Latest news with #ACMaintenance
Khaleej Times
20 hours ago
- General
- Khaleej Times
Dubai: Do tenants have to pay for accidental damage during maintenance?
Question: I live in a two-bedroom apartment in Dubai. One of the major AC components was damaged due to something we did; so basically, it was our fault. Are we responsible for fixing it and covering the cost of the damages, or would this fall under regular maintenance? Answer: In Dubai, it is the responsibility of a landlord to carry out the maintenance and repair works of a rented apartment, unless agreed otherwise. This is in accordance with Article 16 of Law No. 26 of 2007 Regulating the Relationship between Landlords and Tenants in the Emirate of Dubai, which states, "Unless otherwise agreed by the parties, a landlord shall, during the term of the lease contract, be responsible for the real property maintenance works and for repairing any breakdown or defect that affects the tenant's full intended use of the real property. Furthermore, a landlord may be responsible for rectifying any breakdown, damages or defects caused to a rented apartment and if such breakdown, damages, or defects are caused due to reasons which are beyond the control of a tenant. This is under Article 17 of the Dubai Rent Law, which states, 'A landlord may not make to the real property or any of its facilities or appurtenances, any changes that preclude the intended use of the same. The landlord shall be responsible for any such changes whether made by him or by any other person authorised by him. In addition, the landlord shall be responsible for any breakdown, impairment, defect, or damage sustained by the real property for reasons beyond the control of the tenant.' Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. However, it is a tenant's responsibility to maintain the rented apartment in good condition and not to make any changes and/or carry out restoration or maintenance works without obtaining the permission of your landlord. This is in accordance with Article 19 of the Dubai Rent Law, which states, 'A tenant must pay the rent on its due dates and must maintain the real property in a good condition as a reasonable person would maintain his own property. Without prejudice to the tenant's obligation to carry out any restoration that is agreed upon or which is customary for tenants to undertake, the tenant may not make any changes or carry out any restoration or maintenance works in the real property without obtaining the permission of the landlord and the necessary licences from the competent official entities.' When a renting period ends, a tenant must return the property in the same condition it was received — except for normal wear and tear or damage caused by factors outside the tenant's control. If there's a disagreement about the property's condition, it will be resolved by the Rental Dispute Settlement Centre (the Tribunal). This is in accordance with Article 21 of the Dubai Rent Law, which states, 'Upon expiry of the term of a Lease Contract, the tenant must surrender possession of the real property to the landlord in the same condition in which the tenant received it at the time of entering into the lease contract, except for ordinary wear and tear or any damage sustained due to reasons beyond the tenant's control. Where a dispute between the parties arises in this regard, it shall be referred to the tribunal to issue its decision on the same.' Based on the aforementioned provisions of the Dubai Rent Law, it may be advised that where damage to a major AC component is caused by your own actions, the responsibility to repair or replace the damaged part may fall upon you, rather than being treated as routine maintenance typically handled by your landlord.
CNET
09-06-2025
- General
- CNET
AC Unit Not Blowing Cold Air? It's Time to Change Your Filter
Every year when I pull my air conditioner out of storage and reinstall it, I'm worried about whether my window unit managed to survive the colder months. This year when I turned it on, I was worried when instead of a cool breeze, my AC unit was blowing tepid air. I was braced for the worst and did the math on how much a new one would cost, but thankfully it wound up being a simple fix. I just needed a new air filter. Once I pulled it out and saw the mess, it made sense. A dirty filter slows everything down and forces the unit to work harder, sometimes to the point where it stops cooling altogether. The fix? A quick clean or a swap for a new one, depending on your setup. Now I make a habit of checking the filter regularly. It takes just a few minutes, but it keeps the air cold, clean and flowing. That's a lifesaver during these brutal summer months. Below we'll outline when to change your AC filter and how to swap it the right way to guarantee your AC unit runs properly and efficiently. For more, explore these six ways to save on air conditioning this summer and effective ways to lower your AC bills when on vacation. Read more: How to Clean Your Air Conditioner So It Runs Like New Here's how to tell if your AC filter needs