How to clean mold from AC for child's cough?« Back to Previous Page

The AC in our villa in Jumeirah has been leaking a bit of water for the last couple of weeks, and now there's a strong, damp smell coming from the vents that's making my kids cough. I'm really worried it's mold in the chiller unit. How can I get it properly cleaned and disinfected to make sure it's safe for my family?
Posted by Hoa Liu
Asked on March 24, 2026 2:45 pm
Based on the symptoms you're describing – the water leakage and that distinct damp smell causing your kids to cough – it's highly probable you're dealing with microbial growth, likely mold, within your AC system, specifically the chiller unit and the air handling unit (AHU). This is a serious health concern, especially for children, and requires immediate professional attention. Simple cleaning won't suffice.

Here’s the technical reality: the chiller's cooling coils and the damp insulation in the AHU create a perfect environment for mold when condensation isn't properly drained. That leak you noticed is a major red flag. The spores then get circulated throughout your villa in Jumeirah.

DIY cleaning with store-bought sprays is ineffective and can be dangerous, as it often just disperses the spores further. A proper remediation involves a comprehensive inspection, including possible air and swab testing to identify the contaminant type. The process then requires a complete shutdown of the system, specialized EPA-approved biocides and enzymatic cleaners to break down the microbial slime on the coils, and potentially replacing contaminated insulation. All of this must be done with proper containment to prevent cross-contamination.

Given the health impact on your family, I strongly recommend you stop using the system and call a professional environmental company like ours immediately. We are certified and follow the strictest guidelines for remediation in the UAE. Please, for your family's safety, call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule a full inspection and disinfection.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 27, 2026 8:39 am