It’s summertime in Dubai and your AC might be doing a hard job keeping you cool. ACs, like all machines, need regular maintenance and if not done often, can result in damage. And if it is the post-warranty period, you might have to shell out a lot of money, especially if you have ACs installed in every room of your home.
As one of the best AC maintenance services in Dubai, we decided to help you out with an everything you need to know guide about AC maintenance. We’ll begin with the benefits of regular maintenance, how often you’ll need to do it, and of course, all the things you need to do to keep your AC as good as new. This is your complete checklist for AC maintenance in Dubai.
Benefits of Regular AC Maintenance
Lower Energy Bills: Overtime air filters or coils get clogged up and force your AC to work harder, using more electricity and less air circulation. Regular cleaning avoids this.
Improved Air Quality: Dust, allergens, and even mould can build up inside your AC unit. Removing these contaminants gives you cleaner and healthier air.
Fewer Breakdowns and Extended Lifespan: Catching minor issues early through maintenance prevents them from turning into major repairs and increases your AC’s lifespan.
AC Maintenance Schedule in Dubai
Your AC demands more attention during the summer heat and dust in Dubai. Here’s a recommended maintenance schedule:
Monthly Cleaning: This is the maintenance that you can do on your own and it includes cleaning or replacing the air filter, among other things that we’ll mention later on.
Professional Servicing (Every 6-12 Months): Schedule a professional AC mechanic to perform a more thorough cleaning and inspection every 6 to 12 months. AC cleaning services in Dubai include cleaning the indoor and outdoor coils, checking refrigerant levels, and ensuring all components are functioning properly.
DIY AC Maintenance Tasks
Air Filter Cleaning/Replacement
Air filters trap dust, allergens, and other airborne particles before they enter the cooling system. A clean filter is essential for optimal airflow, efficiency, and air quality in your home.
Cleaning a Reusable Air Filter (Step-by-Step):
- Turn off your AC: Ensure your AC is completely off, and remove the plug.
- Locate the filter: The filter is typically located behind a hinged panel on the indoor unit. Look at your AC manual for the exact location.
- Remove the filter: Carefully remove the filter by following the instructions in your AC manual.
- Vacuum the filter: Use a soft brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner to remove loose dust from both sides of the filter.
- Wash the filter (Optional): For heavily soiled filters, wash them with warm, soapy water. Rinse thoroughly and let the filter air dry completely before reinstalling. Do not use hot water or harsh chemicals, as they can damage the filter.
Cleaning the Indoor Unit of AC
- Vacuum Accessible Areas: Use a soft brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner to remove dust from the vents, intake grill, and fan blade (be careful not to bend it). You can also try using a compressed air can to remove dust from hard-to-reach areas.
- Clean the Evaporator Coil: Some AC units allow access to the evaporator coil. You can use a no-rinse evaporator coil cleaner following the manufacturer’s directions. Never use abrasive cleaners and if it is too difficult, leave it to professionals.
- Clean the Condensate Drain Pan: Locate the condensate drain pan (usually underneath the evaporator coil) and empty any accumulated water. You can also use a mild bleach solution to disinfect the pan to prevent mould growth.
Cleaning the Outdoor Unit of AC
- Remove Debris: Clear away any leaves, twigs, or other debris that may be obstructing the unit. Be sure to check around the base of the unit as well.
- Gently Brush the Fins: Use a soft brush or fin comb to carefully straighten any bent condenser fins. Be gentle, as these fins are delicate.
- Hose Down at Low Pressure: Use a garden hose with a low-pressure spray to rinse away dust and dirt from the condenser coil
- Clean the Condensate Drain Line: Some units have a secondary condensate drain line that can become clogged with algae or mould. Consult your AC manual for instructions on cleaning the drain line.
Check Thermostat Accuracy
- You’ll need a reliable thermometer and some tape.
- Position the thermometer next to your thermostat, but not directly in its airflow path.
- Wait 15-20 minutes for both the thermometer and thermostat to register the same room temperature.
- Compare the temperature readings. Your thermostat may need to be calibrated if the discrepancy is greater than one to two degrees Celsius.
When to Call Professional AC Services in Dubai?
If you regularly clean your ACs, it will last long without much efficiency drops, but there are times when you need to call an AC mechanic in Dubai.
It goes without saying that you need to contact an AC repair service if you notice that your AC unit is not functioning properly. If you hear a hissing sound, reduced cooling capacity or even unusual ice buildup on the coils, then do not hesitate to contact professionals. This usually happens due to refrigerant leaks.
Complex tasks, like cleaning the evaporator coil or unclogging a condensate drain line, are best left to trained technicians with access to proper tools. Also, professional maintenance includes checking refrigerant levels, a crucial component for proper cooling.
You can also schedule a professional AC maintenance service with FizFix every 6-12 months. Our technicians will perform a thorough cleaning of both the indoor and outdoor units. They will also conduct a comprehensive inspection of all components, identifying any potential problems early on to prevent costly breakdowns.
