Is recycled air from AC causing our symptoms?« Back to Previous Page

The issue you're experiencing could indeed be related to the air conditioning system. In hot and humid regions such as Dubai, it's common for AC units to operate almost continuously during heatwaves to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures. However, if the air is recycled within the unit without adequate filtration or fresh outdoor air intake, it can lead to poor indoor air quality (IAQ) which may contribute to your symptoms like coughing and itchy eyes.

Recycled air from an AC unit in Dubai can carry particles such as dust mites, pollen, pet dander, and even mold spores if conditions are conducive for their growth. These allergens can irritate the respiratory system and cause allergic reactions leading to coughs and eye irritation. Moreover, if the air conditioning system is not regularly maintained, it could harbor bacteria, fungi, or viruses that might also be contributing factors.

In Dubai, given the regulatory environment and specific climatic conditions, it's crucial to ensure your AC unit complies with local standards for indoor environmental quality (IEQ). The UAE Building Code (UAE-BC) outlines requirements for HVAC systems including air filtration and fresh air intake. However, even if you have a system that meets these codes, regular maintenance is essential to prevent degradation of performance over time.

To address the issue:

1. Filter Inspection and Replacement: Check your AC filters regularly—every 30 days or sooner if they look dirty—and replace them with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters which can capture smaller particles that may cause irritation.

2. Fresh Air Intake: Ensure your AC unit has adequate fresh air intake to maintain a balance between recirculated and outside air. This is especially important during heatwaves when the outdoor temperature is high but the humidity might be low, making the recycled indoor air more likely to contain irritants.

3. Regular Maintenance: Have your AC system professionally serviced every year by a certified technician in accordance with local HVAC standards. They can check for issues such as mold growth, proper functioning of filters, and overall efficiency.

4. Humidity Control: Use dehumidifiers if necessary to keep indoor humidity levels low, ideally between 30% and 50%. High humidity can promote the growth of mold and other microorganisms that may exacerbate symptoms.

5. Consultation with Experts: If your symptoms persist or worsen despite these measures, consider consulting a professional environmental inspection company like Saniservice. They can perform an IAQ assessment to identify specific issues in your home's air quality and provide remediation solutions tailored to the UAE environment.

By taking proactive steps such as these, you can improve indoor air quality and potentially alleviate the symptoms you're experiencing. Remember, maintaining good IAQ is crucial for health, especially during prolonged periods of extreme heat or humidity.