Think of your air conditioner as another member of your space. Just as you take care of your own self variedly depending on the weather, you need to create an air conditioner maintenance checklist according to the season.
This guide contains a detailed breakdown, with air conditioner maintenance tips for beginners and seasoned AC owners alike!
Your Complete Year’s Air Conditioner Maintenance Checklist!
When to schedule air conditioner maintenance? Ideally, wait for the weeks leading up to the beginning of summer for all-around HVAC maintenance. However, invest in some upkeep measures and professional solutions to enhance air conditioner efficiency.
Let’s go month-by-month:
January – February: Starting AC Upkeep on a Diligent Note
The beginning of a new year in Doha is also when you don’t really have AC troubles on your mind. January is when Qatar is the coldest—and the cold weather dwindles down but lasts till early March. You won’t be using your air conditioner in these months, but that does not imply that you should not invest in air conditioner maintenance Doha.
For starters, turn on your AC once a month when it is in rest mode. Electronic devices tend to encounter issues when left off for long periods of time. Don’t leave your AC off for the entirety of Qatar’s winter—which usually lasts about 3 months.
Think of running your air conditioner during the winter as stretching its legs—with a side of some TLC!
Here are a few AC maintenance tips to keep up with during the dormant period to improve air conditioner lifespan:
- When you turn on the air conditioner for the first time in January after keeping it off throughout the past month, tune the air conditioner thermostat settings to run the fan (without cooling) for 10 – 15 minutes. This helps get rid of the dust and allows the system to gradually rev up.
- Gradually lower the temperature, and leave the AC on for an hour or so. During this time, check the airflow for any smells to make sure there is no mold growth. Before you turn the AC off again, run it on fan mode only again for 15 minutes or so.
- Next, check the compressor unit outside for any dust or dirt accumulation. If your AC’s external unit is near the ground, make sure there are no weeds growing inside or any pest infestations.
Since the cool weather will persist in February—less chilly, but comfortable without air conditioning—repeat the process above. Make sure that at any time when you check your air conditioner, don’t open the outside unit. If you suspect some kind of buildup, call for professional help.
March – April: Full-Scale Maintenance
March or April, springtime in your region, is the best time to go for complete maintenance of your air conditioner before peak summer weather arrives. Every air conditioner repair company has its own unique approach to full HVAC maintenance, but the basics are the same for all. Your technician will be conducting inspection and air conditioner troubleshooting for:
- Overall condition of the interior and exterior unit
- Thermostat setting at different temperatures
- Air conditioner ducts cleaning (for centralized systems)
- Circuit breaker and other electrical connections
- Air conditioner coils and condenser
- Air flow and air quality in the room
- Drip pan and condensate drain line
- Air conditioner refrigerant levels
- Safety mechanisms (AS safety switch)
You will face considerable air conditioner maintenance costs, but professional upkeep trumps DIY air conditioner maintenance!
The refrigerant pressure is a vital aspect of AC servicing. Lack of sufficient refrigerant can severely damage the compressor, which is why you need to prioritize this before re-using your AC after a break.
Additionally, you’ll need to go for air conditioner cleaning—especially filters. Go for air conditioner filter replacement in case the current filters are too worn out. If you’ve asked yourself how often should I change my air conditioner filter, know that filters not only play a role in maintaining functionality and air quality but also prevent excessive air conditioner energy consumption.
Another crucial upkeep task on your air conditioner maintenance schedule is the condenser coil, which is vulnerable to outdoor elements. If you leave the condenser unchecked for a long period and with dirt and debris clogging the coils, your AC’s external unit won’t be able to release hot air properly.
Make sure that the internal and external air conditioner units receive proper attention during maintenance.
Note: If your air conditioner did not receive maintenance for present issues before you shut it off before it was last the previous year, those air conditioner problems may have worsened. Therefore, do NOT skip air conditioner maintenance before resuming use.
May – June: Shielding From Winds and More
If you’ve been diligent about air conditioner troubleshooting before May, you’ll be enjoying a comfortable and cool environment. Since the weather in Doha has not yet reached that signature scorching level, you may not have to worry about overuse.
However, May-onwards, Qatar does face Shamal winds that carry dust. The dryness and dusty air are not favorable for your AC’s exterior unit, which is why it helps to go for another inspection of your AC’s system. Take some time and clean your air conditioner filters again.
Yes, air filters need to be cleaned once in two or three months, though special weather circumstances call for a special air conditioner maintenance schedule. By following through on expert advice regarding air filter care during dusty weather in May and June, you enhance your home’s air quality, plus boost air conditioner efficiency.
July – August: Summer AC Usage Care
And here we are in July, the hottest month. There’s a good reason why experts emphasize getting complete air conditioner maintenance Doha done before this time. You do not want poor cooling, worrying issues (smells, sounds, leaks), or, worst of all, a breakdown!
While summers in Doha can be unbearable, with the temperature going as high as 41 degrees Celsius on scorching hot days (once the hottest recorded temperature being 50+ degrees Celsius!), don’t run your AC 24/7. Here are a few AC maintenance tips for summer in Doha:
- Use your air conditioner when necessary, keep the temperature ‘comfortable’ instead of ‘cold’, and rely on other cooling devices (ceiling fans) as well.
- If you detect a low level of cooling, this can point to low refrigerant levels or other issues that grow when ignored. Get your air conditioner inspected ASAP.
- Insulate your home with door gaps padding and blackout curtain lining to prevent loss of heat—minimizing the need for running the air conditioner constantly.
Know that turning your AC on constantly without rest not only skyrockets your electricity bill immensely, but also increases the risk of overheating, tripped circuit breakers, and even air conditioner compressor failure. Do your part and create your air conditioner maintenance checklist for summer for using it smartly.
September – October: Air Conditioner vs. Rain
Starting in October, Al Wasmi (rainy season) kicks off in Qatar. The occasional rain showers, heavy downpours, and even storms do provide a refreshing break from the scorching July heat. However, you need to know how to maintain your air conditioner properly during this period.
Here’s your air conditioner maintenance checklist for the rainy season:
- Make sure your AC’s outdoor unit is not directly exposed to rainwater. This is crucial to extending the air conditioner lifespan.
- Your electrical system is safeguarded by a circuit breaker. Regardless, storms can cause circuit breakers to trip.
- Have a technician inspect your outdoor unit to confirm if it is capable of handling water exposure.
Moreover, switch off your air conditioners before a heavy storm. Excessive rain can damage to the fan blades and other parts of the external unit. Protects your air conditioner’s system and ensures your own safety too!
November – December: Ending the Year with a Careful Stance
Winter Shamal winds in Doha bring some dust, which means you have to pay the same level of attention to your air conditioner filters and external unit as you did from May till July. There’s some rainfall, though not usually heavy enough to become a cause for concern regarding your AC’s safety.
Finally, as the weather turns cold, you’ll be turning off your air conditioner some for the last time till summer next year. Before you shut off your air conditioner for the winter, remember to set it to fan-only mode for at least an hour. This will help clean out the system and extend the life of your air conditioner even as it sits unused for a long period of time.
Note: Consider going for air conditioner cleaning and air conditioner repair in case of any mold and mildew in your AC. Left as it is, it will grow while your AC is resting.
Let Us Help You Complete Your Air Conditioner Maintenance Checklist
As experts in air conditioner installation, repair, and maintenance, we’ve got the skills and tools you need to keep your AC running in top-notch condition throughout the year!
We also guarantee competitive air conditioner repair costs and fast turnaround for all services. Call us now at +974 7774 5629 for an appointment with our technician, or email us at [email protected] for any questions!