As temperatures rise and air conditioning use increases, experts warn that residents across the UAE may be unknowingly exposed to contaminated indoor air.
Residents across the UAE may be unknowingly exposed to contaminated indoor air as air conditioner use increases ahead of the peak summer months, doctors and maintenance experts have warned.
As temperatures continue to rise, many residents are keeping windows closed and running AC units for longer hours. While symptoms such as sneezing, headaches, throat irritation and stuffy indoor air are often attributed to dust or seasonal changes, experts say poorly maintained air conditioning systems may also be a contributing factor.
According to home services platform Justlife, which provides AC maintenance services in the UAE, mould, dust, and moisture can accumulate inside AC filters, ducts, and coils over time—especially during the country’s hot and humid summer months.
The company estimates that up to 30 per cent of homes may experience some level of mould buildup inside their air conditioning systems.
Justlife also reported a 70 per cent increase in resident enquiries related to mould buildup during the summer months, reflecting growing concerns about indoor air quality and AC hygiene during peak heat periods.
Dr Sherin Hussain, a specialist in internal medicine at Medeor Hospital, Abu Dhabi, said that poorly maintained air conditioning systems can worsen symptoms such as coughing, allergies, nasal congestion, headaches and shortness of breath.
She explained that this occurs when dust, mould and moisture accumulate inside filters and air ducts and are then circulated through indoor air.
Dr Hussain added that the UAE’s climate makes conditions more favourable for mould and bacterial growth inside poorly maintained systems. “In the UAE’s hot and humid climate, continuous AC use can increase the risk of mould and bacterial growth, especially in poorly ventilated indoor spaces,” she said.
Experts note that children, elderly residents, asthma and allergy patients, and those with weaker immune systems are among the most vulnerable to these effects.
Maintenance specialists say buildup is often caused by a combination of heat, humidity, trapped moisture and dust inside AC units. Over time, clogged filters, ducts and drain pans can reduce airflow and cooling efficiency while also circulating contaminants indoors.
Dr Saira Hyder, medical director at Justlife, said many residents only notice issues once cooling performance drops or unusual odours develop inside the home. “Most people don’t act until they notice a smell or a drop in cooling performance, and by that point, the buildup has already been there for some time,” she noted.
Experts recommend servicing AC systems before peak summer, cleaning or replacing filters regularly, and watching for signs such as musty smells, leaks, or recurring symptoms that improve when away from home.
They also advise maintaining indoor temperatures between 26ºC and 28ºC and using fan or auto modes to help reduce moisture buildup.
As temperatures rise further across the UAE, experts stress that AC maintenance is increasingly important not just for comfort, but for maintaining healthier indoor air quality.
