Frequently Asked Questions

90 answers for technicians, workshops, companies and walk-in customers β€” buying parts, and the common AC and refrigeration questions behind them. Supplied from Musaffah to every emirate in the UAE.

90 answers

Visiting & buying

Where is Al Zaaby A/C Spare Parts located?

We are in the Musaffah Industrial Area of Abu Dhabi, the main trade zone for AC and automotive parts. Walk-in customers are welcome during opening hours, and you can call or WhatsApp us for directions.

What are your opening hours?

We are open all days from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM.

Can I come without an appointment?

Yes. We are a walk-in shop. Bring the old part with you if you have it, and our team will match it from stock.

Do I have to be a company to buy from you?

No. We serve both retail and wholesale customers. Individual car owners and homeowners buy single pieces, and companies buy in bulk.

Can I buy just one piece?

Yes. There is no minimum order for retail customers. Wholesale pricing applies to larger quantities.

How do I get a price?

Send us a photo or the model number on WhatsApp, call the shop, or add items to the quote list on this website and send it in one go. We reply with price and availability.

Do you deliver, or is it pickup only?

Both. Most in-stock items can be collected the same day from Musaffah, and we deliver across Abu Dhabi, Dubai and the other Emirates. Contact us to confirm delivery for your order.

Finding the right part

I don't know the name of the part I need. Can you still help?

Yes, and this is the most common way customers buy from us. Send a photo of the part or the unit on WhatsApp and our team will identify it, confirm whether it is in stock and quote you.

What details help you identify a part fastest?

For AC parts: the nameplate on the unit or the old part, showing model, tonnage, voltage and refrigerant type. For car parts: the make, model and year of the vehicle. Photos of the old part from two angles also help.

Can you identify a part from a photo of the broken one?

Yes. Our team has been identifying parts for over 20 years and can usually confirm an exact or compatible match within minutes during working hours.

Can I search by model or part number?

Yes. Use the search on our Products page, or send the number to us directly and we will check stock for you.

What if you don't have the exact part?

We will offer a tested, compatible OEM-grade alternative where one exists, or source the original for you. We always tell you which of the two you are getting.

Can I check stock before travelling to the shop?

Yes, and we recommend it. Message us on WhatsApp with the part details and we will confirm availability before you make the trip.

Is your full catalogue online?

Our Products page lists over 1,000 product lines, and we keep more than 10,000 parts in stock across 30+ categories. Stock changes daily, so message us to confirm current availability for a specific item.

Compressors

What types of AC compressors do you stock?

Rotary, scroll and reciprocating compressors. Rotary units for split and window AC are our fastest-moving line, with scroll compressors for ducted, package and light commercial systems.

Do you have compressors for split and window units?

Yes, in the common tonnages from roughly 1.0 to 3.0 ton, normally available for same-day collection.

Do you stock single-phase and three-phase compressors?

Yes. We carry 220V single-phase and 380V three-phase models. Check the old compressor label so we can match the supply correctly.

Should the filter drier be replaced along with the compressor?

Yes. Whenever the refrigerant circuit is opened, and always with a compressor change, the drier should be replaced. Moisture left in the system is a common cause of repeat compressor failure.

Do you sell genuine compressors or aftermarket ones?

Both. We stock genuine branded compressors as well as OEM-grade aftermarket options, and we tell you clearly which one you are buying so you can decide on price or warranty.

How do I know which compressor matches my unit?

Send a WhatsApp photo of the nameplate on the old compressor. We match the tonnage, voltage, refrigerant and terminal layout from that.

Refrigerant gas

Which refrigerant gases do you supply?

R410A, R32, R134a, R407C, R404A and R22 in the commonly used cylinder sizes.

How do I know which gas my air conditioner uses?

The refrigerant type is printed on the outdoor unit nameplate. Send us a photo and we will confirm the correct gas and the quantity you need.

Can I buy a single cylinder or do I have to buy in bulk?

Both are fine. Technicians regularly buy one cylinder at a time, and companies buy by the pallet at wholesale rates.

Do you supply refrigerant by the pallet?

Yes. For large or pallet quantities, contact us in advance so we can reserve stock for you.

What cylinder sizes are available?

