Hot summer weather a cool time for AC repair businesses
abu dhabi — Heydays are here for air-conditioning repair shops in the country. While the common man detests the scorching days, technicians eagerly await the summer, as it’s high season for repair and servicing.
Future Power Electromechanical’s general manager R Jaipal totally agrees. “From April onwards, it’s peak season till August. This is followed by a lull in activity with low demand and not many complaints. Usually, we get five to seven calls per day but now it has gone up to 30 to 35 cases. We expect this number to hit 50. Now, we work overtime to compensate for the off-season silence that follows,” Jaipal said.
Gas and water leaks, followed by compressor problems, are some of the persistent issues.
As the temperatures rise enough to fry an omelette on the road, technicians actually wish that the degrees continue ascending. “With ACs working non-stop, our technicians are happily busy with calls from villas and offices seeking repair and servicing of all kinds — split, window and central,” Jaipal said. But the AC men are willing to air out tips to keep your cooling machines running longer and better.
Following simple things can help get maximum cooling. “Ideally, it is better that servicing is done before March to avoid the last-minute summer rush. Haste makes waste when it comes to AC repairs. At least, the filters in window ACs can be regularly cleaned. Also, the door of a room shouldn’t be left open. This is a common practice in every home, but it affects the compressor’s life. The AC’s job is to turn a room into 25°C against the outside temperature of 40°C. An open door puts more load on the compressor and raises power consumption too,” Jaipal added.
A bad smell on switching on the AC is a clear indication of something wrong. “Compressor overheating, the quality of cables used, indoor and outdoor units, drainage points, thermostat functioning— among others — are the key things to look at,” Jaipal added. “Servicing at a good place is of utmost importance.”
George Varghese, Silver Lake Electromechanical Works’ manager, offered similar views. Servicing is the only factor that keeps ACs strong against the vagaries of summer heat, he said.
“Servicing should be done not just outside but inside too, which is very important. Close to 80 per cent companies don’t clean the filter. Coil cleaning services are rarely done. Coils get dirty with dust and can create bacteria during the cooling process. This is how people, especially children, get many respiratory problems,” Varghese said. He stressed on at least three servicing sessions a year for safe and healthy living.
A reasonable temperature to maintain indoors would be 2425°C. “People tend to set ACs at 16°C to 18°C for best cooling, but they forget the process depends on the size of the room. If it’s a big room, the compressor takes on more load and the desired cooling will not be achieved.”
Maintenance is as important as servicing, he added. “For AC longevity, opt for genuine brands and engage with experienced professionals. Only they can do the proper vacuuming process, among other things. It makes a big difference in how cool your room — and you — remain,” Varghese added.
ashwani@khaleejtimes.com