In Dubai, the heat is strong all year. Air conditioning is not a luxury here, it is a must. Every home, office, and shop needs AC to stay cool. But many people are not sure about how to take care of their AC. One of the biggest areas of confusion is the difference between AC service and AC cleaning.
Understanding these two terms can help you save money, breathe cleaner air, and avoid future problems.
What Is AC Service?
A General Health Check for Your AC
AC service is a regular check-up. We inspect your air conditioning unit to make sure it is working properly. This includes checking:
- Gas levels
- Electrical wiring
- Thermostat function
- Cooling power
- Fan and motor operation
What We Do During AC Service
When we do AC service, we also clean or replace filters, wipe the unit from outside, and check for any leaks or strange noises. We make sure everything is safe and running well. If we find any parts that are weak or not working, we fix them or suggest replacing them.
How Often You Need It
We recommend doing AC service at least once or twice a year. This is basic maintenance. It helps your unit work better and last longer. In most rental contracts, tenants are asked to pay for AC service because it is part of day-to-day care.
What Is AC Cleaning?
A Deep Cleaning Process
AC cleaning is much more detailed than service. It is not about fixing parts. It is about cleaning all the hidden areas inside your AC system. We remove the dust, mould, and bacteria that build up over time.
We clean parts like:
- Evaporator coils
- Drain lines
- Ducts and air vents
- Blower fan
- Interior parts of the unit
Why It Is Needed
Dubai has a dusty environment. Over time, dirt gets stuck inside your AC. This makes the air dirty, causes bad smells, and blocks airflow. If you have kids, elderly people, or someone with breathing problems, deep AC cleaning is very important for health.
How Often You Need It
We suggest doing full AC cleaning once every 1 or 2 years. If your area is very dusty, or you have allergies, it is better to do it more often.
Main Differences Between AC Service and AC Cleaning
| Feature | AC Service | AC Cleaning |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Performance check | Deep internal cleaning |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Time needed | Short | Long |
| Who pays (usually) | Tenant | Landlord or shared |
| How often | Once or twice a year | Every 1 to 2 years |
Who Should Pay for What?
Understanding Rental Rules in Dubai
There is no exact rule in Dubai law that tells how often AC cleaning must be done. But in general, landlords are responsible for big maintenance tasks. Tenants handle smaller, day-to-day issues.
AC service is usually paid by tenants. Deep AC cleaning is often expected to be paid by landlords, especially before a new tenant moves in. But this depends on the rental agreement. It is always best to ask before signing a lease.
What You Should Ask Before Moving In
Before you move into a new place, ask:
- When was the last deep AC cleaning done?
- Have the ducts and coils been cleaned?
- Can you add cleaning to the contract?
Signs That You Need AC Cleaning
Common Warning Signs
- Bad smell when you turn on the AC
- More dust in your home
- Weaker cooling even after servicing
- Water dripping from the unit
- Strange sounds when AC runs
If you see these signs, your AC likely needs more than just a service. A deep cleaning can fix many of these problems.
Why You Should Not Skip Cleaning
Cleaning Is About Health
AC service keeps your machine working. AC cleaning keeps your air healthy. Both are important. A dirty AC spreads dust and bacteria through the air you breathe.
It Saves You Money in the Long Run
A clean AC system works better. It uses less electricity and has fewer breakdowns. This means fewer repair costs and lower bills.
What Kind of AC Do You Have?
Central AC
If your home has vents in every room and no remote controls, you likely have central AC. These systems push air through long ducts. Dirt builds up inside the ducts and spreads through the whole home.
Split AC
Split AC units have indoor and outdoor units and use remotes. These also need regular cleaning and service, but they are easier to clean than central systems.
What We Do at Microcare
Inspection First, Then Action
When you contact us, we inspect your system first. We don’t guess. We find the real problem and recommend the right service or cleaning.
Safe, Professional, and Affordable
Our team uses safe tools and trained methods. We protect your home during the process and explain every step. We offer affordable packages and flexible booking.
What Happens If You Only Clean the Outside?
Many people wipe the front of the AC or clean the filters on their own. But this only helps a little. The real problem is inside the unit, where dirt and mould hide. Without full cleaning, the bad air keeps coming.
Which One Should You Choose?
If Your AC Is Not Cooling
Check if the filters are clean. If they are, and it still doesn’t cool, a full cleaning or service may be needed.
If Your AC Smells
This is usually due to mould or dust. A deep cleaning is the best fix.
If the AC Is Noisy or Leaking
This could mean a broken part. In this case, a service is better.
Final Thoughts
Both AC service and AC cleaning are important. They do different things, and both are needed for a healthy and comfortable home. Service helps your unit run better. Cleaning keeps your air clean and fresh.
Don’t wait until the problem gets worse. If you are not sure what your AC needs, we can check it for you.