We stock the common disposable and refillable cylinder sizes used in the UAE market. Tell us the gas and quantity and we will confirm what is available.

Do you still supply R22?

We supply R22 for older installations that are still in service, subject to availability and the regulations in force at the time.

Do you supply refrigerant for car air conditioning?

Yes. We stock R134a for most vehicles and R1234yf for newer models, along with PAG compressor oils.

Car AC (automotive) parts

Do you supply car air conditioning parts?

Yes. Automotive AC is a major part of our business: compressors, condensers, evaporators, receiver driers, expansion valves, hoses and fittings.

Which car brands do you cover?

Most Japanese, Korean, American and European models, including Toyota, Nissan, Mitsubishi, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Ford and Chevrolet. Send the make, model and year to confirm.

What information do you need to find a car AC part?

The make, model and year of the vehicle. A photo of the old part, and the chassis or VIN number where available, makes the match faster and more accurate.

Do your car compressors come with the clutch and pulley?

We stock complete compressor assemblies with clutch and pulley, and also supply clutch coils, pulleys and bearings separately.

Do you sell compressor oil?

Yes, PAG compressor oils in the common grades along with system flush, so the job can be completed in one visit.

Do you supply parts to auto workshops in bulk?

Yes. Workshops and garages are among our regular customers and receive wholesale rates on fast-moving items.

Installation parts & electricals

Do you sell copper pipe for AC installation?

Yes, refrigeration-grade soft copper tubing in the common sizes, sold by the full roll or in cut lengths.

Do you stock insulated pair coils?

Yes, pre-insulated pair coils in the size combinations normally used for split AC installation.

How do I choose the right capacitor?

Match the microfarad (Β΅F) rating and the voltage printed on the old capacitor. Send us a photo of the label and we will give you the exact equivalent.

How do I choose the right fan motor?

Match the voltage, wattage, speed, shaft size and direction of rotation, all of which are printed on the old motor label. We also supply the matching run capacitor.

Do you sell tools and gauges as well as parts?

Yes. Manifold gauge sets, charging hoses, vacuum pumps, flaring and swaging tools, leak detectors and scales are all in stock.

Do you supply insulation and fittings?

Yes, pipe insulation, brass flare nuts, unions, tees, reducers and related accessories.

Wholesale, companies & trade

Do you offer wholesale pricing?

Yes. Maintenance companies, contractors, facility management firms, workshops and resellers receive volume-based wholesale rates.

Can you provide a formal quotation for my company?

Yes. Send us your requirement list and we will issue a formal quotation with part descriptions and prices.

Do you accept LPOs from companies?

Yes, we support LPO-based purchasing for corporate procurement teams. Contact us to set this up.

Can you supply a maintenance contract regularly?

Yes. We supply maintenance and FM companies on an ongoing basis and can hold fast-moving items for regular buyers. Talk to us about your usage and we will plan stock around it.

Do you open credit accounts for companies?

Payment and account terms are arranged case by case. Please contact us with your company details to discuss.

Do you supply other shops and traders?

Yes. We supply other retailers and traders at wholesale rates, particularly on refrigerant, copper and fast-moving spares.

Orders, payment & after-sales

What payment methods do you accept?

Please contact us to confirm the payment options currently accepted for your order type, whether retail or company purchase.

Do the parts carry a warranty?

Warranty depends on the brand and the item. Ask our team at the time of purchase and we will tell you exactly what applies to the part you are buying.

Can I return or exchange a part?

Contact us with your invoice and the details of the item. Electrical items and parts that have been installed may be treated differently, so please check with us before fitting.

How quickly can I get my order?

Most in-stock items are ready for same-day collection from Musaffah. For delivery, contact us and we will confirm the schedule for your area.

Do you ship outside the UAE?

Our regular delivery network covers the UAE. For orders outside the country, contact us with the details and we will advise what is possible.

Can't find it? Any part, any brand

Do you only sell the categories listed on the website?

No. The website shows our main lines, but we source any air-conditioning, refrigeration or car AC part. If you cannot see it, send us the details on WhatsApp and we will find it.

Can you source a part that is not in stock?

Yes. Through our supplier network we source parts that are not on the shelf, including less common and older items. Tell us what you need and we will confirm availability and timing.

