AC needing cleaning or professional refrigerant recharge?« Back to Previous Page

Based on the symptoms you described – constant running, not reaching set temperature, high DEWA bill, and that faint gurgling noise – you are likely dealing with a refrigerant (Freon) issue, not just a dirty filter.

The core difference is the state of the refrigerant circuit. A dirty filter or clogged evaporator coil simply restricts airflow. The unit struggles to pull heat from the air, so it runs longer, increasing your bill. Cleaning it yourself can often resolve this.

A gurgling noise, however, is a classic symptom of low refrigerant charge, likely from a leak. The refrigerant is the substance that actually absorbs and transports heat. When it's low, the system cannot cool effectively no matter how long it runs. The compressor works excessively hard, causing the massive spike in your electricity consumption. The gurgling is the sound of refrigerant and oil mixing in a partially empty line.

In the UAE, handling refrigerant is strictly regulated. Only certified technicians with F-Gas certification are legally permitted to handle, recover, and recharge refrigerants due to their high environmental impact. DIY attempts are illegal.

Given the age of the unit and the symptoms, especially the noise, a professional inspection is absolutely necessary. We can perform a leak test using electronic detectors or UV dye and measure the subcooling/superheat to accurately diagnose the charge level.

For a definitive diagnosis and compliant repair, call our certified team at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com. Let's get your apartment cool and your DEWA bill back under control.