The climate in Saudi Arabia demands a fully operational and clean air-conditioning unit, needed every month of the year—especially during summer, when scorching temperatures prevail and central and eastern regions are hit by sandstorms. We are frequently reminded to maintain the units, yet the underlying purpose behind this advice is rarely understood. In this piece, we clarify why your air-conditioning system undeniably deserves regular cleaning.
There are two key reasons to keep your air conditioner clean: First, your health. If filters and ductwork aren’t properly cleaned, mould, bacteria, and other micro-organisms can multiply, leading to respiratory distress over time. Second, performance. The bulk of efficiency and functionality issues stem simply from dirt loading up on critical A/C components.
How a dirty A/C can undermine your health is straightforward. Contaminated ductwork and filters may shelter bacteria, mould, insect debris, and a surprising range of other organic materials. The unit then spreads those pathogens throughout your home, potentially triggering infections and a longer list of health complaints. Accumulated particles can mean symptoms from a basic cold to sore throat, or tonsillitis. If air quality is consistently poor, longer-term concerns—including new-onset asthma or worsening lung disease—are entirely within the realm of possibility. On the flip side, an A/C that is cleaned and serviced routinely can sharply reduce the chances of these scenarios developing.
As per GMI Research, the Saudi Arabia Air Conditioner Market is predicted to expand at a robust CAGR of 5.1% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2032.
There are two elements to target when you clean: the evaporator coils and the condenser coils. If either coil gets coated with dirt or dust, the air conditioning system will not operate at peak performance. A dirty coil is simply a coil wasting energy, drawing more power—often significantly more—than a clean one of the same design on the same settings.
Regular maintenance of the air filter is vital; a clean or new filter guards the air conditioner against dust while also delivering healthier air to the indoor space. Let it get clogged and the filter cedes its protective role. What follows is diminished performance not only of the air conditioner but also of the planted dehumidifier. Because the clogged filter hampers airflow, the system’s motor must labor under the strain, requiring more energy to maintain the same comfort level. Alleviating these burdens is as simple as attending to the filter periodically.
To maintain system efficiency, the entire air conditioning unit deserves a thorough clean at least every twelve months. The fine dust common to Saudi Arabia, however, makes a semi-annual cleaning more prudent in most cases. The procedure should not be limited to washing coils and spray-cleaning the fans; scheduled routine maintenance is integral at the same time. Checking vital components—replacing worn belts, topping up refrigerant, tightening electrical connections—ensues. Best of all, only a few ounces of preparation and modest expense avert the all-too-common summer failures.
