How long has it been since you last had your air conditioner (AC) checked? If you’re like most people, the answer is probably “I can’t remember.” Unfortunately, that’s all too common.

Most people don’t think about their ACs until they stop working. And by that point, you’re stuck sitting in a hot and humid house, waiting for the technician to arrive to get your unit going again or recommend AC replacement altogether.

If you count yourself among the “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” crowd when it comes to AC maintenance, now will be the time to change that mindset.

Why Consistent AC Maintenance Matters

Just like you would regularly take your car in for an oil change, AC tune-ups are critical to the performance and longevity of your unit. Here are five reasons why:

1. Detecting Problems Early

Talk to most AC repair technicians, and they’ll tell you the same thing: The majority of the problems they see could have been avoided with consistent check-ups.

Clogged ducts and cracks, dirty filters, refrigerant leaks, wrong thermostat calibrations, and failing capacitors and conductors don’t magically appear overnight. They’re the result of gradual wear and tear that keeps building up until it brings your unit’s performance to a rumbling halt.

Frequent AC tune-ups can significantly reduce the risk of an in-season breakdown. Even if it prevents one problem from happening throughout your AC’s lifespan (which all too often occurs at the worst possible times), you’ll have gotten your money’s worth.

2. Increasing Energy Efficiency

If you’ve noticed your electricity bill climbing higher and higher every year, especially during peak summer months when your AC is working overtime, chances are it’s not DEWA’s handiwork but rather a sign of your cooling system losing its efficiency.

A survey of 1,000 people conducted by Censuswide for Taqeef to analyse AC usage habits of UAE residents found that nearly 62% of respondents keep their home ACs running while they’re at work, and almost half of the group admitted to leaving their units on while on summer vacation.

Now imagine how a slight drop in the performance of every one of those units running nonstop for hours on end affects energy consumption and bills, let alone the toll it takes on the environment.

Another reason why skipping annual tune-ups is a bad idea. The more your AC struggles to cool your space, the more it will cost you to run it.

3. Enhancing AC Performance

Without regular maintenance, your AC’s functionality will gradually dwindle. Blowing hot air, spotty cooling, hissing or grinding noises, water leaks and foul odours are all common signs that your unit has seen better days, the causes for which are often too deep-seated for a DIYer to step in and fix.

To a professional, on the other hand, whose methodical approach to diagnosing and remedying such problems has been honed by years of experience, it’s a routine job.

An efficient AC repair company’s process will likely include carrying out:

• A cooling efficiency assessment with a temperature gun.
• Inspect and disinfect the AC’s hardware components, vents, filters and drainage lines.
• A fan and evaporator coil assessment during which they verify that they’re functioning properly and that no blockages are present.
• A thermostat check using a laser temperature gauge to ensure accurate calibration.
• An air-flow balance assessment to distribute air optimally across all rooms.
• A feedback sit-down with you to discuss their findings, and any further repair or maintenance they might have advised for your AC.

Such a thorough, exhaustive inspection will surely go a long way in keeping your AC running at its best for as long as possible.

4. Extending Your Unit’s Lifespan

Most air conditioners — window, split or central air systems — last between 10 and 20 years. Why the wide gap? Of course, your local climate, how often you use it and what type of AC it is are all contributing factors. But just as crucial is how well you take care of it.

A cooling unit with years of dirt, dust and grime buildup inside it works harder to pump out air. That strain leads to parts breaking down faster and your unit having to hang up its hat way sooner than it should — an occurrence that many homeowners are stunned by even though they’ve never had their AC serviced since they brought it home.

Yes, you have to pay a fee to maintain your AC regularly, but does it really compare to the cost of a whole new system that you’ll probably end up buying a few years early? Any homeowner would say it’s best to get as much out of the cooling system as you have before springing for a replacement.

5. Improving Indoor Air Quality

According to the UAE National Air Quality Agenda 2031 report published by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE), indoor air pollution can be the result of:

• Dampness and mould
• Construction chemicals
• Pesticides
• Tobacco and incense smoke
• Entrainment from outdoor elements

Over time, any or all of these pollutants can enter your AC’s ducts and filters and sit there for years. The moment you turn on your unit, that tainted air will waft out of your vents and into your living space, likely kicking any allergies or respiratory problems you may have into overdrive or creating some of its own.

Since UAE residents spend about 80% to 95% of their day inside, scheduling regular AC maintenance is vital to upholding good indoor air quality and, by extension, your overall health.

Plan Your Next Annual Tune-up

Frequent AC check-ups are a homeowner’s best defence against costly breakdowns, high energy bills and poor air quality. Today, many reputable, professional AC maintenance companies in the UAE offer annual maintenance contracts to take all the hassle out of scheduling and paying for your units’ upkeep.

They entail year-round AC servicing from skilled technicians, 24-hour qualified support for emergencies with 90-minute response time, and top-quality replacement parts for when a problem does occur, so you can give your system the TLC it deserves and enjoy peak performance for the months and years to come.