It’s not enough to have a ceiling fan these days. The best air conditioners in Malaysia 2020 will keep you cool efficiently! So you won’t rack up a huge electric bill!
Air conditioner prices in Malaysia are typically around under RM1,000 for non-inverters. And RM1,200 or more for inverters. But more on that later!
Have a look at this list of the best air conditioners in Malaysia! Along with some basic knowledge of how much horsepower you need!
How Do Air Conditioners Work?
In case you’ve ever wondered:
- They take in air
- And filter the air from dust and other impurities
- Then, cool the air (usually with a cooling coil containing a refrigerant)
- Clean cool air is blown back into the room
- While the coil accumulates moisture from the air (i.e. not unlike an air dehumidifier)
- Excess water is drained out and excess heat is vented out
Worried about getting dry skin? Try an ultrasonic diffuser or humidifier!
Types Of Air Conditioners
There are 3 existing types of air conditioners. Though you will not often see the third one in the Malaysian market!1. Wall-Mounted Air Conditioners
Cold air sinks. So naturally, the ideal location for an air conditioner is high up on your wall!
A sub-type of wall-mounted air conditioners are Split Ductless Air Conditioners. These can cool multiple rooms without requiring a duct to be built into your walls!
2. Portable Air Conditioners
Some portable air conditioners (or air coolers) are made for the outdoors while others can be used indoors. Their main appeal is that you can move them where needed.
- Not as cooling as wall-mounted ACs
- No need to drill a hole into your wall
- Can be pricey
3. Window Air Conditioners
Sized small to large, these can be very affordable if you just need a small one!
How To Choose A Right Air Conditioner
In this guide, we’re going to assume you’re looking for a wall-mounted air conditioner.
If you wanted a portable air conditioner, we have a separate post for that!
1. Energy Efficiency
To get the most out of your electric bills, look for an energy efficient air conditioner!
A quick peek at the Energy star rating is an easy way to determine this! More stars, is better.
Other specs you can look for are:
- Cooling Seasonal Performance Factor (CSPF)
- Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)
Both should be as high as possible.
2. Inverter Vs Non-Inverter
You’ve probably already heard:
That inverter air conditioners are more energy efficient than the older non-inverter technology!
With non-inverter motors, there’s only one fixed speed (i.e. max speed). And once it reaches the desired room temperature, it turns off. Turning on again later when the temperature rises again. This makes a lot of noise. And takes more power!
While, inverter air conditioners are able to adjust and regulate their compressor motor speed. Without having to switch off completely!
3. R410A Vs R32
Refrigerants are necessary in air conditioners. Fridges use them too.
They are contained inside the cooling coils (as liquids) to absorb heat. When they get hot enough, they evaporate. And that is what the exhaust fan is pushes outside!
There have been multiple refrigerant changes in the air conditioner industry. To avoid those that contribute to global warming!
Even the previous R410A has a global warming potential. And the newer R32 refrigerant is currently the most environmentally-friendly refrigerant we have today.
4. Noise Level
Chances are, you’re going to have an air conditioner on while you sleep:
Unless you’re a heavy sleeper, you may want to double-check that the air conditioner you get is at least between 40 to 60 dB!
Better still, below 40dB!
5. Size Of The Space You Want To Cool
In air conditioner terms, the area you want to cool is measured in square feet (sq ft).
To know which air conditioner is suitable for your room size, look at the Rated Cooling Capacity (measured in BTUs per hour) or horsepower (HP)!
And if you find the air conditioner inadequate for a larger room size, you can always get a stand fan to help circulate the air!
| Room Size (sq ft) | Rated Cooling Capacity (BTU/h) | Horsepower |
|---|---|---|
| 100-150 | 5,000 | 1 |
| 150-250 | 6,000 | |
| 250-300 | 7,000 | |
| 300-350 | 8,000 | |
| 350-400 | 9,000 | |
| 400-450 | 10,000 | |
| 450-550 | 12,000 | 1.5 |
| 550-700 | 14,000 | |
| 700-1,000 | 18,000 | 2 |
| 1,000-1,200 | 21,000 | |
| 1,200-1,400 | 23,000 | |
| 1,400-1,500 | 24,000 | |
| 1,500-2,000 | 30,000 | 2.5 |
| 2,000-2,500 | 34,000 |
6. Smart Features To Consider
- WiFi enabled (so you can control the air conditioner through your phone!)
