Asthma diagnosed at 35, no history – should I look at the air conditioner?

Editorial guide · Updated 18 September 2026

In short: For a person with asthma or another respiratory condition, comfort settings and exposure concerns should be discussed with their clinician. A change in symptoms does not establish that the appliance is the cause. Visible dampness, mould, an unusual smell or blocked filters justify a technical inspection, separately from medical care.

This page explains a situation in an editorial format. It is not an open discussion board or a verified customer review. Contact us on WhatsApp about your own appliance.

Situation discussed

Pipera, new flat, 3 years in it. Last year, suddenly, asthma – I never had anything, nor does my family. The pulmonologist asked about mould in the home; we have none. I have 2 Daikin units, 3 years old (living room, bedroom), never sanitised, a slight smell at start-up on the bedroom one. Is this a serious lead?

Editorial explanation · Revizie AC

What is really happening

For a person with asthma or another respiratory condition, comfort settings and exposure concerns should be discussed with their clinician. A change in symptoms does not establish that the appliance is the cause. Visible dampness, mould, an unusual smell or blocked filters justify a technical inspection, separately from medical care.

Two assessments with different roles — The unit and indoor environment: technical inspection, moisture, deposits and maintenance.
Symptoms and diagnosis: assessment by a medical professional.
A unit problem does not establish the cause of an illness. Maintenance does not replace medical care.

What the studies say

Mould odour in the home is associated with about 73% higher risk of developing asthma (OR 1.73), more than visible mould (OR 1.29). [PLOS ONE, 2012]
Home dampness raises the risk of developing asthma by about 33% and visible mould by about 29% (meta-analysis of 16 studies). [PLOS ONE, 2012]
Mould odour is treated by WHO and epidemiological studies as an indicator of active microbial growth, even when nothing is visible. [PLOS ONE, 2012]
The blower (cross-flow fan) is the most fungus-contaminated component of a split unit, more than the filter or the front of the evaporator. [Indoor Air, 2023]

What we do on site

Both units, bedroom first.
Collection cover, cleaning solution, pressure wash in place of evaporator, roller, pan.
Sanitising solution, extra rinse, drying on 'Fan'.
We check the Daikin fine filters.
Outdoor units, washed in place.
See current rates on the Prices page.

What you can do yourself

Log: PEF (if you have a peak-flow meter) or symptoms, 2 weeks before and 4 after.
25–26 °C, louvre up, bed out of the jet.
Hygrometer, 40–55%.
Filters every two weeks, 'Fan' before shut-off.

What NOT to do

Do not stop treatment if you feel better after sanitising – the pulmonologist decides.
Do not spray anything into the units 'to be safe'.
Do not ignore the second unit because 'it does not smell'.

Prevention

Plan maintenance according to the appliance manual and what is found during inspection. Keep any medical follow-up separate; cleaning does not guarantee that symptoms will resolve.

When to call us

0764 012 943 / WhatsApp, Monday–Saturday 08:00–20:00. Pipera.

Dust and lint visible in the beam of light coming out of the unit's louver

Maintenance does not replace medical care. CDC: mold and health · EPA: moisture and mould

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Sources (5)

The information on this page is educational and based on cited sources; it does not replace medical advice. We do not do repairs, installation or refrigerant circuit work.