AC leak causing mold on wall, who to call first?« Back to Previous Page

My kids have been coughing for a couple of weeks and I finally pulled their wooden wardrobe away from the wall in our Khalifa City villa. The back of it is covered in black and green fuzzy patches, and the wall behind feels damp. I think the AC unit on that wall might be leaking. What’s the fastest way to deal with this and who should I call first, a mold specialist or an AC technician?
Posted by Margaret Miller
Asked on May 9, 2026 2:05 pm
Call the AC technician first. The root cause is almost certainly a leaking condensate drain line or a poorly insulated AC duct running through that wall cavity. Until the moisture source is fixed, any mold cleaning will be temporary.

While waiting for the technician, move the wardrobe away from the wall to allow air circulation. Do not attempt to scrub the mold yourself, as this can aerosolize spores and worsen your children's respiratory symptoms. The damp wall and extensive growth on furniture indicate it has spread beyond the surface, likely into the wallboard itself.

After the AC leak is repaired and the area is dry, then call a mold assessment professional. In Dubai's climate, hidden mold in walls is a common issue due to high humidity and constant AC use. A proper assessment involves moisture meters and often an air or surface sample sent to an accredited lab to identify the species and concentration, which guides the safe remediation method. This two-step process—fix the water source, then address the biological contamination—is the most effective way to resolve the problem permanently.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on May 9, 2026 3:41 pm