The Qatar Meteorology Department (QMD) has warned that parts of Doha and neighbouring areas will experience strong winds and the possibility of some dust storms during the summer season. This weather phenomenon can make for poor visibility, add dust to the air and make it very difficult for residents to maintain a comfortable temperature during the hottest part of the summer.
A dust storm poses a lot of dangers other than driving, such as outside visibility, but one of the lesser ones is the effects on home air conditioning systems. If preventive measures are not taken, fine dust particles can become a burden to the filter and can obstruct the cooling process, making the repair costs on such occasions high.
When the wind begins to blow and dust starts to rise, don’t fret. Doha residents need to know the following facts to keep safe, protect their homes and look at air quality.
Why Dust Storms Are a Problem for Air Conditioners?
In the hot summer days in Qatar, the air conditioners function around the clock and are thus more susceptible during dust storms.
The rather large outdoors compressor unit sucks a ton of air to release heat. When atmospheric conditions are dusty, the fine sand and dirt can also dust the coils and metal fins, and restrict the ability of the system to blow air through them and make the system work harder.
All this accumulation can cause higher electricity bills, lower cooling efficiency and can even be harmful to the cooling unit’s main elements.
Switch Your AC to Recirculation Mode
The easiest thing you can do in the middle of a dust storm is to change the air conditioner unit setting to recirculate.
This reduces the amount of outside air you take in and continuously cools any air that is within your home. This means that there will be less dust inside your home.
The use of recirculation mode can also improve the quality of the indoor air and will also reduce the stress on the cooling system.
Increase the Thermostat Slightly
During a dust storm many homeowners will turn down the thermostat too rapidly. Rather, adjusting the thermostat to a setting of approximately 24°C will help ease strain on the outdoor compressor.
Dust causing partial blockage causes passes to be fully opened which can lead to overheating. If there are ways to make the process more efficient – but still comfortable inside – them in a fire can do the job, too.
Clean Indoor AC Filters After the Storm
If the weather conditions improve, check your indoor air filters right away. The majority of split systems have detachable dust filters that trap dust before it enters the condenser. These filters may be dusted with a thin coating of sand and dirt during a storm. Cleaning and removal of these with clean water helps restore air flow, cooling and increase the quality of indoor air.
Clean the Outdoor Compressor Unit Safely
The condenser units in the exterior of the refrigerator are easily damaged by dust storms. Then turn off the power to the unit and take the time to rinse the outside coils and fins with a garden hose. This will help keep away built up dust while not damaging delicate components. Not recommended to use high-pressure water-jets because they can bend the fins, decreasing the efficiency of the system.
How to Check Live Air Quality in Doha?
Those with allergies, asthma or respiratory issues are particularly sensitive to air quality, which is why it’s important to monitor.
PM10 is the main pollutant during dust storms. These small particles may enter the respiratory system and incite allergic reactions or trigger breathing problems.
The residents can track air quality data of their neighbourhood using trustworthy air quality monitoring sites like IQAir orAQI.in.
Understanding AQI Levels
The Air Quality Index (AQI) offers a simplified means of communicating the health effects of air pollution.
The air quality is good for air quality index (AQI) less than 50. Moderate and acceptable range is between 51-100 for most people.
When AQI levels are at or above 101 air quality moves into the “Poor” or “Unhealthy” range. Residents should not do any outdoor activities during these time periods and should minimize dust exposure.
Protecting Your Home During Dusty Conditions
The best way to reduce the amount of dust that infills through windows and balcony doors is to keep them shut. Taps can be placed at the edges of windows and door gaps by the residents to block the fine particles from entering the tap.
Running air purifiers, proper AC maintenance will further improve the indoor air quality. Dust storms are more dangerous to the health of young children, elderly residents and individuals with respiratory conditions.
At high AQI or low visibility, family members should avoid outdoor activities. All asthma treatment and rescue inhalers should be easily accessible.
When symptoms progress and become worse, people should contact their doctors immediately and try to stay away from dusty outdoor air.
FAQs
What happens to air conditioners if they are subjected to dust storms?
AC filters, condenser coils, and ventilation can become clogged due to dust storms. This causes the system to operate more strenuously reducing cooling efficiency, and will result in expensive repairs.
Which is the most suitable setting to use with an AC when there is a dust storm?
The recirculation mode is typically preferred to reduce the need of penetrating the house with the incoming dusty air.
When is the best time to change AC filters for dust cleaning/change?
After a heavy dust storm, filter inspections and cleaning are advised, as well as regular filtering during the summer months.
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