When it comes to air conditioning, the age-old mantra, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, just doesn’t cut it. In a country where temperatures reach highs of 50 degrees Celsius during the summer months, having an efficient and reliable air-conditioning system is critical. So why do we only show concern for our household cooling friend minutes after it gives up the ghost? There are lots of things you can do to avoid unnecessary breakdowns as well as minimise energy bills.
1. Don’t do it yourself
“If you need to know how to do something, for most things there is YouTube,” says Colin Thomas, Business Partner, Jim Will Fix It Services. “However, AC servicing just isn’t one of them. It’s a process involving mixing electricity with water and it is best left to the professionals. A reputable company will give you a 12-month warranty on parts as well as a three-month service guarantee,” Thomas adds. Lukas Eigenmann, Director of Dubai-based home maintenance company Hitches & Glitches, says that customers can safeguard themselves by dealing with reputable companies with a credible name within the market. “Insist on seeing a company profile as well as references. A reputable company that can be trusted will be pleased to reassure you with third-party testimonials.”
2. Service time
Very few people understand what actually takes place as part of a regular service, as there isn’t much to see, apart from the legs of the technician tackling the unit. “Servicing is the most abused word in the air-conditioning world,” says Thomas. “We regularly hear clients say that a man came with a ladder and serviced all the ACs in their villa, taking just 15 minutes. “This is not a service. A comprehensive AC service should take between 30 and 45 minutes for each unit serviced. To work out how many AC units you have, count the number of temperature controllers you have on the walls, as each corresponds to one unit.”
3. Clean the unit
“Always ensure that the AC unit is free from any obstructions,” says Eigenmann. “Airflow across the coils is of paramount importance for the efficient operation of the unit.” Thomas also urges residents to be aware of the airflow in their property. “Keep doors open to allow air to circulate throughout your villa or apartment. This cools a property naturally so units aren’t forced to work so hard,” he says.
4. Listen for defects
“Keep an ear out for strange or clunky noises,” says Paul Hudson of Middle East Coolers. “Residents are in tune with the noises in their homes — especially at night. If you think something sounds different, then chances are there is a problem. Don’t be afraid to use your intuition.” Eigenmann agrees, saying more often than not, a client can alert a company to a problem before it’s too late. “If the unit is either noisy, has excessive vibration or is not operating efficiently, a swift response could mitigate further damage and lessen costs related to any spare parts or materials required for repairs.”
5. Temperature control
“Always adjust the thermostat control to run the AC unit at a comfortable but reasonable temperature (usually about 24 degrees Celsius),” says Eigenmann. “This will ensure the working life of the unit is prolonged and will also result in lower utility bills.” Thomas says leaving the air conditioning on during the summer — even when on holiday — can help with condensation. “The unit works as a dehumidifier if left on a higher temperature while you’re away. Set the AC to 25 or 26 degrees Celsius on a low fan speed and condensation caused by humidity will not settle and grow mould.”
6. Fork out for repairs
Eigenmann says that a lack of proper maintenance is the biggest cause of air-conditioning unit failure. “Some homeowners regard the servicing of AC units as a grudge purchase, so they tend not to carry out servicing as often as they should. However, the potential impact of intermittent failures should be considered when having this type of penny-wise and pound-foolish approach.”
7. Stick to the schedule
The experts all agree that chilled water units should be serviced once a year while split units should be serviced about every six months in order to function efficiently. “If you regularly service your air-conditioning units, the energy bills will be lower,” says Thomas. “A clean AC is an efficient AC, as it is able to cool to its maximum potential and therefore the compressor does not need to run as much.
