With temperatures soaring to potentially surpass 50°C in parts of the Emirates, the challenge of maintaining a cool indoor environment is intensifying for residents. The scorching summer heat prompts many to seek relief through air conditioning, yet aging units are struggling to keep up with the demand. This has led to a surge in requests for AC maintenance services, as individuals and families strive to ensure their cooling systems are functioning optimally.
Eileen Lee-Connor, a Dubai resident for 17 years, faces the relentless heat in her 30th-floor apartment in Downtown Dubai. Despite residing in a luxury apartment with a prime view, she finds herself grappling with discomfort due to rising temperatures. “I have been losing my mind with the heat inside my apartment,” she expressed. Lee-Connor resorts to opening her freezer door and standing in front of it for respite, highlighting the extent to which the heat affects daily life.
The growing demand for AC maintenance services is evident in the doubling of bookings over the past year, reflecting residents’ determination to prepare their cooling units for the extreme heat. Hisham Jaber, co-founder of The Healthy Home, reported this trend. The Healthy Home serves over 50,000 clients across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait, underscoring the widespread need for cooling solutions.
Tima Jaber, an interior designer and CEO of 360-degree Technical Services in Dubai Design District, sheds light on creative strategies to combat the heat. Recognizing that maintaining cooler temperatures goes beyond regular AC servicing, Jaber recommends design-oriented approaches. She suggests maintaining a temperature range of 20°C to 24°C within a home for consistent comfort. Jaber emphasizes the impact of keeping bathroom doors closed to prevent cool air from escaping through air vents, effectively preserving the cooling effect.
Strategic design elements play a significant role in temperature control. Jaber suggests using sunshades, outdoor curtains, or tall plants near windows and entrances to reduce heat absorption. Moreover, investments in heat-reflective window film and thermal-lined curtains can result in long-term energy savings. Lighter curtain shades can deflect sunlight and contribute to cooling indoor spaces.
Jaber also addresses the architectural aspect of cooling, pointing out that the choice of building materials significantly influences indoor temperatures. The emphasis on cost-efficiency in modern buildings may overshadow the importance of materials that aid in cooling. She advocates for proper cavity insulation and solar reflective coatings on building exteriors to mitigate heat absorption.
As the mercury continues to rise, maintenance companies are witnessing a surge in demand for their services. Regular AC maintenance and duct cleaning are essential to maintain optimal airflow and prevent dust buildup, ultimately enhancing cooling performance. Hisham Jaber emphasizes that existing maintenance services often fall short in meeting the growing cooling demands.
The recent temperature record of 50.2°C in the Al Dhafra region of Abu Dhabi underscores the urgency for effective cooling solutions. As the trend of rising temperatures persists, the need for innovative approaches to maintaining cooler indoor environments and efficient cooling systems becomes more pressing. As residents seek comfort amidst the scorching heat, AC maintenance and innovative design concepts are emerging as vital components in their pursuit of relief.
