How often should air conditioning units be serviced

AC servicing plays a vital role in preserving indoor comfort and air quality, especially in hot climates like the UAE. Comprehensive service ensures that air conditioning systems are thoroughly inspected, cleaned, and maintained for optimal performance and efficiency. AC maintenance usually involves activities like cleaning or replacing air filters, assessing refrigerant levels, inspecting and lubricating moving components, clearing evaporator and condenser coils, and ensuring adequate airflow. Regular maintenance of your AC system not only prolongs its lifespan but also enhances the quality of indoor air, decreases energy usage, and avoids expensive malfunctions. AC servicing companies in Jebel Ali provide peace of mind to homeowners and businesses by offering services tailored to their specific needs.

Importance of regular servicing for air conditioning units

To ensure your air conditioner stays in excellent condition, we recommend scheduling maintenance checks twice a year. If you’re wondering why AC service matters, here are the top reasons.

Maximise efficiency: Without regular servicing, your air conditioner’s efficiency decreases by approximately 5% annually. Consistent maintenance will guarantee that your unit operates at its best, resulting in faster cooling and heating and more efficient power usage.

Improves Air Quality

By scheduling regular AC maintenance, you can prevent your air filters from getting clogged and maintain clean air quality. Your AC unit brings fresh air into your home every day, filtering it through your air vents and ducts. Over time, bacteria, dirt, and dust accumulate within your AC unit, leading to a decline in your indoor air quality. These health problems, including allergies, asthma, and lung infections, can have serious consequences. By getting regular air conditioning service, you can enhance the air quality in your home and ensure that clean air is circulated throughout every room.

Increases Life Span

Regularly maintained AC units can have a prolonged lifespan without the need for replacement. Professionals specialised in AC systems will identify and resolve small issues in advance, preventing them from turning into major problems and causing further damage.

Prevents Expensive Replacement

Regular maintenance of an air conditioner eliminates the need for replacement. By regularly maintaining your AC, you can save money and enjoy more effective cooling, eliminating the need for an expensive replacement. Moreover, your air conditioning system will have an extended lifespan of 8 to 10 years.

Reduces Breakdown

A professional technician who is certified in AC services will inspect and clean all the parts. They will also ensure the timely replacement of filters. This will prevent major breakdowns or other complications with your air conditioners.

Save Energy Costs

Regularly maintaining and cleaning your air conditioner will result in less energy consumption. Regular air conditioning maintenance can lower your electricity costs, save you money, and improve the cooling and airflow in your home.

Keep Cool

Making sure to maintain your AC regularly will keep your cooling system in proper working order. If your air conditioner breaks down, your home will become uncomfortably hot and result in expensive repairs.

Understanding Your Air Conditioning Unit

There is a diverse selection of air conditioning equipment available in the market. Different air conditioners are tailored to specific spaces and serve distinct purposes. Here are the various types of AC.

Central Air Conditioner

A central air conditioning unit is ideal for large homes that need to cool multiple rooms simultaneously. It uses a split system, regulating air through ducts, consisting of an outdoor unit with a condenser and compressor, and an indoor unit with evaporator coils and air handler. The system uses refrigerant to remove heat from the indoor air, pushing cool air in through ducts. By combining smart thermostats with central air conditioners, you can achieve a smart home setup.

Portable Air Conditioners

A self-contained portable air conditioner is positioned on the floor in a room and expels heat through a hose vent or window. It is typically used for rooms under 500 square feet and is an economical choice for temporary space cooling. The unit’s evaporator fan operates continuously to evaporate condensed moisture, and it could have a reservoir for collecting condensed water, requiring occasional emptying. This differs from window-mounted units where moisture drips onto the ground.

Ductless Mini-Split

Ductless mini-split air conditioners are ideal for contemporary homes, offering better efficiency and reduced ducting. These systems combine an outdoor unit with indoor units mounted on a wall, equipped with air blowers. Each room has its own unit for heating or cooling. These units are more energy-efficient than other options but can be expensive if installed in multiple rooms. Ductless mini-splits come with a remote control, but with a smart AC controller, you can operate them from anywhere. However, they may be more expensive for larger homes.

