Could contaminated ductwork cause odors?« Back to Previous Page

After the heavy dust storm last month, I noticed a strange odor lingering in my office space that only seemed to get stronger throughout the day. My coworkers mentioned they could smell it too, even though we have an air purifier running constantly. It’s concerning because our HVAC system was recently serviced, so something must be amiss with the ductwork. Are there any signs or tests I can do to check if my office ducts are contaminated and how can I prevent this from happening again?
Posted by Robert King
Asked on January 7, 2026 6:18 pm
0
Contaminated ductwork could indeed be causing the odors in your office. In dubai and the uae, we're often faced with challenging environmental conditions that can lead to dust storms like the one you experienced recently. These storms can deposit a significant amount of dirt, debris, and even mold spores into your HVAC system if not properly protected.

In the uae, building codes generally require regular maintenance and inspection of HVAC systems to ensure they meet local standards for indoor air quality (iaq). however, it's possible that during the dust storm, some particles may have bypassed these usual filters and made their way inside your ductwork. this can lead to a buildup of contaminants over time, which might start emitting unpleasant odors.

to check if your ducts are contaminated, you should first inspect them visually for any visible dirt or mold growth. however, due to the complexity and confined spaces within ductwork, professional inspection is highly recommended especially given that your air purifier isn't effectively managing the smell.

contacting a company like saniservice can help. they offer comprehensive duct cleaning services which include visual inspections, air quality testing, and deep-cleaning of your entire HVAC system. their team uses advanced tools and techniques to identify and remove contaminants without causing any damage to your equipment or workspace.

another step you can take is ensuring your air purifier's filters are regularly changed according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. using activated carbon filters specifically designed for odor removal might also be beneficial in reducing the smell from contaminated ductwork until professional cleaning takes place.

it’s important not to ignore this issue as it can lead to health concerns among staff and may cause damage to your HVAC system over time. if you notice any increase in symptoms like coughing, sneezing or wheezing, especially after being in the office, seeking medical advice is crucial.

in summary, while visual inspection might give some clues, professional intervention is key to resolving this issue effectively. don't hesitate to call saniservice for assistance - they can help restore a pleasant and healthy indoor environment for you and your coworkers.

call 800-MOLDS or email hello@saniservice.com if you need any further info or to schedule an inspection.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on January 10, 2026 3:06 am