Looking after your AC and water heater in Dubai
Simple care for the two systems a Dubai villa relies on most: AC filters, settings, servicing and replacement, and the water heater checks people forget.
Checked 26 September 2026 against the sources listed below.
In short
- Clean AC filters at least monthly in summer and set thermostats to 24°C.
- Service each unit before the summer, and plan replacements at around ten years.
- Water heaters build up sediment quietly; have the heater and its safety valve checked.
Air conditioning
- Clean filters regularly, at least once a month during summer. DEWA notes that clogged filters block airflow and cut efficiency significantly.
- Set thermostats to 24°C and use auto mode. Each degree higher can save up to 5% on AC consumption.
- Keep doors and windows closed when the AC is on, and seal gaps around them.
- Have every unit professionally serviced before the summer, not during it.
- Plan replacements. DEWA puts the optimal life of an AC at about ten years, and newer efficient units can cut cooling consumption by up to 25%.
Signs an AC needs a visit
- Weak or warm air from one unit while others are fine.
- Water dripping indoors, or ice on the pipework.
- New rattles, clicks or a burning smell.
- A power bill that jumps without a change in use.
The water heater
- Sediment builds up inside over time, and the first sign is often weaker hot water.
- The pressure-relief valve protects the heater and is the part most often forgotten. Have it checked when the heater is serviced.
- Look for rust, damp or weeping around the heater and its connections.
- If you travel, switch it off while the house is empty.
Anything electrical or pressurised is a job for a qualified technician. If a heater leaks or smells of burning, switch it off at the isolator and call for help.
Sources
Rules, fees and processes change. Check the official source before you act. This guide is general information, not legal advice.