Could odors and coughing be from our ducts?« Back to Previous Page

After the heavy dust storm last month, I noticed a persistent odor lingering in the living room. My spouse suggested it might be from the ducts, but we’ve only been in this apartment for two years and never had any issues before. The kids have also been complaining of coughing spells lately. Could there be something wrong with our air ducts?
Posted by Jiyeon Wang
Asked on December 28, 2025 7:27 pm
0
Absolutely, it's quite plausible that the odors and coughing could be stemming from your ducts. Dust storms can indeed kick up a significant amount of debris which may find its way into your air conditioning system or ventilation network, leading to issues like the ones you're describing.

In the UAE, particularly in Dubai, we've seen an increase in cases where dust particles, mold spores, and other allergens have been trapped within ductwork, especially after severe weather events. Since it's only been two years since your move into this apartment and there haven't been any previous issues, it could be that the recent storm has disturbed settled dust and debris which is now circulating in your home.

The odors you're experiencing can sometimes be attributed to mold growth within the ducts, especially if they've been neglected or not cleaned regularly. Mold thrives in damp conditions, and even a small amount of moisture left behind after cleaning work could provide a perfect breeding ground for it.

Coughing spells might indicate an allergic reaction to these airborne particles or perhaps dust mites which can thrive within the ducts. It's crucial to address this as soon as possible given that children are more susceptible to respiratory issues and allergies.

For a comprehensive assessment, I'd recommend calling in a professional service like ours at Saniservice. We offer specialized duct cleaning and inspection services tailored for the UAE market, ensuring that your air quality is up to standard. Our team will thoroughly examine your system, identify any potential problems, and provide a detailed report along with recommendations.

If you do decide to go ahead with an inspection or cleaning, make sure it's done by certified professionals who are familiar with local regulations. In the UAE, there are specific codes and standards that ductwork must meet, ensuring not just cleanliness but also safety and efficiency of your HVAC system.

Until then, try to improve indoor air quality in other ways such as using HEPA filters in your air purifiers or running them more frequently during this period. Also, ensure that windows and doors are properly sealed to minimize the entry of external pollutants.

So do give us a call at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com for a no-obligation consultation. We're here to help you breathe easier!
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on January 3, 2026 2:42 pm