An ounce of prevention is supposed to be worth a pound of cure. Most people probably agree with this advice from the luminary Benjamin Franklin. Even so, while most acknowledge the soundness of this principle, not everyone lives by it.
As a case in point, don’t many homeowners call a maintenance company only after something has already gone wrong? Reason suggests people should get preventive and general maintenance for their homes regularly before repairs become necessary, but not everyone does this.
Homeowners Need Preventive Maintenance
That’s unfortunate as, again, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Without regular preventive maintenance, homeowners are more likely to need emergency repairs.
Repairs are naturally more expensive than preventive work, and the cost of repairs goes up when you’re in a rush. Additionally, emergency repairs are more inconvenient than setting aside a few hours for maintenance checks. Repairs require more time. You also need to wait for parts, and that’s not ideal.
During preventive maintenance checks, your maintenance contractor may recommend parts replacement. For instance, after checking your air-conditioner, your maintenance service provider may recommend replacing the AC’s capacitor. You can put in an order for a new one, but there is no urgency and no need to rush. You can wait because you can still use your AC in the meantime.
Compare that with a situation where your AC stops working, and you require emergency service. In this case, you need the malfunctioning part replaced immediately. The alternative is to suffer in the heat (because you can’t use your AC) or to buy a replacement AC.
Essential Maintenance for Dubai Homeowners
It’s clear that homeowners need seasonal preventive checks. If you live in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, consider getting an annual maintenance contract for the following essential services:
1. Air-Conditioning
Dubai has an arid desert climate. In the summer, the temperature regularly breaches 40 degrees Celsius. Even in the winter, when it’s cooler, the temperature can feel as warm as a regular summer in the world’s more temperate regions. The humidity is high, too, because Dubai is on the coast of the Arabian Gulf.
Dubai is hot due to the high temperature and humidity. The high moisture levels, moreover, mean mould and mildew will easily grow if given a chance.
Consequently, while an air-conditioner may be a nice-to-have in other countries, it is necessary in this part of the world. An AC makes the temperature comfortably cool indoors and ensures the humidity remains at a level that discourages mould and mildew growth.
Given all that, AC service is not (should not be) optional if you live in Dubai. You must get it done regularly, preferably at least once every four months.
Additionally, it’s best practice for homeowners in Dubai to get an annual contract for AC services. Since air-conditioning is a necessity in Dubai, you really want priority service just in case something happens that requires it. A yearly contract ensures you can get emergency AC repairs 24/7 if you need them.
What types of regular service do you need for your AC in Dubai? First, you need periodic cleaning and servicing. Dust and sand can clog filters and ducts, reducing cooling power and efficiency. Second, there should be a regular check for leaks. You need to inspect for refrigerant leaks or any signs of condensation that could lead to mould growth.
2. Electrical
Electrical systems service checks are also necessary in Dubai. The following are a few reasons for them:
- Extreme heat: Extreme heat can degrade the insulation on wires, amplifying the risk of electrical shorts. Additionally, AC systems run almost continuously, placing a higher demand on electrical systems and increasing the chance of overheating and failures.
- Dust and sand: The dust and sand can also infiltrate electrical components. This can lead to poor connections, undue wear and tear, reduced efficiency, increased power consumption, and even the possibility of a short circuit.
- Power surges: Extreme weather systems, such as sandstorms, can cause power surges, which can damage appliances, including air-conditioners.
- Humidity: Uncontrolled humidity can also cause corrosion in electrical components.
Electrical inspections ensure electrical system components are in excellent condition. They can reveal issues with insulation, faulty wiring, circuit overloading, and other risks that can become serious safety hazards. They can also ensure surge protectors and other safety devices are working as designed and expected to mitigate risks.
3. Plumbing
Water is a precious resource, especially in Dubai. Homeowners must get periodic plumbing inspections to check for leaks and remove sediment buildup in water heater systems. This prevents flooding, waste and contamination.
More importantly, Dubai homeowners need regular water tank cleaning and disinfection. Water tanks are prone to accumulating contaminants over time, and this can lead to water cloudiness and bacteria buildup. The municipality of Dubai actually recommends that water tanks be professionally cleaned every six months for this reason.
Water tank cleaning and disinfection are not part of the typical plumbing inspection service. However, you should be able to get it at a discount from your plumbing maintenance service provider.
Regular Maintenance and Inspections
If you live in Dubai, you must get regular inspections and service for your AC, electrical and plumbing systems. Make sure to include water tank cleaning and disinfection, too. There are many other maintenance services you can get, but these are the basic requirements.
