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MaiTai
Posts 856
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23/12/2012 22:02:17
jcdubai wrote:
Are they easy to clean........??? crash course please x
Once u know where the filters are (coz that's all u have to clean) - (which are rectangular bits of steel mesh) then it's super-easy. In our house they just slide out. They are under certain panels in the ceiling, u need a chair and be tall or have a tall DH or just a ladder. Then slide out, wash with disinfectant washing up liquid and brush, dry up and return it. They have SO MUCH black/grey gunge in them after 3-4 months - makes u feel sick thinking u have been breathing that in! Get maintenance to do it for you and watch them like a hawk/let them show u how. Best thing ever, being able to do it yourself any time.
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jcdubai
Posts 83
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23/12/2012 19:24:11
Are they easy to clean........??? crash course please x
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MaiTai
Posts 856
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23/12/2012 18:40:53
Admittedly not read all the answers but just wtd to add that many years ago we had TERRIBLE mould problem, got advised to buy a dehumidifer which cost A MINT (1800AED) and a few days later someone asked if we have our AC filters cleaned every 3 months (which we didn;t kniow back then - no prior AC experience). We had them cleaned and learnt how to clean them properly ourselves - and the humidity vanished and has NEVER returned since in the last 8 years! Had to sell the blimming Dehumidifier at a great loss - and it was only used a few days!
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Goldielux
Posts 5
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23/12/2012 17:24:25
Over the past five years I have lived in three separate buildings in the Marina with mold problems; each time the real estate agent informed me there were no such problems when I initially rented. What I have learned over the years is that one has to take matters into their own hands as building owners do not want to invest in such long term maintenance of their buildings. There are three steps to eliminate mold and excessive moisture from one's apartment or home.
#1 Ask the maintenance to insulate the air ducts, the condensation where hot and cold meet on a metal surface is a breeding ground for moisture and mold.
#2 Purchase dehumidifiers and place them in all your key rooms. My two units, one in my bedroom and the other in my living room remove 8-16 liters of water a day from the moisture-ridden air in my apartment.
#3 Purchase an air purification system. I have tried numerous units over the years and personally most worked great only the first month or shortly after buying new filters which are expensive. Recently I switched to the Air Free purification system and am impressed by the sustained air quality in my apartment and the lack of maintenance. Here is a link to a strawberry test that illustrates the effectiveness of these devices. link
Wish I had known how to eliminate mold and excessive moisture from a Dubai home five years ago, as I have been excessively sick and continually fatigued for so long. After numerous blood tests and doctors visits where no explanation was offered for my failing health, I realized that this could be due to my environment. I must confess that I am amazed how much better I feel physically and emotionally simply by changing the air quality in my home.
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Crazy Mama
Posts 536
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19/11/2010 13:22:52
DesertRose1958 wrote:
I never came across mould in all the years I've been here till I bought 2 apartments with that chilled water ac system - that in my mind is whats causing the mould.
And all this business of keeping ac's on permanently, at 24 or thereabout - it used to be that you could switch ac's off for about 5 months of the year and just keep windows open and fans on.
edited by DesertRose1958 on 02/11/2010
You are right about the chilled water system. We had to live in an apartment when we were building our villa, and it had chilled water a/c system, and the babies were constantly sick, then my father climbed up through the false ceiling and had a good look and the place was heaving with mould....but not where you could see it. We made sure that our villa had 'proper' air conditioning (usually the sign of no 'auto' switch is a clue) and we have had no issues. Our a/c cuts in and out and it set by the thermostat, and the chiller ones keep on blowing air...and make your nose crack..
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seraphnina
Posts 8973
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19/11/2010 12:53:28
sleepyhead wrote: seraphina I have just looked at the website you posted.... I'm so happy to read about this company  ! I will call them next week and see if they can come and take a look at the 2 rooms in my villa that I've been having an issue with. Fortunately though the problem is not as severe ( but it's not totally gone ) since the maintenance guys came and gave the airon in question a very thorough high pressure clean. Thanks so much for updating this thread. SH
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Faifunghi
Posts 216
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19/11/2010 12:25:17
two words: Chinese Drywall.
During the building boom, it was difficult to source drywall from countries with better quality control so a lot of companies turned to cheaper drywall made in China. The paper backing lot of this material was contaminated by mold from its earliest manufacture and the mold just blooms when in contact with any moisture.
Many developments in Florida are having similar problems.
The only real answer is, unfortunately, to remove the drywall and replace it with uncontaminated building material.
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sleepyhead
Posts 550
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19/11/2010 10:50:29
seraphina I have just looked at the website you posted.... I'm so happy to read about this company ! I will call them next week and see if they can come and take a look at the 2 rooms in my villa that I've been having an issue with. Fortunately though the problem is not as severe ( but it's not totally gone ) since the maintenance guys came and gave the airon in question a very thorough high pressure clean. Thanks so much for updating this thread.
