Should I clean air conditioner or hire pro?« Back to Previous Page

After the heavy dust storm we had a couple of weeks ago, I noticed a strange haze settling on the furniture in my living room. My air conditioner is quite old, but it’s been running fine until now when the smell inside has really intensified. Given that this is our third floor apartment and there are no accessible ducts for me to clean myself, do you think hiring a professional would be necessary or could I attempt it with some basic tools?
Posted by Julia Kowalski
Asked on February 7, 2026 2:57 am
0
Absolutely, the situation sounds like it might be due to some serious issues within your AC system. Given that you're in the UAE and particularly Dubai, where dust storms can indeed be quite intense, it's understandable to feel concerned about the air quality inside your home.

Firstly, it’s important to recognize the regulations in the UAE regarding indoor environmental quality, especially concerning old systems like yours. The UAE has strict standards for building maintenance, which include regular cleaning and inspection of HVAC systems. In Dubai, these standards are enforced by the Dubai Municipality to ensure a clean environment and protect residents’ health.

Considering your scenario, it's highly recommended that you hire professionals for duct cleaning. An old AC system can accumulate dust, mold spores, and other particles over time. During a heavy dust storm, this build-up could be exacerbated, leading to the haze and smell you're experiencing. The professionals at Saniservice (you can call 800-MOLDS or email hello@saniservice.com) are equipped with the right tools and expertise to clean your ducts thoroughly without damaging any parts of your system.

DIY attempts might be tempting, but given that you mentioned the ducts are not accessible from your apartment, it could be quite challenging to do a proper job. Moreover, professional cleaners have access to specialized equipment like vacuum trucks and air scrubbers which can effectively remove deep-seated contaminants.

To give you an idea of what to expect, during a professional duct cleaning process, they will likely use negative pressure to pull the dirt out while blasting air through the system to dislodge particles. This ensures that no dust or debris gets released into your living space. They might also inspect other parts of your AC unit and suggest necessary maintenance.

In addition to the immediate problem you're facing, regular professional cleaning can prevent future issues like poor air quality, increased energy consumption due to a clogged system, and potential health hazards from mold growth.

So, while it's understandable to want to save money by doing it yourself, in this case, investing in professional duct cleaning is likely the best long-term solution. It’s also a good idea to get a thorough inspection of your entire HVAC system to ensure everything is running smoothly post-cleaning.

Hope this helps!
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on February 11, 2026 4:06 am