Could a dirty AC coil cause these symptoms?« Back to Previous Page

After the rain last month, I noticed a persistent odor coming from the vent in my living room. It’s a musty smell that lingers even after running the AC for hours. My family has also been complaining about sneezing and coughing more often than usual, which made me wonder if it might be related to something in the air conditioning system. Could this be due to a dirty coil? How can I clean it myself without causing any damage?
Posted by Ryan Anderson
Asked on January 3, 2026 9:00 pm
0
Could A Dirty AC Coil Cause These Symptoms?

Yeah, it's likely that your symptoms could be related to a dirty air conditioning coil. In Dubai and UAE, the climate is extremely hot and humid during summer, making our ACs work overtime. When coils get clogged with dust, dirt, and even mold spores, they can't cool air as efficiently which leads to poor indoor air quality. This could result in symptoms like sneezing, coughing, and that musty odor you're experiencing.

Firstly, let's talk about the coil itself. In Dubai, we see a lot of AC units using either copper or aluminum coils. These can accumulate dust from the outside and even grow mold if the humidity is high enough. A dirty coil could indeed be causing your issues, especially since the rain last month might have contributed to moisture levels in your system.

To clean the coil yourself, you'd need to access it safely. In a typical residential AC unit, coils are usually located behind the indoor unit's air handler. Before you start, ensure that the power is turned off and follow these steps:

1. Clean the surrounding area of dust and debris.
2. Use a soft brush or vacuum cleaner to gently remove loose dirt from the coil.
3. For tougher dirt, a solution of water and mild detergent might help. Be sure not to let any liquid touch the electrical parts!
4. Rinse with clean water if needed but be careful drying as excess moisture can lead to mold growth.

However, professional cleaning is recommended especially for those who are uncomfortable with DIY maintenance or have concerns about electrical safety. Professional cleaners in Dubai like Saniservice.com (800-MOLDS) will have the right tools and expertise to ensure your AC is cleaned thoroughly without damaging any parts. They can also check if there's mold growth, which could be a serious health issue.

Remember, maintaining good indoor air quality is crucial for everyone’s health, especially in hot weather. If you're unsure about cleaning or suspect deeper issues like mold, it's wise to call professionals who are aware of UAE-specific regulations and standards.

So, don't just ignore those sneezes and the musty smell. Give Saniservice a call or shoot them an email at hello@saniservice.com if you want peace of mind knowing your system is clean and safe.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on January 9, 2026 6:56 pm