Do you supply parts for a specific AC brand β€” Daikin, Carrier, LG, Samsung, Gree, Mitsubishi, York or Trane?

Yes. We supply genuine and compatible parts for most residential and commercial AC brands sold in the UAE. Send the unit model number and the part you need and we will match it.

Do you stock parts for chillers, cold rooms and commercial refrigeration?

Yes. Compressors, filter driers, valves, contactors, fan motors and refrigerant for cold rooms, display chillers and light commercial systems. Share the equipment details for a quote.

Do you have parts for window units and older models?

Yes. Many window-unit and older-model parts are still in stock or interchangeable with current items. Send a photo of the old part and we will confirm.

I am outside Abu Dhabi β€” can I still order?

Yes. We supply customers across the UAE. Order on WhatsApp, and we will arrange delivery to Dubai, Sharjah, Al Ain, the Northern Emirates or anywhere else in the country.

AC troubleshooting β€” common faults

Why is the AC running but not cooling?

The usual causes are low refrigerant from a leak, a dirty condenser or evaporator coil, a failed run capacitor, a weak compressor, or a blocked filter. Check airflow and coils first, then pressures.

Why does the AC keep tripping the breaker?

Common causes are a shorted or weak capacitor, a compressor drawing high current because the condenser is dirty or the fan has failed, low supply voltage, or a compressor winding fault. Check the outdoor fan and capacitor before condemning the compressor.

Why is ice forming on the copper pipe or indoor coil?

Ice usually means low refrigerant, restricted airflow from a dirty filter or coil, or a failed indoor fan. Switch the unit off to defrost, clear the airflow problem, then check the charge and look for a leak.

Why is water leaking from the indoor unit?

Most often a blocked condensate drain, an iced coil that is now thawing, a drain tray that has cracked, or a unit installed without enough slope towards the drain.

The AC hums but the fan or compressor does not start. What is wrong?

A humming sound with no start is the classic sign of a failed run capacitor. Test and replace the capacitor first; if the compressor still fails to start, the motor windings or the contactor may be at fault.

Why does the compressor get hot and trip on overload?

Poor heat rejection: a dirty condenser coil, a failed condenser fan motor, an overcharged or undercharged system, or high ambient temperature combined with restricted airflow. Fix the airflow and check the charge before replacing the compressor.

Why is the outdoor fan not spinning?

Check the fan capacitor first, then the fan motor itself, the contactor and the wiring. A motor that spins freely by hand but will not start is usually a capacitor; a seized or noisy motor needs replacement.

Why does the AC smell bad when it starts?

Usually mould or bacteria on the evaporator coil and in the drain tray. Cleaning the coil and flushing the drain normally solves it.

Why is my car AC blowing warm air?

The most common causes are low refrigerant from a leak, the compressor clutch not engaging, a failed condenser fan, a blocked condenser or a failed compressor. A pressure check with gauges points to the cause quickly.

Why does the car AC compressor clutch not engage?

Typical reasons are low refrigerant (the low-pressure switch cuts the clutch), a burnt clutch coil, a blown fuse or relay, or a worn clutch gap. Confirm system pressure first, then test the clutch coil.

How long should an AC compressor last?

With clean coils, correct charge and a healthy capacitor, a compressor commonly lasts 10 to 15 years. Most early failures are caused by dirty condensers, low or wrong refrigerant, moisture in the system, or repeated starting on a weak capacitor.

Should I repair an old unit or replace it?

If the unit is over 12–15 years old, uses R22, or needs a compressor plus a coil, replacement is often the better value. For a single failed part on a younger unit, repair is usually worthwhile. We will give you the part price so you can compare.

Refrigerant & charging know-how

What is the difference between R22 and R410A?

R410A runs at much higher pressures than R22 and uses POE oil instead of mineral oil. They are not interchangeable: an R22 compressor cannot run on R410A and the gauges, hoses and driers must be rated for the gas in use.

Can I top up R410A, or do I have to recover and recharge?

Small top-ups are common practice provided R410A is charged as a liquid from the cylinder. For a large loss, find and repair the leak, evacuate the system and recharge to the nameplate weight for reliable performance.

Can different refrigerants be mixed?

No. Mixing refrigerants changes the pressures and the oil compatibility, damages the compressor and makes the gas impossible to recover correctly. Always use the refrigerant on the nameplate.

