Could bedroom AC mold cause my cough and stuffy nose?« Back to Previous Page

The AC in our bedroom has been leaking a bit for the last couple of months, and now I keep waking up with a stuffy nose and a dry cough that goes away once I leave the house. I pulled back the corner of the carpet near the unit and found a patch of black and green fuzzy stuff underneath. Could this mold be causing my respiratory symptoms, and what's the first step I should take to deal with it properly?
Posted by Margaret Davis
Asked on May 11, 2026 5:02 am
Yes, the mold under your carpet is very likely causing your respiratory symptoms. The constant moisture from your AC leak creates ideal conditions for mold growth, particularly in Dubai's humid climate where condensation is common. Your symptoms—stuffy nose and dry cough that improve when you leave the room—are classic signs of mold exposure.

The first step is to stop the leak immediately. Have an HVAC technician repair the AC unit to cut off the moisture source. Do not attempt to clean the mold yourself, especially as it's under the carpet; disturbing it will release more spores into your bedroom air.

For a situation like this, a professional inspection is strongly recommended. The mold you see is likely just the surface growth; the backing of the carpet and the underlying padding could be extensively contaminated. A proper assessment involves moisture mapping and often air sampling to identify the spore types and concentrations, which guides the correct remediation method. In Dubai, reputable remediation companies follow standards like the IICRC S520 to ensure the mold is removed safely and completely, preventing it from returning.

Until the professionals arrive, improve ventilation in the room by opening windows if outdoor humidity is low and run a dehumidifier. Keep the bedroom door closed to prevent spores from spreading to other areas of your home.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on May 12, 2026 3:12 am