SH
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sleepyhead
Posts 550
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02/11/2010 19:22:50
I really wish we could live here without the need for AC's. I really DO NOT like them at all. They are a health hazard IMHO. I miss being able to open the doors and windows everyday for the fresh air - without all the dust/sand blowing in as well. As much as I love living here in Dubai, this is one thing for me that I do not like.
SH
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DesertRose1958
Posts 1931
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02/11/2010 17:13:02
I never came across mould in all the years I've been here till I bought 2 apartments with that chilled water ac system - that in my mind is whats causing the mould.
And all this business of keeping ac's on permanently, at 24 or thereabout - it used to be that you could switch ac's off for about 5 months of the year and just keep windows open and fans on.
edited by DesertRose1958 on 02/11/2010
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sleepyhead
Posts 550
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02/11/2010 15:46:31
Great tip Saharagypsyrose.....also was thinking of an Ionizer and Humidifer/Air Purifier in the rooms....am in the process of bleaching the rooms out now after the workmen have been here and am hoping that I will be able to report back that it's all solved. Will put AC back on tomorrow after a 2 day sabatical to see if we have "lift off"...fingers crossed!
Thanks for your postings.
SH
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Saharagypsyrose
Posts 433
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02/11/2010 15:22:12
Sleepyhead, sounds like you may have found the culprit and hopefully the maintenance team can get rid of them once and for all. It may be a good idea to get an hygrometer to measure the humidity in those two rooms so that you know when the AC isn't pulling it's weight in controlling the humidity or if there were condensation or leaking issue. Good luck with the clean up.
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sleepyhead
Posts 550
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02/11/2010 15:12:43
Hi Ladies,
Apologies for not responding after my posting earlier today and especially seeing as though many of you have taken the time to respond to the OP and my own queries regarding this dreaded issue. So much good advice and tips concerning mould and A/C's. Thanks ever so much.
I just wanted to add that there is NO visible mould anywhere on any of my walls, in cupboards or even in the AC unit itself. The smell is only in 2 rooms and only lingers when the unit itself is on. Both of these rooms are serviced by this one AC.
After quite alot of research I believe the problem is in the coil. There only needs to be a smidgen of water dripping for mould to start growing. Perhaps it is condensation forming from poorly made insulation in piping from the coil (which is on the roof outside) to AC filters and system in the ceiling ( inside a few of the room's in the house). The maintenace guys came again today and they serviced the coil and pulled the ceiling down in the bathroom as this is where the particular system in question is located.
Let's see if we have results! I am desperatley hoping that this works and that the smell dissapears forever!
SH
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Saharagypsyrose
Posts 433
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02/11/2010 10:05:05
foghorn wrote:
the vinegar feeds the mould so they loved it and this why our outbreak has increased so rapidly I have to disagree with this statement as vinegar has been found to be very effective in combating mold for hundreds of years. However, I can understand that the AC duct requires more vigorous treatment as there is where the moist air first arrive and anti-fungal paint is usually needed to demote mold growth. That's what they have should applied in the first place when they construct the buildings and putting in the vents. For household items, I am sure you can't strip the paint off and anti-fungal paint your furniture etc. I personally find vinegar solution to be the best approach for my own DIY treatment.
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Saharagypsyrose
Posts 433
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02/11/2010 09:37:38
I was told that in general the AC unit (central) in villas and apartment buildings should have the proper "dehumidifier" component linked to the AC so that humidity can also be controlled along with the use of AC (temperature control). Unfortunately I suspect most buildings here cut corners and did not bother with the dehumidifying component. Yes, AC controls the temperature and will help with the humidity level, but it cannot be the sole controller for this part of the region where humidity is a big issue. I couldn't duplicate the smell but I sure was able to show the maintenance team the pictures of molds found in my bedroom. Unfortunately there is really nothing they can do, the air that comes into my apartment was the air brought in directly from outside without being "dehumidified" so it carries with it the moisture which causes the mold along the ducts from ground zero to my personal space.
@Sleephead, I totally know what you mean. I also have a keen sense of smell and I know when the spores are flaring up. I asked the maintenance team to smell a built-in drawer compartment which I had vinegar-ed numerous times but it still smell like mold, and he said "that's not the smell of wood"? So the only thing for me is to show them pictures that I am not making up some smell in my head! You are right, it actually wasn't so humid during the peak of the summer, but the humidity was great end of Sept into Oct., and that's when you said it was worse.
The best thing I have done is gotten a electrical dehumidifier since those little drying boxy agents just absorb the moisture like crazy. I kid you not, I collected an average of 10 liters of water a day during the first few weeks of starting to use this appliance. Now it's better of course, especially with the weather help. Try to wipe down with vinegar/water solution for DIY. Bleach can't kill all the mold, and it is bad for us to be exposed to it for too long.
