For many residents of the UAE, returning after a long summer vacation means unpacking luggage, preparing children for school, and resuming a routine. However, some are met with an unpleasant surprise at the front door, such as a strong odor, poor air conditioning performance, water leaks, or even the appearance of mold.
Abdul Basit, an engineer working at Al Khooz, encountered a similar situation when returning to his apartment in Al Nahda, Dubai, after a six-week absence. He reported: 'The moment I opened the door, there was a very strong, unpleasant smell inside the apartment.' Initially, he assumed the cause was the prolonged closure of the home. After opening the windows and turning on the air conditioner, he expected the smell to disappear, but it did not.
Soon, Basit discovered another problem: the air conditioner was malfunctioning, emitting a strange odor while operating. Later, he noticed a water leak from one of the units. Basit noted: 'After a multi-hour journey, the last thing you expect is to return home and immediately start repairing and cleaning the air conditioner.' Ultimately, the apartment required thorough cleaning, and the air conditioner needed inspection before the family could settle in properly.
Basit's experience is not isolated during the return period from summer holidays, according to cleaning and air conditioning specialists in Dubai and Sharjah. Shamwil Khan from Clean Touch, operating in Al Nahda, Sharjah, stated that his team visits at least three to four homes daily. He added: 'Since families have started returning from the summer break, our schedule has become very busy. Sometimes we have to reschedule appointments for the next day because all slots are taken.'
According to Khan, homes left closed for weeks can have several issues: ranging from accumulated dust and unpleasant odors to damp spots, insects, and mold around ventilation openings or air conditioner walls. Khan emphasized: 'Kitchens and bathrooms often require the most attention. If drains haven't been used for weeks, a strong smell can appear. In some cases, regular cleaning is not enough, and the client requests a full deep clean.'
Asad Niyaz from Al Nafiz AC Repair, who works in the Abu Hail area of Dubai, faced similarly busy periods. He reported: 'We receive calls throughout the day and usually visit at least three to four homes daily. The schedule is almost completely full.'
Weak cooling power is among the most frequent complaints. During inspections, Niyaz notes that technicians find dirty filters, clogged drainage lines, dust on coils, or water leaks. He explained: 'If the air conditioner has been off for a long time, moisture can also accumulate inside the system, and residents sometimes complain about an unpleasant odor when they turn it back on.'
The combination of high temperature and humidity in the UAE makes homes particularly vulnerable when cooling and ventilation systems are absent for extended periods. The home services platform Justlife reported that up to 30 percent of homes this year might face mold growth inside air conditioning systems. Heat, humidity, dust, and trapped moisture can contribute to accumulation in filters, ducts, coils, and drain pans, sometimes even before residents notice visible signs.
Dr. Saira Haider, Medical Director at Justlife, noted that residents often take action only after noticing an odor or reduced cooling. She advised: 'Regular air conditioner maintenance is one of the most practical steps Dubai residents can take before summer,' adding that by the time an odor or cooling issue appears, accumulation may have been happening for some time.
This problem was observed in previous summers in the UAE. In 2024, the Khaleej Times reported a 70 percent increase in requests for mold removal services by one company, while another company recorded a 42 percent rise in mold inspections in July and August. Requests for air duct cleaning and mold remediation doubled between May and August at a third firm.
DEWA previously told the Khaleej Times that while turning off the air conditioner during a long vacation reduces energy consumption, high indoor temperatures and humidity can lead to mold formation, unpleasant odors, and damage to furniture and electronics.
Experts recommend servicing and cleaning air conditioner filters before traveling, as well as checking for leaks or partially blocked drainage lines. Existing leaks or condensate issues should be addressed, not left for weeks. Justlife advises maintaining the air conditioner temperature between 26–28 degrees Celsius in fan or auto mode during a long absence. Previous experts interviewed by the Khaleej Times also recommended keeping indoor humidity below 60 percent to reduce the likelihood of mold development.
Niyaz warned that residents returning to a very hot apartment should not immediately lower the thermostat to 16°C or 18°C hoping for faster cooling. If weak cooling, unusual odor, water leak, or strange noise is observed, an air conditioner inspection must be conducted first. Basit admitted that his experience changed his approach to preparing for the next vacation. He said: 'We spend so much time preparing for vacation—tickets, luggage, and everything else—but little thought about the home we leave behind. Next time, I will definitely service the air conditioner before leaving and arrange for someone to check the apartment while we are away.'