AC causing dry throat and sinus problems?« Back to Previous Page

Good question. This is a very common issue we see here in Dubai, especially during peak summer. Your symptoms—waking up with a dry, scratchy throat and blocked sinuses—are classic indicators of poor indoor environmental quality, and your AC unit is the most likely culprit, even with a clean filter.

The primary issue is likely extremely low relative humidity. ACs cool by removing moisture, but many older or poorly calibrated systems over-dehumidify, stripping the air of all humidity. Dubai's external air is humid, but the processed air blowing into your bedroom can become desert-dry, irritating your mucous membranes all night. Secondly, while you cleaned the filter, the evaporator coils and ductwork inside the unit can harbor microbial growth (mold, bacteria) that gets aerosolized and causes sinus inflammation.

Here’s what you can do: First, try using a standalone humidifier in your bedroom at night to reintroduce moisture. Ensure your AC fan is set to "AUTO," not "ON," to allow the coils to drain properly between cycles. Check if the issue persists in other rooms; if it's isolated to the master bedroom, the problem is likely specific to that AC unit (a fan coil unit).

For a real solution, you need a professional assessment. DIY cleaning only addresses the filter, not the contamination deep within the system. We perform hygienization services that involve applying specialized, UAE-approved biocides directly to the evaporator coils and interior ductwork to eliminate the microbial source. This service is often necessary to restore air quality and prevent recurring health symptoms.

If the problem continues, I strongly recommend a professional indoor air quality inspection. Call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule a assessment. We can measure the humidity levels and test for microbial contaminants to identify the exact cause.