Window Air Conditioner

Window air conditioners are suitable for cooling single rooms or small areas, with large models capable of cooling small homes. Installed in windows or wall holes, these air conditioners have a slide-out filter for regular cleaning and come with controls and may also have a remote for easy control. They are known as experts in cooling small areas.

Floor-Mounted Air Conditioner

Floor-mounted air conditioners, which can be found on or near the floor, are sometimes referred to as through-the-wall air conditioners or split systems. Typically, the floor-mounted unit is installed at a low position on the wall and can be partially recessed. Accessing and maintaining the air conditioner is a breeze since it is conveniently situated at a low position in the room. It functions like a typical air conditioning unit, with the added advantage of quickly cooling down a room.

Smart Air Conditioner

Creating and controlling comfortable temperatures in your home is made easy with smart air conditioners. You can create a personalised cooling schedule for your home, ensuring the ideal temperature around the clock. To save money over time, a smart air conditioner efficiently operates and maintains a desired temperature once it is achieved. As a result, it consumes less energy than a typical AC unit, reducing your bill.

Recommended Service Intervals

First, determine the refrigerant capacity of your air conditioner to determine if it requires mandatory service checks. Maintenance is only necessary for units that have at least three kilograms of coolant. If your air conditioner has a larger capacity, then the following guidelines are relevant:

• To maintain 5 TCO2 of coolant, annual maintenance is needed.
• The unit using 50 TCO2 refrigerants needs to be serviced every six months.
• The unit that uses 500 TCO2 refrigerant needs to be serviced every three months.

Signs Your Air Conditioner Needs Servicing

While regular maintenance checks are not mandatory, they can be necessary at times. We suggest getting your air conditioner inspected once a year, even if there are no visible problems, to ensure it operates at its peak. Keep an eye out for these signs that may indicate your air conditioner needs urgent maintenance.

In case you notice increased noise from your unit, the filters may be obstructed. Use a vacuum cleaner to eliminate dust and clean the unit. If you continue to hear the same noise or detect a chattering or rumbling sound, there may be a mechanical problem.

If a room takes longer to cool down, it may be an indication that the coolant level in the air conditioner is too low.

If you notice increased energy expenses due to your air conditioner, it might indicate improper installation and require inspection.

Choosing the Right Time for Servicing

In the UAE, scheduling AC servicing during cooler months, such as fall or winter, is crucial for optimal performance and efficiency. This is because demand is lower and technicians are more available. Regular servicing before the peak summer season addresses potential issues and ensures the system is in top condition. Offseason servicing prevents breakdowns, improves energy efficiency, and prolongs the unit's lifespan. However, if signs of malfunction or decreased performance are noticed, timely servicing is essential. By being proactive, you can enjoy reliable cooling and comfort throughout the year.

Finding a Reliable Service Provider

Here are a few things to keep in mind before selecting a qualified HVAC technician.

Ask for Recommendations

To find a reputable HVAC technician, ask friends and family members whom they trust for HVAC support. They can provide valuable information about their professionalism, pricing, and work quality. By contacting reliable individuals, you can openly talk about your HVAC concerns without worrying about being pressured into unnecessary purchases or being scammed.

Do a General Search

Follow-up research is crucial when choosing an HVAC company. Check if the company services your area and check their website for accuracy. It’s important to know the company’s current status, services offered, and any promotions to save on repair expenses. This helps narrow down your list.

Read Client Reviews and Testimonials

Reading client reviews is a valuable tool to ensure you’re getting the service you expect from an HVAC company. Previous clients have left reviews that assess professionalism and the quality of work.

Check for Licensing

When searching for an HVAC technician, check for licensing information on their website, business cards, and trucks. Most companies display this information. If the company has awards or additional licences, it’s a good sign.

Check Experience

Hire an experienced HVAC company with several years of experience, as recently opened businesses may lack the same expertise. This provides a sense of confidence and peace of mind when addressing your home’s HVAC issues.

Stay ahead of the summer heat by prioritising AC maintenance and staying proactive. As the leading air conditioning service provider in Dubai, we offer installation and after-sales services for various types of AC, including cassette, window, split, ducting, and central AC, ensuring comfortable living during summer. Learn more about our HVAC services and feel free to contact us with any questions or to schedule a consultation with our experienced technicians at Wadi Maareb.