AC leaking water with mildew smell: emergency or schedule fix?« Back to Previous Page

The AC in my apartment in Jumeirah Lakes Towers seems to be leaking a small amount of water onto the floor, and now there's a really strong, damp mildew smell coming from all the vents, especially when we first turn it on. It's been getting worse over the last ten days since the humidity spiked. My main concern is whether this is something that needs an emergency fix today, or if I can safely schedule a technician for later this week?
Posted by Anil Chauhan
Asked on March 27, 2026 7:11 pm
Based on your description from JLT, this is a textbook case of microbial growth—specifically mold—within your AC system, likely caused by a clogged condensate drain line. The high humidity we've had is a major contributing factor, as it increases the condensate load. The leak means the water isn't draining properly, creating a stagnant pool inside the unit that's a perfect breeding ground for mold, hence the strong mildew smell on startup.

While not a life-threatening emergency requiring a 24/7 call-out, this is a priority issue. The continuous moisture can damage your apartment's structure (ceilings, walls) and the mold spores being circulated can significantly impact indoor air quality, potentially causing allergic reactions or respiratory irritation. In Dubai, properties are subject to strict health and safety standards (as per Dubai Municipality guidelines), and unresolved mold issues can become a violation.

You should schedule a professional inspection and remediation as soon as possible, ideally within the next 48 hours. Do not just call a general AC technician for the leak; you need a specialist who can properly address the biological contamination. The process involves clearing the drain line, inspecting the evaporator coils and drip pan for mold growth, and then performing a thorough hygienization of the entire air handling unit and ductwork using EPA-approved biocides to eliminate the spores and the odor at the source.

For a proper assessment and fix, I strongly recommend you call our certified team at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com. We can diagnose the exact cause and provide a compliant remediation solution to ensure your system is not just fixed, but sanitized.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 29, 2026 2:43 am