My Business Bay apartment AC is running but not cooling: is it the chiller or my unit?
The AC in my Business Bay apartment is on and the fan is blowing, but the air isn't cold and the temperature won't go down. The building uses district cooling. How do I tell if it's the building chiller or something in my flat, and who do I call?
1 Answer
11 Nov 2026
If the fan blows but the air stays warm, check whether neighbours have the same problem: if they do, it is usually the building's chilled water supply; if only your flat is affected, it is usually your fan coil unit, its valve or the thermostat
Most Business Bay towers use district cooling. Chilled water is piped to a fan coil unit (FCU) in each flat, usually above a false ceiling, and a thermostat opens a valve to let cold water through.
Quick checks
- Thermostat: set to cool, fan on high, temperature a few degrees below the room. Replace the batteries if it has them.
- Neighbours and lobby: if common areas or other flats are warm too, report it to building management straight away.
- Air filter: a clogged filter cuts airflow and cooling.
- Water: dripping from the ceiling grille points to a blocked drain pan, which often comes with poor cooling.
If it's only your flat
Common causes are a stuck chilled water valve or a failed valve actuator, a dirty coil, a blocked filter or a faulty thermostat. An AC technician can test the valve and coil in one visit.
Typical costs
A fan coil service is usually AED 150–350 per unit. Replacing a valve actuator is often AED 300–900 and a thermostat AED 250–700 (indicative only — actual costs vary).
Who pays
If you rent, tell your landlord in writing first. Who pays for repairs depends on your tenancy contract. Building-wide chiller problems are for building management to fix.
This is general information, not legal advice.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my AC blowing but not cold in a district cooling building?+
Usually a stuck chilled water valve, a dirty coil or filter, a faulty thermostat, or a building-wide chilled water problem.
Who fixes the building chiller?+
Building management or the facilities team. Report it to them if other flats or common areas are warm too.
How much does fan coil unit servicing cost in Dubai?+
Usually AED 150–350 per unit (indicative only — actual costs vary).