Is R32 safe to handle?

R32 is classed A2L, meaning mildly flammable. It is safe when handled with A2L-rated tools, no open flames or sparks nearby, good ventilation and correct charge quantities. Use gauges and hoses rated for R32.

What is the difference between R134a and R1234yf in cars?

R1234yf is the newer, low-GWP refrigerant fitted to most cars from the mid-2010s. The two are not interchangeable: they use different service ports and the system must be charged with the type it was designed for.

How much refrigerant does a split AC need?

The standard charge is printed on the outdoor unit nameplate and is correct for a set pipe length, typically 5 to 7.5 metres. Longer pipe runs need extra gas per metre as stated in the manufacturer's data.

Why do I need to vacuum the system before charging?

Evacuation removes air and moisture. Moisture reacts with the refrigerant and oil to form acids that corrode the compressor, and non-condensable gases raise head pressure. Pull down to around 500 microns and confirm it holds before charging.

Which compressor oil goes with which refrigerant?

R22 systems use mineral or alkylbenzene oil. R410A, R407C and R404A use POE oil. Car AC systems on R134a and R1234yf use PAG oil of the grade specified for that compressor. Never mix oil types.

Technical basics

What does 'tonnage' mean, and how does it relate to BTU?

One ton of cooling equals 12,000 BTU per hour, or roughly 3.5 kW. A 1.5-ton unit is 18,000 BTU/h and a 2-ton unit is 24,000 BTU/h.

What size AC do I need for a room?

A rough guide in UAE conditions is one ton for every 12 to 15 square metres, with more capacity for sun-facing rooms, large glass areas or high ceilings. A technician should confirm the load before buying.

What is the difference between rotary, scroll and reciprocating compressors?

Rotary compressors are compact and common in split and window units. Scroll compressors are quieter and more efficient, used in ducted, package and commercial systems. Reciprocating compressors are the traditional piston design, still common in refrigeration.

Can I replace an inverter compressor with a standard one?

No. Inverter compressors are DC motors driven by a control board and are not interchangeable with fixed-speed compressors. The replacement must match the original type and be compatible with the unit's board.

What does a run capacitor do?

It provides the phase shift a single-phase motor needs to start and run efficiently. A weak capacitor causes hard starting, humming, overheating and high current draw in compressors and fan motors.

What is an expansion valve (TXV), and when should it be replaced?

The expansion valve meters refrigerant into the evaporator. Replace it when it sticks open or closed, shows erratic superheat, or is contaminated after a compressor burn-out.

Which way does a filter drier install?

In the direction of refrigerant flow, following the arrow printed on the drier body. On a liquid-line drier the arrow points from the condenser towards the expansion device.

Which copper pipe sizes are used for split AC units?

Commonly 1/4" and 3/8" for 1 to 1.5 ton units, 1/4" and 1/2" for 2 ton, and 3/8" and 5/8" for 2.5 to 3 ton. Always check the manufacturer's connection sizes for the specific model.

Maintenance & installation practice

How often should an AC be serviced in the UAE?

Because of the heat and dust, every three to four months is common for heavily used units, and at minimum a full service before summer. Filters should be cleaned monthly in peak season.

How do I clean a condenser coil properly?

Switch off the power, remove loose debris, apply a coil cleaner, then rinse from the inside out with low-pressure water so the fins are not flattened. Straighten bent fins with a fin comb.

Why must the suction line be insulated?

The suction line carries cold gas back to the compressor. Without insulation it sweats, drips and loses cooling capacity, and the compressor can receive warmer gas than designed.

How long should a vacuum hold before charging?

Pull the system down to around 500 microns, isolate the pump and watch the gauge. If it holds for 15 to 30 minutes without rising, the system is dry and tight; a steady rise indicates moisture or a leak.

Do I need a licensed technician to handle refrigerant?

We strongly recommend it. Refrigerant handling needs recovery equipment, gauges and training, and incorrect charging is the most common cause of early compressor failure.

How do I read an AC nameplate?

The nameplate lists the model number, cooling capacity (BTU/h or kW), refrigerant type and charge, voltage and phase, and rated current. A photo of it gives us everything needed to match most parts.