- Built-in timers
Other Features
- Long warranty for the compressor
Maintaining Your Air Conditioner
By right, you should be getting your air conditioner serviced once in 6 months. Or even 3 months if you use it every day!
This is to keep the air conditioner free from mould and other icky stuff that may clog it up!
What you can do in the meantime:
- Remove and wipe the filter meshes
- Wipe the exterior
- Set the temperature between 23-26°C
Top 10 Air Conditioner Brands In Malaysia 2020
You may not have heard of some of these best aircon brands in Malaysia!
1. Hitachi
Hitachi makes all sorts of appliances. And their air conditioners range from 1HP to 3HP!
2. Panasonic
We’re sure you’ve seen the advertisements! Their nanoe™ Technology purifies the air too!
3. Daikin
Daikin specializes in air conditioners and air purifiers that are energy-efficient and ozone-friendly!
4. Mitsubishi
Mitsubishi doesn’t just stick to cars! They already have several series for their inverter and non inverter air conditioners!
5. York
York makes both residential and commercial HVAC (Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems!
6. Sharp
Sharp is has been in the air conditioner business for many years. Providing top quality air conditioners for home and commercial use!
7. Hisense
Hisense may not have many air conditioner models but they all come with compressor warranties of 5 years or more!
8. Acson
Acson’s parent company is none other than Daikin (since 2006). Although Acson has been around since 1984! The first air conditioner company in Malaysia, actually!
9. Haier
Other than fridges, washers, ventilation hoods and more, Haier has a few ranges of air conditioners between 1HP to 2.5HP.
10. Trane
An established American brand, Trane’s product portfolio comprises of various heating and cooling appliances.
15 Best Air Conditioners Malaysia 2020
Best Non-Inverter Air Conditioner
Get an inverter air conditioner as they are more efficient in the long run.
But if you really can’t find one:
1. Panasonic 1.0HP Non-Inverter R32 Air Conditioner CS-PN9VKH
This is one of the best 1HP air conditioners (non-inverter) you can buy in Malaysia.
The Panasonic 1.0HP Non-Inverter R32 Air Conditioner CS-PN9VKH is a 2020 model with R32 refrigerant.
- Energy Efficiency Star: 3 Stars
- Type: Non-Inverter, Wall-Mounted, Indoor
- Housepower: 1.0HP
- Refrigerant: R32
- Rated Cooling Capacity: 9,500 BTU/h
- Rated Power Consumption: 820 W
- CSPF: 3.74 Wh/Wh
- Air Flow Rate: 360 CFM (612 m3/h)
- Sound Pressure Level: 26 – 38 dBA
- Dimensions: 290 x 799 x 197 (H x W x D) mm
- Features: iAUTO, Odour-Removing Function
- Warranty: 1 year
- Price: RM939
Pros:
- Appealing simple design
- Flap is long for better airflow
- Quiet
Cons:
- Short warranty
2. Hisense 1.0HP Non-Inverter R32 Air Conditioner AN10DBG
For a longer warranty, you can look to Hisense and their 1.0HP Non-Inverter R32 Air Conditioner AN10DBG. Which uses copper pipes instead of the cheaper aluminum alternative.
Copper withstands higher temperatures and pressure, enabling the air conditioner to last longer!
- Energy Efficiency Star: 3 Stars
- Type: Non-Inverter, Wall-Mounted, Indoor
- Housepower: 1.0HP
- Refrigerant: R32
- Rated Cooling Capacity: 9,500 BTU/h
- Rated Power Consumption: 850 W
- EER: 3.28 W/W
- Air Flow Rate: 353 CFM (600 m3/h)
- Sound Pressure Level: 32 – 38 dBA
- Dimensions: 280 x 835 x 220 (H x W x D) mm
- Features: I Feel Sensor, Louver Works State Memory
- Warranty: 2 years
- Price: RM719
Pros:
- Long warranty (5 years for the compressor)
- Fireproof cover (internal)
- Has a sleep mode
Cons:
- Bulky remote control
3. Trane 1.0HP Non-Inverter R32 Air Conditioner MCWE09GB5/TTKE09GB5
Trane’s 1.0HP Non-Inverter R32 Air Conditioner MCWE09GB5/TTKE09GB5 has some specific features that make it more durable.
