How to clean mold from AC vent in Jumeirah villa?« Back to Previous Page

My kids have been coughing a lot at night, and I’m starting to think it’s coming from the AC vent in their bedroom in our Jumeirah villa. It’s a damp, moldy smell that gets much stronger as soon as the AC kicks on, and I first noticed it after that period of heavy humidity a couple of weeks ago. What’s the most effective way to get the AC unit and ducts professionally cleaned to make sure it’s safe for them?
Posted by Mark Hill
Asked on April 15, 2026 2:00 am
0
That damp, moldy smell from the AC vent strongly suggests microbial growth inside the system, a common issue in Jumeirah villas after periods of high humidity. The immediate coughing in your children is a typical reaction to the spores being blown directly into the room.

The most effective cleaning requires a comprehensive approach, not just wiping the visible vent. A proper service for a ducted AC system should start with a full inspection, often using a borescope camera to assess contamination deep inside the ducts and the evaporator coil. Cleaning involves powerful truck-mounted vacuum extraction to remove debris and spores from the entire network, followed by agitation of the ducts and a thorough cleaning of the cold, damp evaporator coil where mold most frequently grows.

In Dubai, ensure the company follows DEWA's guidelines for water tank and AC maintenance and can provide before-and-after evidence of the cleanup, such as lab test results showing a reduction in spore counts. For a situation involving child health, a post-cleaning surface or air test from an independent lab is the most definitive way to verify the system is safe. Given the symptoms and the smell, a professional diagnostic is strongly recommended to identify the source and extent before any cleaning begins.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 16, 2026 4:33 am