Should individuals leave their air-conditioners (AC) operational when they are absent from home during vacations? Views within the UAE community vary: some support keeping the AC on, while others see no need. Khaleej Times consulted experts to resolve this issue. For many, vacationing might suggest savings on utility bills, yet some opt to maintain their ACs running, despite potentially high costs.
"Leaving the AC off for extended periods can lead to damage from rotting and condensation to furniture and walls. Therefore, we keep ours on when we travel," stated Magalie H, an Abu Dhabi resident. Experts, including Hisham Jaber, founder of The Healthy Home, concur that it's preferable to keep ACs running during absences.
Magalie, a Lebanese expat, experienced the consequences firsthand. "After a week-long vacation, we found mold on our walls and ceiling. Fortunately, it hadn't spread extensively." Prolonged mold growth can force residents to discard belongings, negating potential savings on utility bills.
Dinesh Ramachandran, from Rentokil Boecker, explained the risks of humidity in unoccupied homes. "Without AC, humidity can rise in summer, leading to mold, damage to furniture, and health hazards." Hisham added that continuous AC operation helps maintain optimal humidity levels, crucial in Dubai's climate.
Setting the AC to the right temperature before leaving is vital. Dinesh recommended a range of 26°C to 28°C. Using a programmable thermostat can enhance efficiency. Additional precautions include keeping doors open for better air circulation and regular cleaning of AC filters.
Some residents, like Shun Khin Shun Lae Tha from Myanmar, prefer turning off their ACs during holidays, citing concerns about utility costs and energy waste. Others, like Renuka Bhatia from India, have never experienced issues by doing the same.
Cinderella Mounir, a long-time UAE resident, keeps her AC on during vacations but faces high electricity bills upon return. Magalie installed smart AC controllers to manage her bills more effectively.
To optimize energy use, consider setting your thermostat between 26°C and 28°C. Closing blinds and curtains before leaving can reduce solar heat and AC workload. Leaving the AC on can be more energy-efficient than turning it off entirely, as it prevents the unit from overworking upon your return.
If unsure about leaving the AC on, arrange for someone to activate it daily. Alternatively, use exhaust fans to manage humidity. Keeping cupboards and bedroom doors open can also improve air circulation.