Such as the anti-mildew feature where extra moisture will be blown off whenever you shut off the air conditioner. This prevents mildew from building up. And spores from blowing out when you use your air conditioner!
- Energy Efficiency Star: 3 Stars
- Type: Non-Inverter, Wall-Mounted, Indoor
- Housepower: 1.0HP
- Refrigerant: R32
- Rated Cooling Capacity: 9,001 BTU/h
- Rated Power Consumption: 776 W
- EER: 11.6 BTU/hW; 3.40 W/W
- CSPF: 3.44 Wh/Wh
- Air Flow Rate: 324 CFM (550 m3/h)
- Sound Pressure Level: 25 – 39 dBA
- Dimensions: 275 x 790 x 200 (H x W x D) mm
- Features: Fast Cooling, Auto Clean, Silent Mode, Fast Troubleshooting : Self-Diagnosis
- Warranty: 2 years
- Price: RM1,040
Pros:
- Long compressor warranty (8 years)
- Outdoor fins have anti-rust coating
- Quiet
- Many modes available (e.g. sleep, turbo, eco, etc)
Cons:
- Installation depends on your area
Best Inverter Air Conditioner
Inverter air conditioners are often a few hundred Ringgit more than their non-inverter counterparts.
So save up for them if you can! They will help you save on your electricity bill in the long run!
4. Panasonic 1.5HP X-Deluxe R32 Aero Series Air Conditioner CS-XPU13WKH
Allergy sufferers will benefit from the purifying capabilities of the Panasonic 1.5HP X-Deluxe R32 Aero Series Air Conditioner CS-XPU13WKH! One of the best inverter air conditioners you can find in Malaysia!
It will do away with dust, mould, pollen and more! Plus it removes odors (cigarette smoke or durian included)!
- Energy Efficiency Star: 5 Stars
- Type: Inverter, Wall-Mounted, Indoor
- Housepower: 1.5HP
- Refrigerant: R32
- Rated Cooling Capacity: 3,480 – 14,000 BTU/h
- Rated Power Consumption: 275 – 1,160 W
- EER: 12.63 BTU/hW; 3.70 W/W
- CSPF: 5.65 Wh/Wh
- Air Flow Rate: 388 CFM (660 m3/h)
- Sound Pressure Level: 21 – 40 dBA
- Dimensions: 290 x 779 x 209 (H x W x D) mm
- Features: nanoe™X, nanoe-G, Odour-Removing Function, ECO Mode with A.I.
- Warranty: 1 year
- Price: RM1,699
Pros:
- Doesn’t dry out your hair and skin
- Removes particles as small as PM2.5
- You can connect it to your Smartphone to control or monitor it (or multiple units)
- Artificial intelligence adjusts temperatures according to room environment
Cons:
- Quite pricey
- Short warranty
Need less horsepower for the same model?
Panasonic 1.0HP Inverter Nanoe™X & Nanoe-G Sky Series R32 Air Conditioner CS-XPU10WKH – Check Price
5. Panasonic 1.0HP Premium Inverter ECONAVI Nanoe-G Aero Series Air Conditioner CS-U10VKH
Concentrated air blasts from the Panasonic 1.0HP Premium Inverter ECONAVI Nanoe-G Aero Series Air Conditioner CS-U10VKH will get your room cool in no time!
- Energy Efficiency Star: 5 Stars
- Type: Inverter, Wall-Mounted, Indoor
- Housepower: 1.0HP
- Refrigerant: R32
- Rated Cooling Capacity: 2,860 – 11,200 BTU/h
- Rated Power Consumption: 225 – 920 W
- EER: 13.64 BTU/hW; 4.00 W/W
- CSPF: 5.34 Wh/Wh
- Air Flow Rate: 357 CFM (606 m3/h)
- Sound Pressure Level: 22 – 36 dBA
- Dimensions: 295 x 919 x 199 (H x W x D) mm
- Features: nanoe-G, Odour-Removing Function, iAUTO-X, ECONAVI
- Warranty: 1 year
- Price: RM1,465
Pros:
- Smart enough to monitor its surroundings and automatically regulate the temperature as needed
- Air purification system (nanoe-G)
Cons:
- Short warranty
Want more horsepower for the same model?
