What happens in UAE wines, health risks and regulations

Amit Seth, founder and CEO of Seth International Technical Services, says that overheating regardless of air conditioning is usually a sign that “something isn’t working right.”

In the United Arab Emirates, where outside temperatures can exceed 45°C, an air conditioner has to work extremely hard, he explains. “If the cooling isn’t going on, it usually means there’s a gap somewhere, or the system isn’t running at full capacity, or the heat load coming into the house is just too much to handle. It’s not something to ignore, especially in the summer.”

This ‘heat load’ can come from several neglected sources.

A constantly running AC is one of the clearest indicators that something may be wrong.

“If you’ve noticed that your AC is running constantly but never seems to achieve the desired cooling results, that’s a sign of an existing problem,” says Chhabra. Other warning signs include persistent dampness, poor air flow, water seeping around vents, unusual smells, uneven cooling of rooms or a sudden increase in electricity bills.

Seth adds that ice forming on indoor units, strange noises or vents blowing lukewarm air can indicate problems such as low refrigerant, clogged filters, clogged drain systems or damaged compressors.

“These won’t fix themselves,” he says. “They need a technician.”

Philip says AC systems in the UAE endure “some of the heaviest use in the world”, with many units running almost continuously for months at a time. Systems older than eight to 10 years without regular servicing are particularly vulnerable to poor performance, especially if they are small for the space they cool. Because of the region’s extreme operating conditions, he recommends servicing every three months rather than relying on the annual maintenance schedules common in cooler countries.

A few things can be checked right away, recommends Ramachandran, before you call for repairs. If the air feels lukewarm, residents should clean the internal filters and external condenser coils. Weather stripping around balcony doors can help reduce hot air leaks, while blackout curtains can minimize solar heat gain during peak hours of the day.

He also advises switching the AC fan setting to ‘AUTO’ instead of keeping it permanently on, as continuous fan operation can recirculate humidity into the rooms.

The discomfort of a warm house goes beyond irritation.

Prolonged exposure to indoor heat can strain the body, even when the AC seems to be working. “A home that stays warm regardless of the AC running creates a low heat stress environment,” says Seth. “You may not feel too bad, but your body is constantly working to cool itself down.”

This strain can lead to fatigue, dehydration, irritability and poor sleep. Vulnerable groups, including the elderly, children and those with heart or respiratory conditions, face higher risks.

Dr. Spurthy Sirivella, General Practitioner at Medcare Medical Center Arjan, says many people underestimate how exhausting prolonged indoor heat can become. “Even when air conditioning is used, prolonged exposure to warm indoor environments can still stress the body,” she says, especially when humidity levels remain high or ventilation is poor.

Symptoms may include headaches, dizziness, brain fog, irritability and difficulty concentrating. “The body is constantly working to regulate its temperature, and this process can become tiring over time,” she explains.

Humidity also plays a big role. Poorly maintained HVAC systems can trap moisture, contributing to mold, air pollutants and reduced indoor air quality over time, warns Chhabra.

And this can especially affect people prone to allergies or respiratory diseases.

Sometimes, persistent overheating indoors may indicate an underlying medical condition rather than the temperature itself.

Dr Sirivella says symptoms that improve with cooling, hydration and rest are usually related to heat intolerance or dehydration. But if symptoms persist, especially along with chest pain, palpitations, fainting, shortness of breath, or unexplained weakness, medical evaluation becomes important. Conditions such as hyperthyroidism, diabetes, anemia, cardiovascular disease, menopause, obesity, and anxiety-related disorders can affect the way the body regulates heat.

Some medications, including antidepressants, antihistamines, and some blood pressure treatments, can also interfere with temperature regulation.

“Listening to your body is important, and persistent symptoms should not be ignored,” she says. Dehydration can also develop surprisingly easily indoors, even under air conditioning.

“Many people underestimate how easily dehydration can occur indoors, especially in warm climates,” says Dr. Sirivella. “The body can continue to lose fluids through sweating, and insufficient fluid intake can lead to dehydration or mild electrolyte imbalance.”

This can cause headaches, fatigue, muscle cramps and difficulty concentrating, symptoms that many people simply dismiss as work exhaustion or summer stress.

The first step is to understand whether the issue is mechanical, environmental or medical.

If the cooling suddenly worsens, rooms feel damp, airflow weakens, or electric bills rise, it’s time for a professional AC inspection. Filters, coils, coolant levels and drain systems should be checked regularly during the summer months.

However, residents should also consider how much heat their homes absorb. Shutter curtains, weather sealing, better insulation and reduced direct sun exposure can significantly improve cooling performance.

And if fatigue, headaches or dizziness persist despite spending time in air-conditioned spaces, doctors say hydration and medical evaluation should not be overlooked.