changing The only real way to know it's time to replace your AC filter is by checking on it every so often. To do so, pop your AC filter out and hold it up to the light. If you can't see through the filter, then it's time for a new one. Below, find step-by-step instructions on how to change out your filter. If your air filter looks like the filter on the left, then it's time to replace to change an AC home air filter First things first: You need to locate it. It could be several places: in the air handler cabinet, return air duct or in a window AC unit, etc. Next, make sure you get the right filter size -- the dimensions are usually printed on the side of the filter – so you can make sure you're buying or ordering the right size replacement. Now, it's time to actually change the filter: Turn the power off . This will ensure that you don't touch live voltage or that debris be sucked into the unit. So, be sure to turn off power at the unit and also at the circuit breaker. . This will ensure that you don't touch live voltage or that debris be sucked into the unit. So, be sure to turn off power at the unit and also at the circuit breaker. Remove the old filter. Simply slide it out of the slot that holds it in place. Simply slide it out of the slot that holds it in place. Take note of its condition . Can you see through it when it's held up to the light? If not, definitely time to replace it. . Can you see through it when it's held up to the light? If not, definitely time to replace it. Insert the new filter. To make sure you get it in the right way, make sure the arrow icon on the filter's frame points away from the return air duct and toward the air handler mechanism. Buy the right size filter by checking the dimensions printed on the old filter's frame. mphillips007/Getty Images How often does an AC filter need to be changed? Do you know off the top of your head the last time you changed your filter? If you can't remember, it has no doubt been too long. Many HVAC filters actually say on the packaging that a monthly check-in is ideal to keep dust and allergens to a minimum. For the most part, experts agree your filter will probably need to be replaced every three months or so, but monthly assessments can guarantee you don't leave a worn-out filter in your unit for too long past its effectiveness. Other factors that change the lifespan of your AC filter Depending on a number of factors, such as your surroundings, the season and the inhabitants of your home, you may want to replace your air conditioning filter more or less often than once a month. Air filter type Some air conditioning filters are made to last longer than others. But luckily, you don't have to do a ton of research or be an AC expert to know which brand is best. Just look at the packaging. All AC filters have a Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) rating. The higher the MERV number, the better quality the filter is, meaning it can hold contaminants or debris more efficiently and therefore lasts longer. The only downside to picking a filter with a high MERV rating is that it can slow down the airflow in your AC unit. The best filter options will have a balance between good quality and good airflow, which is typically a filter with a MERV rating between 6 and 8. If you have a high-efficiency AC unit, you may be able to get away with a higher MERV rating, but check the owner's manual just in case. Geography Geography and seasonality can also affect how often your filter will need to be replaced. Living in a dusty or more polluted environment calls for a new air filter at least once every three months. For example, in desert climates, your AC is filtering out all that desert dust (in addition to 90-plus degree temperatures) to keep the air in your home pleasant to breathe. Your AC is likely working overtime, which means it'll need extra maintenance. Pets What sort of creatures inhabit your household can also determine how often you'll need to replace the filter. If you're like me and have two long-haired pets living with you, checking your filter every three weeks is a good rule of thumb to prevent build-up. Usage If you live in a temperate climate and rarely turn your AC unit on, you can probably wait up to six months to change the filter. A simple way to remember is to switch the filter out once in the spring and again in the fall. Watch this: Beat the summer heat with this DIY air conditioner 02:39 An added incentive to change your filter Not only can regularly changing your AC filter help improve your home's air quality and conditions, it can save you money over time. Replacing a dirty, clogged filter with a new, clean one can lower your air conditioner's energy consumption by 5 to 15 percent, according to the US Department of Energy. And less energy consumed by your AC equals lower utility bills, which is a huge perk in the heat of summer when electricity costs spike for much of the US. For more, you can also check out this home upgrade that can save you money on AC costs and this comparison between window AC units and portable AC units.
