Could dirty AC coils cause our persistent cough and cold?« Back to Previous Page

Dirty AC coils are a very common cause of the symptoms you're describing, especially in Dubai's climate. The constant high humidity and fine dust create a perfect environment for microbial growth on cold, damp coils. When the AC runs, it can blow these contaminants—including mold spores, bacteria, and dust mite allergens—directly into your living space.

The symptoms you note, particularly worsening at night when the system runs longest, strongly point to the AC unit as the source. The damp, moldy smell is a clear indicator of microbial activity. For families in villas, where the system often runs year-round, this buildup happens faster. Dubai Municipality's guidelines for indoor environmental quality emphasize the health risks of poorly maintained HVAC systems for this reason.

You should stop using that specific unit until it is professionally cleaned and inspected. A proper cleaning involves applying an EPA-approved disinfectant to kill the biological growth, not just rinsing the dust off. After cleaning, the system's drain pan and line must be cleared to prevent immediate recontamination from standing water. For cases with visible microbial growth and health symptoms, a post-cleaning verification test is the only way to confirm the environment is safe. This is a standard service offered by companies with microbiology labs to provide documented results.