Could mold in our AC be making us sick?« Back to Previous Page

The AC in our bedroom has been making a gurgling sound and blowing out a faint, damp smell for the past couple of weeks. My husband and I have both woken up with really sore throats and stuffy noses, and it clears up when we spend the day out of the house. We live in an older building in Bur Dubai. Could this be mold in the AC unit making us sick?
Posted by Megan Brown
Asked on March 11, 2026 1:26 pm
Based on your description, it is highly probable that microbial growth, likely mold, within your AC unit is the direct cause of your symptoms. The gurgling sound is a classic indicator of a clogged condensate drain line, leading to stagnant water accumulation. Combined with the damp smell and your symptoms—sore throats and nasal congestion that resolve when you leave the environment—this strongly suggests you are inhaling mycotoxins and fungal spores being aerosolized by the AC's blower.

In the UAE's extreme climate, AC systems work relentlessly. In older Bur Dubai buildings, inadequate maintenance allows humidity and organic debris (dust, skin cells) to create an ideal breeding ground for mold, particularly in the evaporator coils and drip pans. This is a serious indoor air quality (IAQ) issue regulated by Dubai Municipality's Public Health & Safety Department, which mandates clean and hygienic HVAC systems to prevent such health hazards.

A standard AC cleaning will not suffice here. This requires a professional hygienization service that includes:
1. Application of a non-toxic, approved antimicrobial coating to the coils and pan.
2. Mechanical agitation and high-pressure steam cleaning to remove established biofilm.
3. Sanitization of all ductwork accessible through inspection ports.

Continuing to use this unit risks worsening respiratory issues. I strongly recommend you discontinue use in the bedroom and schedule a professional IAQ inspection and AC hygienization immediately.

For immediate assistance, please call our specialists at 800-MOLDS or email hello@saniservice.com to discuss your specific situation and schedule an assessment.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 13, 2026 7:29 pm