CNET
25-05-2025
- General
- CNET
This One Trick Got My Air Conditioner Working Like It Used To
When my AC suddenly stopped blowing cold air, I assumed the worst - a major repair or a total breakdown. Turns out, the problem was way simpler: a dirty filter. I didn't realize how quickly dust, pet hair and all the other stuff floating around the house can clog it up. Once I pulled it out and saw the mess, it made sense. A backed-up filter slows everything down and forces the unit to work harder, sometimes to the point where it just stops cooling altogether. The fix? A quick clean or a swap for a new one, depending on your setup. Now I make a habit of checking the filter regularly. It takes just a few minutes, but it keeps the air cold, clean and flowing - which is a lifesaver during these brutal summer months. Below we'll outline when to change your AC filter and how to swap it the right way to guarantee your AC unit runs properly and efficiently. For more, explore these six ways to save on air conditioning this summer and effective ways to lower your AC bills when on vacation. Read more: How to Clean Your Air Conditioner So It Runs Like New Here's how to tell if your AC filter needs changing The only real way to know it's time to replace your AC filter is by checking on it every so often. To do so, pop your AC filter out and hold it up to the light. If you can't see through the filter, then it's time for a new one. Below, find step-by-step instructions on how to change out your filter. If your air filter looks like the filter on the left, then it's time to replace to change an AC home air filter First things first: You need to locate it. It could be several places: in the air handler cabinet, return air duct or in a window AC unit, etc. Next, make sure you get the right filter size -- the dimensions are usually printed on the side of the filter – so you can make sure you're buying or ordering the right size replacement. Now, it's time to actually change the filter: Turn the power off . This will ensure that you don't touch live voltage or that debris be sucked into the unit. So, be sure to turn off power at the unit and also at the circuit breaker. . This will ensure that you don't touch live voltage or that debris be sucked into the unit. So, be sure to turn off power at the unit and also at the circuit breaker. Remove the old filter. Simply slide it out of the slot that holds it in place. Simply slide it out of the slot that holds it in place. Take note of its condition . Can you see through it when it's held up to the light? If not, definitely time to replace it. . Can you see through it when it's held up to the light? If not, definitely time to replace it. Insert the new filter. To make sure you get it in the right way, make sure the arrow icon on the filter's frame points away from the return air duct and toward the air handler mechanism. Buy the right size filter by checking the dimensions printed on the old filter's frame. mphillips007/Getty Images How often does an AC filter need to be changed? Do you know off the top of your head the last time you changed your filter? If you can't remember, it has no doubt been too long. Many HVAC filters actually say on the packaging that a monthly check-in is ideal to keep dust and allergens to a minimum. For the most part, experts agree your filter will probably need to be replaced every three months or so, but monthly assessments can guarantee you don't leave a worn-out filter in your unit for too long past its effectiveness. Other factors that change the lifespan of your AC filter Depending on a number of factors, such as your surroundings, the season and the inhabitants of your home, you may want to replace your air conditioning filter more or less often than once a month. Air filter type Some air conditioning filters are made to last longer than others. But luckily, you don't have to do a ton of research or be an AC expert to know which brand is best. Just look at the packaging. All AC filters have a Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) rating. The higher the MERV number, the better quality the filter is, meaning it can hold contaminants or debris more efficiently and therefore lasts longer. The only downside to picking a filter with a high MERV rating is that it can slow down the airflow in your AC unit. The best filter options will have a balance between good quality and good airflow, which is typically a filter with a MERV rating between 6 and 8. If you have a high-efficiency AC unit, you may be able to get away with a higher MERV rating, but check the owner's manual just in case. Geography Geography and seasonality can also affect how often your filter will need to be replaced. Living in a dusty or more polluted environment calls for a new air filter at least once every three months. For example, in desert climates, your AC is filtering out all that desert dust (in addition to 90-plus degree temperatures) to keep the air in your home pleasant to breathe. Your AC is likely working overtime, which means it'll need extra maintenance. Pets What sort of creatures inhabit your household can also determine how often you'll need to replace the filter. If you're like me and have two long-haired pets living with you, checking your filter every three weeks is a good rule of thumb to prevent build-up. Usage If you live in a temperate climate and rarely turn your AC unit on, you can probably wait up to six months to change the filter. A simple way to remember is to switch the filter out once in the spring and again in the fall. Now Playing: Beat the summer heat with this DIY air conditioner 02:39 An added incentive to change your filter Not only can regularly changing your AC filter help improve your home's air quality and conditions, it can save you money over time. Replacing a dirty, clogged filter with a new, clean one can lower your air conditioner's energy consumption by 5 to 15 percent, according to the US Department of Energy. And less energy consumed by your AC equals lower utility bills, which is a huge perk in the heat of summer when electricity costs spike for much of the US. For more, you can also check out this home upgrade that can save you money on AC costs and this comparison between window AC units and portable AC units.
