Why Your Panasonic Inverter Aircond Flap Doesn’t Close Fully — And Why That’s Normal
If your Panasonic inverter air conditioner flap (louver) stays slightly open after you switch the unit OFF, don’t worry — this is usually normal behaviour. Modern Panasonic models are designed to protect the unit and your indoor air quality by allowing a short self-drying / self-cleaning cycle after shutdown.
1. Moisture removal & ventilation — the main reason
After the compressor stops, moisture remains on the evaporator coil and inside the blower assembly. If the flap closed immediately and completely, that moisture would be trapped and encourage:
- Mould and mildew growth
- Musty odours
- Faster dirt accumulation on the coil
- Shorter component life
To avoid this, Panasonic keeps the flap slightly open (about 5–10% gap) so internal parts can air out and dry naturally. This ventilation gap is intentionally built into the shutdown cycle.
2. Self-cleaning / self-drying is happening — do not interrupt it
Many Panasonic inverter indoor units run a short self-cleaning or self-drying sequence after you press OFF. During this process the unit gently continues airflow to dry the coil and fan.
Important: while the flap is not fully closed, please avoid:
- Switching off the main power to the aircond — cutting power stops the drying cycle mid-way.
- Repeatedly pressing the ON/OFF button on the remote — turning it on and off interrupts the process.
3. You may see black spots on the front cover — this is normal
After the self-cleaning completes, you might notice tiny black specks or dust on the front cover. These are usually:
- Dried mould or dead bacteria particles the unit has expelled
- Dust residue loosened during the drying cycle
They are not a sign of a fault. You can wipe them away easily with a damp cloth. If you prefer, book a service with us and we’ll perform a proper cleaning.
4. How big a gap is normal?
Usually the flap closes to about 90–95% and leaves a small venting gap. This is expected provided:
- There is no loud clicking or grinding noise
- The flap opens fully when the unit is turned ON
- The gap is even (not tilted or stuck on one side)
5. When to call for service
Contact a technician if:
- The flap is jammed or crooked
- There are repeated loud clicking noises
- The flap doesn’t move at all
Need help? We’ll check it for you
Thiam Seng Electrical Trading Co. specialises in Panasonic inverter servicing and troubleshooting. If you want us to inspect, clean, or service your indoor unit, call/WhatsApp: 018-2500089, or visit www.thiamseng.com.