As the Dubai summer approaches, outdoor temperatures frequently exceed 45°C, and humidity levels can spike up to 90%. For residents staying in the UAE, this means staying indoors and enjoying the air conditioning. However, for property owners, investors, and hosts who leave their holiday homes vacant during these months, the extreme climate poses a significant risk.
Leaving a property unattended in the UAE summer without proper preparation can lead to costly damages, ranging from mold growth to system failures. Whether you are a DIY host or an investor, understanding how to 'summer-proof' your asset is critical.
Here is your comprehensive guide to AC care and humidity control for vacant homes in Dubai.
The Cost of Silence: Why You Should Never Turn Off the AC
A common misconception among new property owners is that turning off the Air Conditioning (AC) completely will save money while the property is empty. In Dubai's climate, this is a dangerous error.
Your AC system does more than just cool the air; it acts as a powerful dehumidifier. If you turn it off completely:
- Indoor humidity can rapidly rise to match outdoor levels (often 90%).
- Trapped moisture creates the perfect environment for mold spores and dust mites.
- Wood furniture, doors, and flooring may warp due to moisture absorption.
- Wall paint and wallpaper can peel.
To protect your investment, the system must run, but it needs to run smartly.
The Sweet Spot: Ideal Thermostat Settings
Balancing your DEWA bill with property protection is the goal. You do not need to keep a vacant apartment at a chilly 20°C.
The Recommended Temperature Range
Experts generally recommend setting the thermostat between 26°C and 28°C for vacant homes. This temperature is sufficiently cool to prevent heat damage to interiors but high enough to keep electricity consumption reasonable.
According to the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), every degree you increase your thermostat can save up to 5% on cooling consumption. While they recommend 24°C for occupied homes, the 26°C–28°C range is safe for unoccupied spaces.
Use 'Auto' Mode, Never 'Fan Only'
Ensure your thermostat is set to 'Auto' rather than 'On' or 'Fan Only'.
- Auto Mode: The fan and compressor run only when the temperature rises above your setting. This cycles the air and removes humidity effectively.
- Fan Only: The fan runs continuously, potentially pulling warm, humid air from building shafts or the outdoors into your apartment without the compressor running to dry it out. This can actually increase indoor humidity.
Humidity Control and Airflow
Ideally, indoor humidity should be maintained between 40% and 50%. While your AC helps, you can assist the system with passive measures.
Leave Interior Doors Open
Don't close off bedrooms or bathrooms. Leaving internal doors open promotes consistent airflow throughout the property. This prevents stagnant 'hot spots' where moisture can accumulate and mold can fester.
Close the Curtains
Solar heat gain is a major load on your AC system. Before you leave:
- Close all blackout curtains and blinds.
- Consider UV-reflective window films if you have large glass facades.
Blocking the sun keeps the interior temperature lower naturally, meaning your AC compressor has to kick in less frequently to maintain that 26°C target.
The Hidden Danger: Condensate Drains
One of the leading causes of indoor flooding in vacant UAE apartments is a clogged AC condensate drain line. In summer, your AC produces a significant amount of water as it removes humidity from the air.
If the drain line is blocked by algae, dust, or debris, that water has nowhere to go but onto your ceiling or floor. Before leaving for the summer:
- Service the AC: Have a professional clean the coils and check the refrigerant levels.
- Clear the Lines: Ask the technician to flush the condensate drain line.
- Algaecide Tablets: Consider placing algae prevention tablets in the drain pan to prevent buildup during your absence.
Remote Monitoring: The Smart Solution
If you live abroad or travel frequently, rely on technology. Installing a smart thermostat (like Nest, Ecobee, or similar compatible models) allows you to monitor your property's temperature and humidity in real-time from your phone.
Some systems can alert you if the temperature rises unexpectedly—a sign that the AC has failed—allowing you to contact a maintenance team before severe damage occurs.
Summer Departure Checklist
Use this quick checklist before locking up for the season:
- AC Service: Complete a full professional service (coil cleaning, gas check).
- Thermostat: Set to 26°C–28°C on 'Auto' mode.
- Drainage: Flush condensate lines to prevent leaks.
- Windows: Close curtains and blinds completely.
- Doors: Leave internal doors slightly ajar for airflow.
- Power: Unplug unnecessary electronics (TVs, routers, microwaves) to reduce phantom power usage and fire risk.
- Water: Turn off the main water supply if possible (except for irrigation), or double-check all taps are tightly closed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I just use a dehumidifier instead of AC?
While portable dehumidifiers help, they usually have water tanks that need manual emptying daily. For a vacant property, the central AC system is the only reliable, continuous solution for humidity control in Dubai.
How much will my DEWA bill be if I leave the AC on?
It depends on the property size and insulation. However, keeping the unit at 28°C on 'Auto' uses significantly less energy than cooling it to 22°C. It is a necessary insurance cost against mold remediation, which is far more expensive.
What happens if the power goes out while I am away?
Most modern AC units will restart at their last setting once power is restored. However, a smart thermostat with a battery backup can send you an offline alert, letting you know there is an issue.
Should I give a key to a friend?
Yes. We highly recommend having a trusted contact or a professional management company check the property every 2–4 weeks to flush toilets (preventing dry traps and odors) and visually inspect for leaks.
Peace of Mind for Property Owners
Managing a vacant property during the Dubai summer requires diligence and technical know-how. If the idea of monitoring thermostats and scheduling maintenance from abroad feels overwhelming, our team is here to help.
At LUXE Vacation Homes, we provide comprehensive management services that include regular property inspections and maintenance coordination, ensuring your investment remains pristine year-round. Contact us today to learn how we care for your home as if it were our own, or get a free estimate on your property's earning potential.