Dubai freehold built between 2003-2007 to start experiencing air conditioning issues says Farnek

Senior director TFM at Dubai-based smart and green home maintenance specialist Hitches & Glitches Kelvin Vargheese, has alerted homeowners in ‘New Dubai’ that many will be faced with replacing their air conditioning units over the coming months and years.

H&G, part of the Farnek Group, has witnessed an increasing number of calls from homeowners and tenants, particularly those in the freehold communities in ‘New Dubai’ such as The Palm Jumeirah, Arabian Ranches, The Greens, and Emirates Living, comprising of The Springs, The Meadows, The Lakes and Emirates Hills.

The owners and tenants of these freehold properties, which were mostly built between 2003 and 2007, are now beginning to experience issues with the performance of their A/C units. Upon closer inspection, it is clear that many have come to the end of their lifespan and simply need replacing.

Modern A/C units usually last somewhere between 15-20 years, but older models can begin failing after ten years however, well-maintained units, will inevitably last longer than those that have not been serviced regularly.

“Homeowners in these freehold communities will eventually have to decide whether to continue paying for repairs and accept deteriorating performance, or replace them,” commented Vargheese.

An A/C system should be energy-efficient – compare your DEWA bills year-on-year to see if there has been any increase in energy consumption. A poorly maintained A/C unit can lose 5% of its overall efficiency, annually, whereas an efficient A/C system can cut monthly energy costs by up to 25%, especially during the summer months. There are also smart gadgets such as NEST that can also help in this respect.

Also remember your A/C system should not only be able to reduce the indoor temperature, but also be able to reduce humidity levels and improve air quality, removing airborne dust and particles.

“Essentially if your A/C system is not working hard enough to keep your home comfortable during the hottest part of the day, you may need to carry out life cycle analysis, to ascertain whether you need to service, repair, modify or completely replace your A/C system,” added Vargheese.

Another sign that your A/C may be on its way out, is excessive noise. It is quite normal for most types of A/C to make some noise especially while running between cycles, however thudding or high-pitched squealing, is most certainly not.

“That in itself might not necessitate a new system, it might simply be issues with the fans, the blower, or indeed the motor, which it must be noted, can still become very costly to repair,” said Vargheese.

There are environmental benefits too. New A/C units comply with the latest regulations for environmental protection, so they are more energy-efficient, produce lower carbon emissions and are more energy-efficient.

According to Hitches & Glitches, a new central A/C system for a two-bed apartment or small townhouse costs in the region of AED 15,000. When lower DEWA bills and reduced maintenance and repair bills are taken into consideration, it should comfortably pay for itself in less than six years, along with all of the other added benefits.

“So, my advice to homeowners is simple,” said Vargheese. “First and foremost, make sure that you regularly service your A/C at least twice a year, ideally every quarter, because preventative maintenance is so underestimated. Secondly set aside money in your household budget for repairs as well as a new A/C system, it is an investment after all and will add value to your home.”