Could dusty ducts cause odors and illness?« Back to Previous Page

After the heavy dust storms we had last month, I noticed a strange odor lingering in the living room. It's not unpleasant exactly, but it’s there, especially when the AC is on. My kids have been complaining of having more coughs and colds than usual too. Have any of you experienced similar issues or should I consider getting my ducts cleaned?
Posted by Petra Torres
Asked on January 31, 2026 1:04 am
0
Dusty ducts could indeed cause odors and illness. In the UAE, particularly Dubai, where we experience varied weather patterns including dust storms, it's quite common for household air ducts to accumulate debris, mold spores, and other particles that can lead to these issues.

In your case, the strange odor in your living room is a sign of possible contamination within your ventilation system. This could be caused by leftover dust from recent storms or even mold growth if there has been some moisture inside the ductwork. The increase in coughs and colds among family members might also point towards poor indoor air quality.

According to UAE regulations, it's crucial for property owners to maintain their HVAC systems, including regular duct cleaning. The Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MOEI) recommends that residential and commercial buildings have their ducts cleaned every 3-5 years or sooner if there are signs of contamination such as the ones you're experiencing.

For a thorough assessment and professional cleaning, I would recommend contacting a certified environmental inspection company like Saniservice. They specialize in providing high-quality duct cleaning services tailored to the local climate conditions here in Dubai. Their team can also inspect your HVAC system for any other potential issues that might be affecting air quality.

Don't hesitate to reach out to us at 800-MOLDS or 800-66537 or email hello@saniservice.com. We offer free consultations and can help you breathe easier with cleaner, healthier indoor air.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on February 5, 2026 2:57 pm