Panasonic 1.5HP Premium Inverter ECONAVI Nanoe-G Aero Series Air Conditioner CS-U13VKH – Check Price
6. Panasonic 1.0HP Standard Inverter R32 Air Conditioner CS-PU9WKH
The Panasonic 1.0HP Standard Inverter R32 Air Conditioner CS-PU9WKH is effective at cooling while being silent.
And also features the Econavi and nanoe-G technologies in the previous models mentioned in this list!
- Energy Efficiency Star: 5 Stars
- Type: Inverter, Wall-Mounted, Indoor
- Housepower: 1.0HP
- Refrigerant: R32
- Rated Cooling Capacity: 3,070 – 11,600 BTU/h
- Rated Power Consumption: 225 – 1,030 W
- CSPF: 5.63 Wh/Wh
- Air Flow Rate: 364 CFM (618 m3/h)
- Sound Pressure Level: 19 – 38 dBA
- Dimensions: 290 x 779 x 209 (H x W x D) mm
- Features: ECO Mode with A.I., Odour-Removing Function
- Warranty: 1 year
- Price: RM1,299
Pros:
- Affordable Panasonic air conditioner
- Long warranty for the compressor (5 years)
- Has a Powerful mode
Cons:
- Short warranty
7. Haier 1.0HP DC Inverter R32 Air Conditioner HSU-09VNR18
Under RM1,000, the Haier 1.0HP DC Inverter R32 Air Conditioner HSU-09VNR18 comes with substantial warranty (10 years for the compressor)!
- Energy Efficiency Star: 4 Stars
- Type: Inverter, Wall-Mounted, Indoor
- Housepower: 1.0HP
- Refrigerant: R32
- Rated Cooling Capacity: 9,000 BTU/h
- Rated Power Consumption: 795 W
- CSPF: 4.73 Wh/Wh
- Air Flow Rate: 388 CFM (660 m3/h)
- Sound Pressure Level: 25 – 33 dBA
- Dimensions: 280 x 810 x 204 (H x W x D) mm
- Features: Smart Clean, PID Inverter Control, Strong Air Flow, Turbo Mode
- Warranty: 3 years
- Price: RM929
Pros:
- Quiet
- Remote is user-friendly
- Affordable
Cons:
- Not as cool as other inverter air conditioners on this list
- 4-star Energy Star rating
8. DAIKIN 1.0HP Deluxe Inverter R32 Air Conditioner FTKU28AV1L
A peculiar feature of the DAIKIN 1.0HP Deluxe Inverter R32 Air Conditioner FTKU28AV1L is its Air Purification system that uses a Green Tea Filter!
- Energy Efficiency Star: 5 Stars
- Type: Inverter, Wall-Mounted, Indoor
- Housepower: 1.0HP
- Refrigerant: R32
- Rated Cooling Capacity: 3,700 – 11,600 BTU/h
- Rated Power Consumption: 260 – 1,200 W
- CSPF: 5.6 Wh/Wh
- Air Flow Rate: 380 CFM (645 m3/h)
- Sound Pressure Level: 19 – 38 dBA
- Dimensions: 288 x 770 x 234 (H x W x D) mm
- Features: 3D Air Flow, ECO+ Mode, Green Tea Filter, Smart Control
- Warranty: 1 year
- Price: RM1,627
Pros:
- Great performance
- Optional add-ons are anti-corrosion coating for the external fins or Smart control so you can use a Smartphone to control it!
Cons:
- Expensive
- Short warranty
9. Hisense 1.5HP Inverter R32 Air Conditioner AI13KAG
Hisense 1.5HP Inverter R32 Air Conditioner AI13KAG shares the same highlights as with the Hisense 1.0HP Non-Inverter R32 Air Conditioner AN10DBG.
Like 100% copper cooling pipes and the way the lourves remember their last position when you turn the air conditioner on!
