Servicing your air conditioners before summer is the best way to avoid a sudden breakdown on the hottest days, when it is hard to get a technician quickly. An early check means better cooling and more comfort at home.
In this article you will learn which steps you can check yourself, what should be left to a qualified technician, and common mistakes in Kuwaiti homes caused by dust and high temperatures.
Why AC maintenance is different in Kuwait
In Kuwait, an AC runs for long hours at high load in summer, and dust easily gets into the filters and the outdoor unit. Even a small neglect quickly shows up as weaker cooling or higher electricity bills.
Outdoor units also face direct sun on the roof or in the courtyard, and some areas near the sea are affected by humidity and salt. So it is best to start maintenance before the season begins, not after the first breakdown.
8 steps for AC maintenance before summer
1. Test each unit before the heat arrives
Run every AC in the house for half an hour on cooling mode. Check whether it blows truly cold air, and whether there is any unusual noise, vibration or strange smell. Note anything you observe so you can tell the technician.
2. Clean the filters
A dirty filter is the most common cause of weak cooling. Remove it from the indoor split unit, wash it with lukewarm water and mild soap, and let it dry completely before putting it back. During heavy use, repeat the cleaning regularly depending on how much dust your home collects.
3. Check the drainage
Condensation water leaves through the drain pipe. If it gets blocked, you may notice dripping from the indoor unit onto the wall or floor, and this damages paint and gypsum board over time. Make sure the water drains easily and that the pipe has no bends or blockages.
4. Clean the outdoor unit
- Remove dust, leaves and items that have piled up around the unit.
- Leave enough space around it so the air can move freely.
- Ask the technician to wash the heat exchanger (coil) properly, and do not use strong water pressure that bends the fins.
5. Check the refrigerant gas level
Weak cooling may be caused by a shortage of refrigerant gas, but a shortage usually means there is a leak that must be found, not just a refill. This is specialist work, so do not attempt it yourself.
6. Have the electrical components inspected
Cables, the capacitor and electrical connections in the outdoor unit are among the most dangerous parts when neglected. Leave their inspection to a qualified technician, and do not open the unit yourself.
7. Check the insulation and wall openings
Insulating the copper pipes between the two units maintains cooling efficiency and prevents condensation sweating. If the insulation has cracked from the sun, replace it. Also make sure the pipe opening in the wall is well sealed to keep out dust and insects.
8. Review the remote and thermostat
Change the batteries and make sure the settings are correct. Many people complain of weak cooling when the real problem is the temperature setting or the operating mode.
Need help preparing your home for summer? The Tashtibatk team is ready to inspect the location of units, pipes and openings, and arrange any necessary work as part of your home project. Contact us on WhatsApp or call +201096413425.
What you can do yourself and what to leave to a technician
| Task | You can do it | Needs a specialist technician |
|---|---|---|
| Washing the filters | Yes | No |
| Removing dust around the outdoor unit | Yes | No |
| Clearing a blocked drain | Sometimes | If the problem continues |
| Washing the coil | No | Yes |
| Checking gas and leaks | No | Yes |
| Electrical inspection | No | Yes |
Common mistakes to avoid
- Waiting until it breaks down: Extreme heat increases demand for technicians, and it becomes hard to get a quick appointment.
- Refilling gas without looking for the cause: If the gas is low, there is usually a leak somewhere.
- Covering the outdoor unit or squeezing it into a tight space: This weakens cooling and increases the load on the compressor.
- Setting the temperature to the lowest level: The room does not cool any faster; the AC just runs for longer.
Is the problem the AC or the home?
Sometimes the AC is working properly but its capacity is not suitable for the room. Read our guide on how to calculate the right AC capacity for room size to make sure your unit suits the space.
The cause may also be heat leaking in through windows and insulation. Take a look at the best aluminium windows for blocking heat and dust, and if you are thinking of replacing the whole system, read central AC versus split AC.
Next step
To sum up: clean the filters, check the drainage, keep the outdoor unit clean, and ask a qualified technician to check the gas and electrical parts before the heat begins. An early inspection is cheaper and calmer than a repair in the middle of summer.
If your home is under finishing or renovation, the right time to plan the positions of units, pipes and openings is before painting and gypsum board. We would be glad to discuss your project and inspect it with you through our contact page.
Contact Tashtibatk now: WhatsApp | +201096413425 | info@tashtibtk.com | Contact page.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I start AC maintenance in Kuwait?
The best time is several weeks before the intense heat begins, so you avoid the rush of technician appointments and catch any fault before you urgently need the AC.
How often should I clean the AC filter?
It depends on usage and how much dust your home collects. During heavy-use periods, check it regularly and clean it as soon as dust builds up on it.
Why does my AC run but not cool well?
Common causes include a dirty filter or outdoor unit, low gas due to a leak, or an AC capacity that does not suit the room. A technician identifies the cause through inspection.
Can I refill my AC gas myself?
We do not recommend it. Refilling gas and checking for leaks are specialist tasks that must be carried out by a qualified technician.