Been away for Summer? What happens in your AC when you've been away

UAE residents returning from extended summer holidays are finding more than just unpacked suitcases waiting for them. Homes that have been closed for weeks can develop bad smells, weak air-conditioning, water leaks and mould.

AC and cleaning companies across Dubai and Sharjah are reporting packed schedules as families return. Technicians say common problems include dirty filters, blocked drains, dusty coils and moisture building up inside AC systems. The UAE's combination of extreme heat and humidity makes the situation worse, with one home-services company estimating that up to 30% of homes could experience some mould buildup inside AC systems.

Experts recommend preparing your home before leaving for a long holiday by servicing the AC, cleaning filters and checking for leaks or blocked drainage. Rather than switching the system off completely, residents are advised to keep the AC around 26°C to 28°C, using fan or auto mode, and maintain indoor humidity below 60% where possible. The advice is essentially to treat AC maintenance as part of your holiday preparation, because coming home to a broken air conditioner in the UAE summer is one surprise nobody wants.