Is dirty AC making my kids sick?« Back to Previous Page

My kids have been coughing non-stop for the past two weeks, especially in the evenings when the AC is running all the time. I live in a villa in Al Barsha and when I peeked at the outdoor unit, the coils look completely black and clogged with dust. I'm really worried that this dirty air is what's making them sick. How urgently do I need to get this professionally cleaned, and is it safe for me to try and clean the surface dust myself before the technician comes?
Posted by Lin Yamamoto
Asked on May 16, 2026 10:00 pm
0
Dirty AC coils are a very likely culprit for your children's coughing, especially given Dubai's climate. The black, clogged coils you described cannot effectively cool the air or control humidity, creating a perfect environment for mould and bacteria to thrive. As the AC runs, it can blow these contaminants directly into your home.

For a villa in Al Barsha with visible contamination and health symptoms, this requires professional cleaning within days, not weeks. Do not attempt to clean heavily soiled coils yourself. Household sprays can drive contaminants deeper into the unit and the pressure from a hose can easily bend the delicate fins, causing expensive damage. A professional service uses specific chemicals and techniques to safely dissolve the biological growth and restore proper function.

After a thorough cleaning, focus on maintaining clean coils. Ensure vegetation is trimmed back from the outdoor unit to allow for proper airflow. Consider having a professional apply an anti-microbial coating to the clean coils, which can help slow the rapid re-growth of biofilm caused by our high humidity and dust. For immediate relief in your children's rooms, using a high-quality portable HEPA air purifier can help reduce the airborne irritants until the system is serviced.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on May 17, 2026 5:52 pm