Musty smell from closet when AC runs: source?« Back to Previous Page

The damp, moldy smell from your closet when the AC runs strongly suggests microbial growth in your ductwork or the AC unit's evaporator coil. Dubai's high humidity and constant AC use create a perfect environment for this. The AC is likely blowing air over a contaminated surface, pushing the odor directly into your room.

Check for a musty smell coming directly from the AC vent in that room. The source could also be a small, hidden leak from a chilled water pipe inside the wall servicing the AC unit, which would create persistent dampness. Since you've ruled out obvious sources in the closet, a professional inspection is your next step.

You need a certified HVAC technician to inspect the internal drain pan, evaporator coil, and ductwork for microbial contamination and standing water. For a suspected wall leak, a building surveyor or a specialized indoor environmental quality company with thermal imaging equipment can pinpoint moisture behind the walls without unnecessary damage. In Dubai, ensure any company you hire provides verifiable before-and-after evidence of contamination removal, such as lab results or photographic documentation, not just a superficial cleaning.