Is a dirty AC coil making me sick?« Back to Previous Page

Yes, a dirty AC coil is very likely the cause of your symptoms. The black grime you see is a buildup of dust, skin cells, and moisture—an ideal environment for mould and bacteria to thrive. When the AC runs, it blows these contaminants directly into your bedroom air, which you then inhale for hours while sleeping. This explains the persistent sore throat, congestion, and the musty smell.

In Dubai's climate, this is a common issue. The high humidity provides constant moisture for microbial growth inside the unit, while the abundant dust quickly clogs the coil, especially with year-round AC use. It is not safe to continue sleeping in that room without addressing the issue, as prolonged exposure can worsen respiratory problems and allergies.

Do not attempt to clean it yourself with store-bought sprays; these often just perfume the mould and can damage the delicate coil fins. This requires a professional deep clean. A proper service will involve dismantling the unit to access the coil, using specialized biocides to treat microbial growth, and thoroughly flushing out the dislodged contaminants. For a case this severe, ask the provider for before-and-after documentation or proof of a proper chemical flush to ensure the root cause is addressed. Until it's cleaned, consider using another room or running an air purifier with a HEPA filter to reduce your exposure.