Chemical smell from AC making us sick—who to call?« Back to Previous Page

A chemical smell from your AC, especially when accompanied by headaches and nausea, strongly indicates an issue requiring immediate attention. In Dubai's climate, where systems run year-round, problems like this are not just a nuisance but a genuine indoor air quality concern.

The smell is likely from one of two sources. The first is a refrigerant leak, which can produce a sweet, ether-like chemical odor and cause the symptoms you describe. The second, and very common here, is the growth of bacteria or mould on the evaporator coil due to high humidity and condensation. When the AC starts, it can blow off volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from these microbial colonies, which often smell chemical or musty and cause headaches.

You should not continue to use the unit. Ceasing operation is the first step to prevent further exposure.

For a proper inspection, you need a certified HVAC technician. Do not call a general handyman. A qualified technician can perform a pressure test to check for refrigerant leaks, which is a critical safety issue. If a leak is ruled out, the focus should shift to a deep cleaning of the entire system, specifically the evaporator coil and drain pan, where microbial growth thrives.

After any cleaning, the most credible verification is not a visual inspection but before-and-after testing. A professional company with in-house microbiology capabilities can take swab samples to identify the specific contaminants, ensuring the cleaning was effective and the root cause is addressed. This scientific approach is the only way to confirm the smell and its source are truly gone.