AC duct cleaning cost and specialist needed in Dubai?« Back to Previous Page

The AC in my apartment in Jumeirah Village Circle has been making us all cough for a couple of months, and I finally pulled the filter out to find black spots all over the inside of the unit. I’m worried it’s spread into the ducts. I’ve tried cleaning the vent with bleach, but the smell comes right back. For a full AC system clean-out and potential duct cleaning, are we talking a few hundred dirhams or over a thousand, and is this a job for a specialized company or can a regular handyman handle it?
Posted by William Martin
Asked on May 19, 2026 6:40 am
Black spots and recurring smells after cleaning indicate a deep-seated microbial issue, likely mold, which is common here due to our high humidity and constant AC use. Bleach only addresses surface mold you can see, not the spores or growth inside the ductwork or on the cooling coils.

This is a job for a specialized indoor environmental company, not a regular handyman. A proper remediation involves containing the area, using HEPA vacuums on ducts, and applying EPA-registered antimicrobials to the entire system, not just the vent you can see. The cost is not in the few hundred range; for a full system and duct cleaning by a certified provider, expect a professional assessment and investment.

Given the persistent cough and visible growth, a professional inspection is strongly recommended to assess the full extent. They can use borescopes to check ducts and should provide a clear scope of work. Always ask for before-and-after testing to verify the job's effectiveness—this is your proof it was done correctly.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on May 20, 2026 9:19 pm