Service centres in Doha have recorded a surge in bookings for maintenance and repair of air-conditioners (ACs) this summer, it is learnt. 
Bookings usually increase by 50% during the summer compared to other months in the year, according to Fernan, who works as a technician for an authorised service centre of a 
leading South Korean brand.
He said the compressor, capacitor, and the terminal clip of the compressor are the common parts of the AC that get damaged during the hot season. 
“Regular maintenance is the key to prolonging the lifespan and improving the efficiency of ACs, especially for those used in the Middle East. Because of extreme temperatures, the outdoor units suffer the most damage,” he explained.
He noted that AC owners should book for “preventive maintenance” before the onset of the summer season to avoid overworking the compressor during hot months. 
“This avoids the hassle of calling the service centre for repairs. It would be very inconvenient not to have an AC unit working even for a short period because of the high temperatures 
outside,” he said.
According to Fernan, newer AC units are not as durable compared to older brands. 
“Older brands have a single switch and runs on manual controls unlike their latest counterparts, which have many electronic features. These parts are prone to damage. But the lifespan of an AC unit still depends on how it is used by the owner. If the unit is maintained properly, then it will work for a long time,” he said.
This was reiterated by Mohamed Shahid, manager, Cityscapes Air-conditioning and Contracting, who said because of stiff competition in the market, “some manufacturers have compromised the quality of their product.”
According to Shahid, compared to older models, “the lifespan of the latest AC brands is only around one to two years, if not maintained properly.”
“Many owners leave their ACs running even when they leave the house. This is not only wasteful but it puts a lot of stress on the unit even it is the latest model because it is constantly overworked,” he said.
Fernan recommended that owners book for preventive maintenance every six months.