The Real Drawbacks of Running an Unserviced AC During August Heat in UAE

In the height of summer, the air temperature in some areas rises to 48 °C, and humidity often exceeds 75%. In such conditions, the operation of the air conditioner becomes a matter not only of comfort, but also of health. However, many residents face the consequences of continuous operation of old or unattended cooling systems, unaware of the hidden risks. 

Air conditioning accounts for up to 79% of the annual energy consumption of a typical home in the region. In August, the load on compressors and condenser units is maximum. High temperatures cause the operating cycle of the device to increase, and room cooling takes longer. When the filters become clogged with dust or sand, which happens very quickly in desert areas, the heat exchange rate decreases, and the compressor has to work almost nonstop. 

Ensuring Superior Air Quality

Another notable drawback is the deterioration of air quality. Dust, allergens, and mold spores often accumulate in an enclosed space with an unattended air conditioner. Condensation, which occurs with a strong temperature difference, can provoke the growth of fungus on walls, furniture and in the duct system. This is especially true for people who already have respiratory diseases. According to experts, some users who leave the air conditioner on at minimum temperatures (sometimes 18-20 °C) develop irritation of the mucous membranes, dry skin, and with prolonged exposure, respiratory tract inflammation and runny nose.

In an attempt to avoid huge energy bills, residents install programmable thermostats or smart controllers to automatically maintain the set temperature. For example, by setting 26-28°C and using auto-off mode. This helps, but requires regular maintenance of the system. In the absence of timely cleaning of filters, which are recommended to be serviced every month in summer and once a quarter in winter, the likelihood of failures and breakdowns increases.

Special attention should be paid to ventilation. Many owners of central air conditioners do not open the windows at all, which leads to a constant circulation of the same air masses. Condensation accumulates, and without fresh air, humidity in the room increases rapidly, creating a favorable environment for mold development.

The Importance of Maintaining the Cooling System 

In terms of energy consumption, long-term operation of cooling systems without interruption is often less economical than a moderate mode. If you turn off the device during vacation and then turn it on, it is forced to spend more resources to cool the heated walls and furniture. Therefore, experts recommend not turning off the air conditioner completely, but leaving it in temperature maintenance mode or at least turning on the fan to ensure air movement.

Heat affects not only the microclimate of housing, but also health. In individuals who spend a prolonged period in cool rooms, vitamin D levels decrease due to insufficient sunlight exposure, and sensitivity to sudden temperature changes increases, which can lead to muscle spasms and a weakened immune system. At the same time, a constantly running conditioner dries the mucous membrane, provoking allergic reactions and coughing. 

To avoid these problems, experts advise pre-preparing the air conditioner for peak loads. this involves ac duct cleaning as well as filters, checking drainage channels, and monitoring the operation of the compressor and condenser. Use curtains and blinds to reduce the heat flow through the windows, ventilate the room at night, limit the number of working electrical appliances in the heat of the day.

Comfort in the summer period depends not only on the capacity of the cooling system, but also on careful attention to its maintenance and operating mode. The habit of turning on the air conditioner at a minimum temperature without taking into account energy consumption, ventilation and regular cleaning can result not only in high utility costs, but also in serious health risks.