Because of the hot weather in the UAE during the Summer, it is necessary to ensure AC maintenance in the summer if the air conditioner or the heat pump is malfunctioning. Routine maintenance will prevent such malfunctions or breakdowns.

You can conduct AC summer maintenance to ensure the best working conditions for the system in hot weather as per Tips given below:

Turn the Isolator Power Off of the Unit

The home AC system is an electrical system that poses a safety hazard if inspected while the power is ON. Make sure to cut the power off before you begin working on the AC system. Most AC systems have a disconnector (Power Isolator with lever handle) on the ceiling or wall outside the unit with a handle that cuts-off power to the unit. However, it does not stop the flow of electricity to the isolator. You must cover this isolator with plastic or polythene and ensure no parts are exposed before you start working on the system.

Inspect the Outdoor Unit Panels

Stringent weather can impact the outdoor units of the AC system. Outdoor units are enclosed in panels to protect the electrical components against sunlight, rain, storms and other calamities. Inspect all the panels and ensure there are no loose electrical connections or exposed components. If any panels are loose or misaligned, you can simply tighten or reposition them to fit the outdoor unit perfectly.

However, if any of the electrical components are exposed, it might be a safety hazard, and you must maintain a distance. Contact an AC technician to fix the issue. Refrain from using the AC system until the issue is resolved to ensure safety and efficiency.

Clear Away Debris

Sand storm, wind and rain bring along dirt and debris that get caught in the outdoor unit. This prevents air conditioning from running smoothly and causes early wear and tear in some components. It also increases the energy cost and decreases the life of the equipment.

You can use a blower or garden hose to get rid of dirt from the components. For heavy debris, use a heavy-duty degreaser or a vacuum to get rid of all the waste stuck to the exterior of the unit. If the unit is placed on grass or near vegetation, it is recommended to cut down vegetation/ plants within two feet around the unit to allow better airflow.

Repair or Replace CD or CHW Pipe Insulation

The Chilled water pipe that runs between the outdoor unit and the indoor unit should be properly insulated to maximize energy efficiency. Inspect this pipe thoroughly and look for thin or disintegrated insulation. Poor insulation can lead to high electricity bills as the AC system requires more energy to do less work.

The condensation drainage pipe insulation is also important to prevent leaks above false ceiling.

The thin or disintegrated insulation can be repaired or replaced with a layer of fiberglass, polyethylene foam or foam rubber. Black duct tapes may also be used around the insulation joints to avoid condensation. You can contact a handyman service in Dubai to repair the pipe insulation for efficient cooling.

Clean or Replace AC Air Filters

Clean or replace the air filter for improved air quality in the house

Air filters play a crucial role in maximizing airflow and ensuring that clean air flows through the house. A clogged air filter will prevent air from entering or exiting the AC system, reducing the efficiency of the system. Whereas a clean air filter offers significant advantages to the overall system and improves air quality inside the home.

Depending on the AC unit installed in your house, both the indoor and the outdoor air filters will either be cleaned or replaced as per recommended durations. Make sure to clean or replace the air filters every one to three months or as needed. This will increase efficiency and reduce costs.

Clean the AC Evaporator Coil

The evaporator coil is responsible for absorbing heat and moisture from the house. It is one of the most important components of the AC system as it works alongside the condenser coil to complete the heat exchange cycle.

A dirty coil reduces the system’s ability to cool your house efficiently and decreases the life of the components. Open the door to the evaporator coil and clean the component using a soft brush. This removes any dust caught in the coil. Then, use a coil cleaner and spray it on the component to clean any remaining dirt.

Lastly, use a mixture of soap, hot water and bleach to clean the drain pan and pour bleach and water down the drain. Once you are done, seal the evaporator coil door to prevent dust from entering. If you find it is difficult to do this cleaning by yourself, please engage a handyman services company.

Check the Condensation Drainage Line

Indoor AC units will have condensation water formed which gets collected in a drip tray usually above false ceiling in Kitchen or Toilets. The condensed water drainage lines of an AC system transfer the collected water in the drip tray to the floor drain outlet (floor trap) where it is drained. However, if mould or algae or fungus grows in this drainage line due to dampness/ moisture, it can clog/choke the drainage system.

The mould can clog the pipe resulting in either slower flow or no flow at all. After the tray is full the water will overflow causing leaks above the false ceiling.

To clean the drainage line, you must locate the condensed water drainpipe that runs from the indoor unit to the floor drain outlet. Once located, use a vacuum to clear the mould or any other growth. Attach the vacuum hose to the opening of the pipe and run the vacuum for a few minutes. This will suck out any unwanted growth from the pipe leaving a clear drainage line. High pressure water jetting shall also be followed to ensure no choking material remains in the pipe and this can be ensured by looking at the flushed out water flow speed in floor drain outlet.

Test the AC Unit

Finally, once you have done everything on the maintenance checklist, test the AC unit to ensure it runs smoothly. Turn on the system and note whether the air conditioner reaches your desired temperature in a reasonable amount of time. Also, note the air quality inside the house to ensure that the AC system is working to its full potential.

However, if you are not satisfied with the air quality or encounter any issues while inspecting and cleaning the system, you must contact an AC repair company promptly.