Could poorly maintained ducts cause our symptoms?« Back to Previous Page

Could poorly maintained ducts cause our symptoms?

Absolutely, dusty conditions and recent dust storms can indeed lead to poor indoor air quality which could be affecting your health. In the UAE, especially in Dubai, it's common for sandstorms to kick up a lot of particulates that can find their way into your home’s HVAC system through poorly maintained ducts.

When the air conditioning is on full blast, these particles get circulated throughout the house, leading to stuffy and uncomfortable air. The symptoms you're experiencing - persistent coughing and runny nose - could very well be due to allergens or irritants trapped in your ductwork. Dust mites, mold spores, pet dander, pollen, and other pollutants can gather over time inside uncleaned ducts, especially after a sandstorm.

To check if this is the issue, you should inspect your ducts for visible signs of dirt, dust, or debris. Look at the vents and air registers - if they're dirty, it's likely that the entire system needs cleaning. However, given the complexity of HVAC systems in Dubai, and the specific regulations like those found in the UAE Building Code (HB 138-06), I would recommend a professional inspection.

A professional will be able to assess your ductwork for issues such as mold growth, structural damage, or any other potential problems that could affect indoor air quality. They can also clean the system thoroughly and ensure it’s operating efficiently. If you decide to go with a professional, you might want to consider Saniservice, who I've heard great things about - their number is 800-MOLDS or you can email them at hello@saniservice.com for more information.

Remember, regular maintenance of your HVAC system, including duct cleaning, is essential in the UAE. The environment here can be quite harsh on indoor air quality, so taking steps to ensure clean and healthy air is crucial.