second Opinion
If you receive a diagnosis that involves expensive repairs (RM300 or more), do not hesitate to get a second opinion. A genuine problem will be confirmed by another technician. A scam will not.
Look for Established Businesses
Companies that have been operating for several years, have a physical address, and are registered with the SSM (Suruhanjaya Syarikat Malaysia) are generally more accountable than individuals operating from a WhatsApp number alone.
What to Do If You Have Been Scammed
- Document everything: Take photos of receipts, the technician’s contact details, and any WhatsApp conversations
- File a complaint with KPDNHEP (Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs) at their portal or hotline 1-800-886-800
- Leave honest reviews on Google and social media to warn other consumers
- Report to the police if the amount is significant or the scam was clearly deliberate
Our Commitment to Transparency
At PJ Kool Aircond Service, we believe that an informed customer is the best customer. We never recommend gas top-ups without first conducting a proper leak test. If your aircond has a legitimate refrigerant leak, we will show you exactly where it is, explain the repair options, and give you a clear price before doing any work.
We provide written receipts for every service call, maintain records of all work performed on your units, and stand behind our repairs with a warranty. The aircond industry in Malaysia has a trust problem, and we are committed to being part of the solution, not the problem.
If something sounds too good to be true, or if a technician is pressuring you into an expensive repair without clear explanation, please get a second opinion. Your wallet and your aircond will thank you.
Want a transparent, honest repair service? Our aircond repair and diagnostics includes a written assessment and clear pricing before any work begins — no pressure, no surprises.
