With summer temperatures in the Gulf soaring to a blistering 50°C, staying cool isn't just a luxury—it's a necessity. In such extreme heat, a well-maintained and efficient air conditioning (HVAC) system becomes essential for comfort, health, and energy savings. Preparing your AC system before the peak of summer ensures uninterrupted performance, prevents costly breakdowns, and helps you avoid skyrocketing utility bills.
Running your AC early, before the peak summer heat sets in, is one of the smartest ways to ensure your system is ready when you need it most. Air conditioners often give subtle warning signs before a full breakdown, and catching these early can save you from discomfort, costly repairs, and energy waste. Below are some of the most common AC issues and early indicators to watch for:
If you notice little or weak airflow coming from the vents, even when the AC is on high, something isn't right. This could be a clogged filter, blocked ducts, or a failing blower fan.
If the AC is on but the home isn't reaching the set temperature, or some rooms stay warmer than others, it could point to problems like low refrigerant, dirty coils, or a malfunctioning thermostat or temperature sensor. These issues can affect how well your system cools and should be addressed early.
Pay attention to any strange sounds coming from your AC unit. Loud rattling, buzzing, grinding, or squealing noises can signal that a component is loose or worn out. Similarly, strange odors are a warning sign. A musty smell might mean mold growth in the system, while a burning smell could indicate an electrical issue.
It's normal for an AC to turn on and off throughout the day to maintain the set temperature. But if you notice your system cycling on and off very frequently (short cycling), it could point to a problem. This might be caused by an overheating compressor, an airflow issue, or an incorrect thermostat setting/placement.
Regular preventive maintenance keeps your AC running smoothly and helps you avoid mid-summer breakdowns when you need cooling the most. Homeowners can perform several simple checks and tasks to tune up their HVAC system before the heat peaks:
This is the most important maintenance task. A dirty filter restricts airflow, forcing your AC to work harder and reducing its efficiency. In the GCC's dusty environment, filters should be cleaned at least once a month during summer.
Inspect your outdoor condenser unit and make sure it's free of debris like leaves, dust, or surrounding plants to ensure it releases heat properly.
Ensure your thermostat is working properly and accurately. Test that it's securely attached and responsive. For example, set it to cooling mode and verify the AC works and reaches the set temperature. An accurate thermostat avoids unnecessary cycling and keeps your home at the right comfort level.
Some maintenance is best left to qualified HVAC technicians. It's wise to schedule a professional inspection each year (ideally in spring) before the scorching summer heat arrives. A technician will perform tasks like cleaning the internal coils, checking refrigerant levels, inspecting electrical components, and testing the system's overall performance.
Maximizing energy efficiency helps you to reduce electricity bills and eases the load on the AC so it can cool effectively despite the extreme heat. In GCC households, cooling can dominate energy consumption, so small improvements make a big difference. Here are some tips to reduce energy use while staying comfortable:
Set your thermostat to the highest comfortable temperature. The recommend is 24°C or higher. Raising the thermostat by just 1°C can lower your cooling costs by around 5%.
GCC homes can lose a lot of cool air if there are gaps or leaks. Seal any cracks or gaps around windows and doors with caulk or weather stripping to keep the cool air indoors and the hot air out.
The sun in the Middle East is intense. During the day, close your curtains, blinds, or blackout drapes to block direct sunlight, especially on windows facing the sun to prevent the heat entering your home. This will reduce the strain on your air conditioner and improve overall energy efficiency.
At Johnson Controls Arabia, we believe that routine maintenance and system readiness go hand in hand. That's why we offer a full range of genuine spare parts for the residential and light-commercial HVAC systems we manufacture. They're designed to keep everything running smoothly when temperatures rise. Using the right parts helps in preventing unexpected breakdowns, maintaining energy efficiency, and extending the AC's lifespan. It's all part of making sure your home stays cool and comfortable through the toughest months of the year.
Contact us today to learn more about our showrooms and the spare parts we offer.
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