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foghorn
Posts 21
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02/11/2010 09:25:28
We have had mould issues on the ac vent over our bed as I was discussing on a previous thread and many people advised to use the vinegar solution, Im reporting back to warn others NOT to!! I cleaned up the whole vent and surrounding and yes it removed the mould but within days it has come back twice as bad as before I have eventually had someone out to professionaly clean it and was told the vinegar feeds the mould so they loved it and this why our outbreak has increased so rapidly after my using the vinegar. The only way to get rid is to remove paint, get a professional team to paint an anti fungus/mould paste then after a day or so paint back over with your usual paint. We moved out while being done the anti fungus paint stuff they use is so strong we couldn't breathe so we went to hotel for a week leaving apartment well ventilated. Hope you all get yours sorted too I would highly recommend doing it properly it's not worth your health
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miki
Posts 43
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02/11/2010 08:56:16
The best way to keep mould under control is tho clean the area with a vinegar/ water solution. Use a cloth soaked in the mix, squeeze out and wipe. It will kill the mould spores. Hope this helps.
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Megawatson
Posts 522
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02/11/2010 08:30:36
In the DM article I posted below there are many interesting comments about mould. I recommend reading them (View All) if you're worried about mould.
It seems that the spores are much more of a problem then the little floral manifestations. Spores aren't killed by bleach, and spores are spread by aircon.
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Posts
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02/11/2010 07:50:21
I don't think mould is due to build quality, it's unavoidable in this type of climate, you must always leave the a/c on to avoid it. Once you see mould you have to use spray bleach to keep on top of it, just get cleaners in to do the a/c, I think emril have this service.
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SGR
Posts 68
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02/11/2010 07:20:47
this is VERY interesting as we just moved into a 1bedroom at The Oceana on the palm and we have musty smells under our master bathroom sink as well as orange mold growing on the wood mirror in our extra bathroom. this place is brandnew never lived in before. we have maintenance coming to take a look and then if they don't clean it up we will with vinegar.
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Megawatson
Posts 522
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02/11/2010 07:12:23
When Brittany Murphy's husband Simon Monjack died not long after she did, mould in their LA home was suspected as the original cause.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1297862/Brittany-Murphy-Mould-home-kill-actresss-death-linked-fungus-LA-mansion.html
It's pretty scary that mould is a problem in relatively new buildings in Dubai.
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sleepyhead
Posts 550
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02/11/2010 06:33:33
This thread is of interest to me so I will be watching closely!
I have been having ongoing issues with two of the rooms in my villa for a few months now. They have started to smell "mouldy", "damp" and dusty when the AC is on. When switched off the smell goes. The rest of the house is fine, it is simply just these 2 particular rooms. I am so irritated and getting more and more frustrated as I continually have the maintenance people over to look at it and clean the filters and check the coils. When they come I ask them to stand under the AC vent and smell and they look at me strangely, sometimes even have a little giggle and say " Maam, no smell", to which I reply "Yes there is, I have a very strong sense of smell". It drives me bonkers! Given that I suffer from allergies and in particular to mould/dust I can pick up anything that has a remote smell of either and straight away it bothers me. It scares me to think that my DH and I sleep in one of the rooms and my DS sleeps in the other. None of the other rooms suffer this smell and right now I am at my wits end as I don't know what to do. Does anybody have any tips to help me sort this issue out? I have turned the AC off in these rooms now and thankfully the weather is cooling down to allow me to do this. It's strange though, as, in the peak of Summer this smell was not there, it has only come about in the last few months. Arrrrgghhhh! Looking forward to hearing some feedback, I really don't know what to do.
Many thanks
SH
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jmjulia
Posts 441
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02/11/2010 02:25:52
This is no surprise. During the Dubai property bubble most off-plan buyers were speculators looking to flip and developers were happy to take their money and then throw the buildings up, cutting as many corners as possible. Nobody really considered that some day, people would actually be living in these places and would have basic expectations of decent facilities and services. The eventual end users really were the last consideration.
Throw in a near-total lack of proper building code enforcement and virtually zero consumer rights and you've got a recipe for what's going to become the next major problem for the Dubai property market. The shoddy build quality really is going to bite a lot of people very hard.
edited by jmjulia on 02/11/2010
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GlitterPunk
Posts 306
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02/11/2010 00:40:11
whats the right way of dealing with the mold?
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scarlett78
Posts 740
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01/11/2010 21:56:52
http://www.thenational.ae/news/uae-news/environment/complaints-of-mould-in-homes-on-increase
When allergy-causing mould began growing on the airconditioning vents in Rufus Wanjigi's apartment, he received little help from building maintenance.
"Their solution was to set our thermostat at 24°C and wait for the climate to change," he said.
He was told the building in the Dubai Marina area lacked a dehumidifying system, and there was nothing more maintenance could do.
Mr Wanjigi was concerned that the mould would trigger allergies or asthma in his baby daughter, and "her doctor advised us to move out".
According to indoor air quality experts, his complaint is increasingly common in blocks built in recent years.....
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