Mold behind AC causing coughs: who to call for fix?« Back to Previous Page

My kids have been coughing for a couple of weeks, and I just found a black, fuzzy patch on the wall behind our bedroom's AC unit in our Mirdif villa. It smells like damp socks in there. Is this definitely mold from the chiller and who do I call to fix it, the building maintenance or an AC specialist?
Posted by Lei Dang
Asked on March 12, 2026 7:12 pm
Based on your description, that is almost certainly a mold colony, and the damp sock smell is a classic indicator of microbial volatile organic compounds (mVOCs) produced by active mold growth. The location behind the AC unit is a major red flag; the wall is likely cold from the chilled water lines or refrigerant, causing condensation (a process we call "sweating") which creates the perfect damp environment for mold, especially Aspergillus or Cladosporium, both common here and known respiratory irritants. Your kids' persistent coughs are a significant health concern that should not be ignored.

You need to call a professional mold inspection and remediation company, NOT just building maintenance or a standard AC technician. Here's why: Maintenance might clean the visible patch but rarely addresses the hidden contamination within the AC unit itself or the wall cavity, leading to immediate regrowth. An AC tech can service the unit but is not trained or equipped for safe mold removal and sanitization.

A certified company like ours will conduct a comprehensive inspection, including air and surface sampling to identify the spore types and concentration levels. This is crucial for determining the correct remediation protocol and for your peace of mind. The process involves isolating the area, removing the contaminated materials, and using industrial-grade HEPA filtration and antimicrobial agents to hygienize the AC unit and the affected structure, ensuring the problem is solved at its source. This is a serious indoor air quality issue that requires a professional solution.

For immediate assistance, please call our experts at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com for a consultation. We service Mirdif and the greater Dubai area.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 14, 2026 7:25 am