Is my AC's chemical smell making me sick?« Back to Previous Page

A chemical or burning plastic smell from an AC unit is a significant concern and is likely the cause of your eye and throat irritation. In Dubai's climate, where AC systems run almost constantly, such odors often point to an electrical issue within the unit itself, such as an overheating motor, melting wiring insulation, or a failing capacitor.

For a high-rise in Jumeirah Lakes Towers, the source could be your individual indoor unit (fan coil) or components within the building's central cooling system. The combination of high ambient heat and dust can accelerate wear on electrical components. Continued exposure to the off-gassing from these overheating parts can cause the symptoms you describe.

You should contact your building management immediately. Dubai's regulations require them to ensure HVAC systems are maintained and safe. A certified HVAC technician needs to inspect the unit to identify and resolve the electrical fault. Do not ignore this, as it poses both a health risk and a potential fire hazard. For definitive identification of any airborne contaminants released by the malfunction, a professional indoor air quality assessment with lab analysis can be conducted.