- Energy Efficiency Star: 4 Stars
- Type: Inverter, Wall-Mounted, Indoor
- Housepower: 1.5HP
- Refrigerant: R32
- Rated Cooling Capacity: 12,283 BTU/h
- Rated Power Consumption: 1,160 W
- EER: 3.10 W/W
- Air Flow Rate: 324 CFM (550 m3/h)
- Sound Pressure Level: 19 – 38 dBA
- Dimensions: 256 x 798 x 191 (H x W x D) mm
- Features: Smart Mode, I Feel, Louver Works State Memory
- Warranty: 3 years
- Price: RM1,223
Pros:
- Long warranty
- LED temperature display
- Quiet operation
- 2020 model
Cons:
- At this price, there are other models that have 5-star Energy Star rating (see Item 6)
10. Panasonic 1.0HP Elite Inverter Nanoe™X Sky Series R32 Air Conditioner CS-VU10UKH
On top of the nano-G purification system and auto-adjusting power:
Panasonic’s 1.0HP Elite Inverter Nanoe™X Sky Series R32 Air Conditioner CS-VU10UKH has a dust sensor! And SKYWING which is their improved vane design!
- Energy Efficiency Star: 5 Stars
- Type: Inverter, Wall-Mounted, Indoor
- Housepower: 1.0HP
Refrigerant: R32 - Rated Cooling Capacity: 2,860 – 11,200 BTU/h
- Rated Power Consumption: 225 – 900 W
- EER: 13.64 BTU/hW
- Air Flow Rate: 360 CFM (612 m3/h)
- Sound Pressure Level: 18 – 36 dBA
- Dimensions: 306 x 950 x 280 (H x W x D) mm
- Features: nanoe™X, nanoe-G, Anti-Dust Coating, Dust Sensor, Odour-Removing Function, Radiant Cooling, iAUTO-X
- Warranty: 1 year
- Price: RM2,170
Pros:
- Has both fast and radiant cooling action to cool the room evenly
- Blows upward (i.e. maintains your skin moisture)
- Powerful compressor for faster cooling
- Clean minimalist design
Cons:
- Expensive
11. York 1.0HP Inverter R410A Air Conditioner YWM5J10AAS-W
It’s very unfortunate that the York 1.0HP Inverter R410A Air Conditioner YWM5J10AAS-W uses R410A:
Otherwise, it’s a powerful air conditioner that is within a RM1,000 budget!
- Energy Efficiency Star: 4 Stars
- Type: Inverter, Wall-Mounted, Indoor
- Housepower: 1.0HP
- Refrigerant: R410A
- Rated Cooling Capacity: 3,100 – 11,900 BTU/h
- Rated Power Consumption: 300 – 1,210 W
- EER: 12.58 BTU/hW
- Air Flow Rate: 180 – 295 CFM (306 – 501 m3/h)
- Sound Pressure Level: 25 – 34 dBA
- Dimensions: 280 x 810 x 200 (H x W x D) mm
- Features: Inverter Technology, Rapid Cooling, Hydro Purifier, Air Surround (3D Airflow)
- Warranty: 1 year
- Price: RM1,079
Pros:
- 24 hour timer
- 5 year warranty (compressor)
- Fast cooling
Cons:
- Not environmentally friendly
12. Sharp 1.0HP J-Tech Inverter Plasmacluster Ions AHXP10WMD
Sharp’s1.0HP J-Tech Inverter Plasmacluster Ions AHXP10WMD makes it to this list of the best aircons in Malaysia too!
For its 5-star Energy Star rating and 14m airflow reach! Thanks to its mighty compressor!
- Energy Efficiency Star: 5 Stars
- Type: Inverter, Wall-Mounted, Indoor
- Housepower: 1.0HP
- Refrigerant: R32
- Rated Cooling Capacity: 3,070 – 10,000 BTU/h
- Rated Power Consumption: 710 W
- EER: 12.7 BTU/hW
- Air Flow Rate: n/a
- Sound Pressure Level: n/a
- Dimensions: 292 x 877 x 222 (H x W x D) mm
- Features: Plamacluster Ions, Auto Operation Mode, Gentle Cool Air System, 14m Long Airflow, Baby Mode
- Warranty: 1 year
- Price: RM1,349
Pros:
- Has a 12 hour timer
- 5-year compressor warranty
- Plamacluster ion technology (i.e. purifying)
Cons:
- Quite loud
13. HITACHI 1.0HP Deluxe Inverter Series R32 Air Conditioner RAS-SH10CKM
The manual Frost Wash function of the HITACHI 1.0HP Deluxe Inverter Series (R32) Air Conditioner RAS-SH10CKM comes in handy to keep dust from collecting over the sensor!
