How urgently should I clean moldy AC for asthma?« Back to Previous Page

The AC in our bedroom in Jumeirah seems to be blowing out a dusty, damp smell every time it kicks on. My son’s asthma, which is usually fine, has been getting much worse at night, and he’s been needing his inhaler a lot more. I just pulled out the air filter and the back of it is covered in black and green spots. How urgently do I need to get this professionally cleaned to prevent a serious asthma attack?
Posted by Seung Yamamoto
Asked on March 26, 2026 5:10 am
Based on the symptoms you're describing—especially the damp smell and visible growth on the filter—this is an urgent situation that requires immediate professional attention. The black and green spots are almost certainly microbial growth, and your AC unit is actively aerosolizing these spores and fragments directly into your bedroom air every time it cycles on. For an asthmatic individual, this is a direct and potent trigger for attacks and can lead to a severe exacerbation of symptoms, as you're witnessing with your son.

In the UAE's humid climate, AC systems are a primary breeding ground for mold if not meticulously maintained. The condensate pan and damp evaporator coils, combined with dust, create an ideal environment. The fact that the issue is isolated to the bedroom unit means your son is getting a high, concentrated dose all night, which explains the nocturnal worsening.

Do not attempt to clean this yourself. Disturbing the growth without proper containment and HEPA filtration will only cause a massive, temporary spike in spore concentration, drastically increasing the risk of a serious asthma event. A professional inspection and hygienization are critical. We use specialized tools like borescopes to inspect the deep ductwork and evaporator coil and then perform a full system clean using EPA-approved biocides and HEPA vacuuming, which is compliant with Dubai Municipality's public health and environmental standards.

I would recommend calling a certified professional today. For immediate assistance, you can reach our team at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule an emergency inspection. Your son's health is the priority here.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 27, 2026 10:22 pm