Can AC mold cause my allergy symptoms and how to clean?« Back to Previous Page

The AC in our bedroom in Jumeirah Village Circle has been leaking a little for a couple of months, but we've been so busy we just put a towel down. Now I’m waking up every morning with a stuffy head, itchy eyes, and a cough that goes away after I leave for work. I’ve just pulled the filter out and the back of it is covered in black and green fuzzy spots. **Could this mold be causing my allergy-like symptoms, and is it something I can clean myself or do I need to call a professional?**
Posted by Kayla Thompson
Asked on April 19, 2026 12:00 am
Yes, the mold in your AC is very likely the cause of your allergy-like symptoms. The pattern of symptoms clearing up after you leave the room is a strong indicator. The constant moisture from a leaking AC unit in Dubai's climate creates a perfect environment for mold growth, which then gets blown directly into your bedroom air all night.

The black and green fuzzy growth you see is only the visible part; the entire internal evaporator coil and drain pan are almost certainly colonized as well. Simply replacing or cleaning the filter will not solve the problem. For a unit that has been leaking and growing mold for months, a professional deep cleaning and disinfection is necessary to properly address the biological contamination. They use specialized equipment to access and clean the internal components you cannot reach.

More critically, the root cause—the water leak—must be identified and repaired by an AC technician. Without fixing the leak, the mold will return quickly. In the meantime, running a dehumidifier in the room can help reduce the ambient moisture that fuels mold growth.

Given the duration of the leak and your physical symptoms, a professional inspection is recommended. Look for a provider that can not only clean the system but also verify the results with before-and-after testing, ensuring the biological contaminant load has been measurably reduced. This provides a clear benchmark for your health and the unit's condition.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 20, 2026 7:27 pm