- Energy Efficiency Star: 5 Stars
- Type: Inverter, Wall-Mounted, Indoor
- Housepower: 1.0HP
- Refrigerant: R32
- Rated Cooling Capacity: 3,070 – 11,260 BTU/h
- Rated Power Consumption: 210 – 1,190 W
- EER: 13.16 BTU/hW
- CSPF: 5.34 Wh/Wh
- Air Flow Rate: 106 – 370 CFM (180 – 630 m3/h)
- Sound Pressure Level: 19 – 44 dBA
- Dimensions: 280 x 780 x 230 (H x W x D) mm
- Features: Frost Wash, Nano Titanium Stainless Pre-Filter, Nano Titanium WASABI Air Purifying Filter, Sensor Dry Operation
- Warranty: 2 years
- Price: RM1,699
Pros:
- Detects human movement and directs airflow accordingly
- 12 hour timer
- Long warranty
- Has a silent mode and powerful mode
Cons:
- Quite expensive
14. Mitsubishi 1.0HP Inverter R32 Air Conditioner MSY-JP10VF
Maintenance is easier with the way the Mitsubishi 1.0HP Inverter R32 Air Conditioner MSY-JP10VF is designed! The outside has dual barrier to reduce the amount of dust that can get into the unit!
And the key parts like the purifying filter and vanes are removable for when it’s time to clean the air conditioner!
- Energy Efficiency Star: 3 Stars
- Type: Inverter, Wall-Mounted, Indoor
- Housepower: 1.0HP
- Refrigerant: R32
- Rated Cooling Capacity: 2,730 – 9,212 BTU/h
- Rated Power Consumption: 950 W
- EER: 9.34 BTU/hW, 3.76 W/W
- CSPF: 5.55 Wh/Wh
- Air Flow Rate: 140 – 453 CFM (264 – 768 m3/h)
- Sound Pressure Level: 21 – 43 dBA
- Dimensions: 280 x 838 x 228 (H x W x D) mm
- Features: Fuzzy Logic “I-Feel”, Prefilter, Plasma Anti-Allergy Enzyme Filter
- Warranty: 2 years
- Price: RM1,499
Pros:
- 7 years’ warranty for the compressor
- 12 meter airflow range
Cons:
- Microparticle Catching Filter is additional cost
- Not as energy efficient as other models in this price range
15. ACSON 1.0HP Inverter AVO R32 Air Conditioner A3WMY10N
You can schedule to turn on (or off) the ACSON 1.0HP Inverter AVO R32 Air Conditioner A3WMY10N anytime within 24 hours!
- Energy Efficiency Star: 4 Stars
- Type: Inverter, Wall-Mounted, Indoor
- Housepower: 1.0HP
- Refrigerant: R32
- Rated Cooling Capacity: 4,400 – 9,900 Btu/h
- Rated Power Consumption: 300 – 810 W
- CSPF: 5.02 Wh/Wh
- Air Flow Rate: 165 – 378 CFM (280.8 – 640.8 m3/h)
- Sound Pressure Level: 21 – 41 dBA
- Dimensions: 288 x 800 x 204 (H x W x D) mm
- Features: Advanced Fan Motor, Long & Wide Air-flow, Turbo Mode, Quiet Mode
- Warranty: 1 year
- Price: RM1,240
Pros:
- 5-year compressor warranty
- Fast cooling
Cons:
- Airflow reach is around 6m
Conclusion
Panasonic makes up a third of this list of best air conditioners in Malaysia! Their inverter and non inverter air conditioners work as air purifiers too! See items 4 and 1 respectively.
However if you’re not inclined towards Panasonic, there are other brands with reputable air conditioners! Like DAIKIN or HITACHI!
