AC leak causing mold and sneezing, who to call?« Back to Previous Page
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The AC in my apartment in Jumeirah seems to be leaking a little water onto the carpet in my son's bedroom. I thought it was fine after I wiped it up, but now I’ve spotted a few black patches in the corner behind his wardrobe, and he’s been sneezing a lot more than usual. What’s the best way to handle this properly and who should I call to check if it’s a bigger issue with the AC unit itself?
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A small AC leak can quickly lead to mold growth behind furniture, especially in Dubai's humidity where carpets stay damp. Your son's increased sneezing is a common reaction to mold spores being circulated by the AC unit.
For proper handling, you need two separate professionals. First, call a licensed HVAC technician to diagnose and repair the AC leak at its source, as continuous moisture will cause mold to return. Second, the mold itself requires assessment and remediation. The black patches indicate a colony has established, and simply wiping visible growth doesn't address spores embedded in the carpet or drywall. In Dubai, look for an indoor environmental professional who can conduct a proper inspection, often involving moisture meters and possibly air or surface sampling to identify the mold type and extent. For a child's bedroom, a science-driven approach with documented before-and-after verification is prudent. Remediation should follow standards like the IICRC S520, which includes containment and air filtration to prevent cross-contamination. After the leak is fixed and the mold is professionally remediated, consider using a dehumidifier in the room to maintain humidity below 60%, as the underlying carpet padding may retain moisture. |
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