AC Maintenance Cost in Dubai | Full Guide

If you live in Dubai or Sharjah, your AC isn’t a luxury; it’s life support for eight sticky months of the year. The tricky part is knowing what “maintenance” really includes and what it should cost. This guide breaks down the typical price ranges for one-time servicing, deep cleaning, parts, and annual maintenance contracts (AMCs), with simple tips to keep bills in check and avoid surprise breakdowns.

Throughout, you’ll see realistic Dubai numbers and when it makes sense to bring in a pro. If you want straight pricing now, here’s our page: AC Service & Cleaning.

What counts as “AC maintenance” (and what you’re paying for)

Think of maintenance as three layers:

1) Basic servicing (the routine stuff)

• Filter cleaning or replacement
• Drain line flush to prevent water leaks
• Coil surface dusting
• Thermostat and airflow checks Great before summer starts, or if the unit’s a bit sluggish.

2) Deep cleaning (when dust and mold have settled in)

• Indoor evaporator coil wash/sanitization
• Outdoor condenser coil cleaning
• Drain tray and line cleaning
• Blower wheel cleaning
• Optional duct cleaning if airflow is poor or there’s a musty smell

3) Repairs & parts (when something fails)

• Capacitors, contactors, fan motors, sensors
• Refrigerant top-ups (after confirming a leak vs normal loss)
• Leak fixes and tray/pan replacements

Pro tip: deep cleaning is the line between “it runs” and “it runs efficiently.” If your unit is older, in a dusty area, or hasn’t seen a proper clean in over a year, that’s where your money actually saves you energy long-term.

Typical AC maintenance costs in Dubai (by job type)

These are ballpark ranges we see in apartments and villas across Dubai & Sharjah. Your exact price depends on unit type/size, access, how dirty the system is, and if parts are needed. (We confirm before we start.)

One-time visit & basic service (per split unit)

• AED 120–200 for a standard service on a wall-mounted split unit (inspection, filter clean, drain line flush, minor tune-ups).
• HandyLads reference: AC Service & Cleaning.

Deep cleaning

• AED 300–800 depending on scope and accessibility:
  • Deep clean with duct work on small systems: ~AED 299–500
  • Coil-focused deep clean (more labor/time): ~AED 500–800 If there’s visible mold, lingering smells, or poor airflow, deep cleaning is the fix—not just a quick filter rinse.

Duct cleaning (where applicable)

• AED 400–1,200+ depending on length, access panels, and contamination level. Apartments trend lower; villas vary widely.

Emergency call-out (after-hours/peak heat)

• AED 150–300 as a call-out fee is common; it’s usually waived/absorbed if you proceed with repair.

Common parts & fixes

• Capacitor replacement: often AED 150–350 depending on rating/brand and access. More on this here: AC Capacitor Replacement (Same Day).
• Thermostat/PCB/sensor issues: AED 200–600+ depending on model.
• Fan motor (indoor/outdoor): AED 350–900+ part and labor.
• Water leak fix: AED 200–300 for clog-clear and tray/drain fixes; complex corrosion or pan replacement can push higher. See: AC Water Leak Fix Dubai.
• Refrigerant (gas) top-up: the labor is modest; the final ticket depends on type and quantity. R22 (older units) vs R410A/R32 (newer) and leak diagnostics matter far more than “price per gas.” Always fix the leak, not just top up.

Annual Maintenance Contracts (AMCs)

• 1BR–2BR apartments: AED 500–1,200/year for 2–4 routine visits + priority support;
• Townhouses/Villas: AED 1,500–3,000+/year depending on number of units, tonnage, and ductwork. AMCs pay off if you’re staying put, you own multiple units, or you hate surprise breakdowns in July.

Want a no-nonsense quote for your home? Start with our AC Service & Cleaning page—pricing and inclusions are listed clearly.

Why prices vary so much (a quick reality check)

• Unit type & access: Window units are simpler; concealed split systems and rooftop units take longer.
• Dirt & mold level: If it hasn’t been cleaned in years, expect deep cleaning.
• Parts availability: Some brands/models need OEM parts; that can affect cost and lead time.
• True cause vs symptoms: A “gas top-up” request often hides a small leak or a weak capacitor. The cheapest fix can be a false economy.

How often should you service in Dubai?

Twice a year is the Dubai sweet spot, once before summer, once after. During peak months, set your thermostat sensibly: DEWA recommends 24°C or higher, noting that each degree you raise the set point can save up to 5% on AC consumption. Dubai Electricity and Water Authority+1

If you want a quick DIY refresher, we wrote this: Top 5 AC Maintenance Tips to Save Energy.

Ways to lower your AC bill without suffering

• Stick to 24–26°C as your default. Your room won’t feel like a fridge, but your bill will. Dubai Electricity and Water Authority+1
• Keep filters clean monthly in summer; clogged filters overwork the system.
• Clear the outdoor unit of dust/debris and give it breathing room.
• Seal hot air leaks (gaps around balcony doors/windows).
• Consider deep cleaning if you’ve never had one; it restores airflow and efficiency.

Renting? Who pays for AC maintenance in Dubai?

In rentals, landlords are generally responsible for maintaining key systems unless your Ejari/contract says otherwise. Article 16 of the Dubai Rent Law places maintenance on the landlord by default, though small consumables or minor AC upkeep may be assigned to tenants via contract. Always check your lease. Khaleej Times

For tenants, a basic service once or twice a year is money well spent if your contract pushes routine upkeep to you; for major failures, talk to the landlord/agent first.

Dubai vs Sharjah: any real difference in cost?

Not a huge one. Parts and labor are similar. The main differences show up in travel/access time and property type (e.g., older ducting, rooftop units). Expect slightly longer lead times in peak summer in both emirates.

When to call a pro immediately

• Warm air with burning smell → cut power and book a technician.
• Water dripping near sockets → safety risk; get an emergency visit.
• Frequent breaker trips → likely electrical; don’t keep resetting.
• Loud grinding/squealing → stop running the unit to avoid bigger damage.

You can book same-day help via AC Service & Cleaning.

Sample “what it might cost” scenarios

• Apartment split AC that’s weak but running: Basic service AED 120–200. If airflow is still poor, a deep coil clean may add AED 300–500.
• Unit leaking water in the living room: Drain flush + tray clean AED 200–300. If the pan is rusted/cracked, budget extra for part replacement.
• AC trips after a minute, then dies: Often a capacitor. Expect AED 150–350 inclusive of labor (model-dependent). More info: Same-day capacitor replacement.

Quick checklist before you approve any quote

• Is the technician recommending leak repair (not just topping up gas)?
• Are they cleaning both indoor and outdoor coils during a deep clean?
• Are parts new and suitable for your brand/model?
• Do you get a short service warranty on the job? (We provide one—ask us what it covers on your specific visit.)

Ready for a clear, written quote?

HandyLads provides transparent pricing, photos before/after, and simple explanations, no jargon. Start here: AC Service & Cleaning. If you’re just researching, these pieces might help too: Top 5 AC Maintenance Tips and AC Water Leak Fix.

Final word (and a friendly nudge)

If your AC hasn’t been opened up in over a year, you’re likely paying more on your DEWA bill than you need to. Book a routine service now, and you’ll feel the difference when July hits. Start with a quick quote: HandyLads - AC Service & Cleaning.