Is AC mold causing my kids' cough in Dubai?« Back to Previous Page

My kids have been coughing for a couple of weeks and I suspect it's because of a musty smell coming from our master bedroom AC unit in our Jumeirah apartment. I pulled the cover off and saw some black specks around the vents, and I'm worried it's hidden mold in the ducts. I have no idea how to even begin dealing with this or what it would cost to get a proper inspection and cleaning done here in Dubai. Should I just call a professional company, and roughly how much should I expect to pay for something like this?
Posted by Jin Tanaka
Asked on March 24, 2026 10:43 am
Based on the symptoms you describe—persistent coughing in children and a musty odor from the AC unit—there is a very high probability that hidden microbial growth within the AC system is the culprit. The black specks you observed are a significant red flag. In Dubai's high-humidity climate, AC systems are prime locations for mold proliferation, especially if there's any condensate drain line blockage or if the unit's insulation within the ductwork has become damp.

You absolutely should not attempt to clean this yourself. Disturbing the growth without proper containment can aerosolize a massive amount of spores and mycotoxins throughout your apartment, potentially worsening the health issues. This requires a professional assessment.

A proper inspection for a scenario like yours in a Jumeirah apartment involves more than a visual check. Our certified technicians would use a combination of a boroscope to see deep inside the ducts and, most likely, air quality testing to identify the spore types and concentration levels in your bedroom's air. This is crucial for determining the correct remediation protocol.

For a standard apartment's master bedroom AC system (AHU and associated ductwork), a comprehensive inspection and testing service in Dubai typically ranges from AED 1,000 to AED 2,500, depending on the extent required. Remediation, if needed, would be quoted separately after the inspection.

Given the impact on your children's health, I strongly recommend you get a professional evaluation immediately. Please call our team at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule a diagnostic visit. We can identify the source and provide a clear path to making your home safe again.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 26, 2026 4:38 am