Aside from noticing when the room has become too warm because the settings are wrong, most of us don’t pay much attention to our air conditioning unit. But we should! Lurking inside those machines which litter our lives are microbial contaminants such as mould and allergens which, if left untreated, can seriously affect our health.
Due to the mechanised air ventilation system, these particles are not only produced by the machine but also circulated by it. Not to worry, however, there is one simple thing we can do to protect ourselves and those around us.
Firstly, let’s take a look at how these microbial contaminants appear within the air ventilation systems upon which our society now depends. When the air conditioning unit draws in air, the filter cleans out as much of the dust and debris as possible. However, some small particles still make it through and these are usually deposited somewhere during the cooling process. Also within the system, moisture from the air is extracted by the evaporator and water droplets land in a drain pan, intended to be removed by the piping. Except that doesn’t always happen in the most effective way. Instead, the water remains inside the machine and added to this water are particles from the air.
Basically, air conditioning units inadvertently create the perfect environment for germination. The spores fester in the water and grow quickly thanks to the moisture and the warmth of the machine itself. These microbial contaminants then re-enter the air system via the air conditioning unit and can cause health problems with regular exposure. And because air conditioners perform better when all of the windows are closed, buildings don’t receive air ventilation via natural circulation techniques. Although some studies argue that the removal of ozone from the air by the air conditioning units is beneficial to human health, further studies have found the microbial contaminants to be more harmful than this gas.
So what health complaints could be caused by your air conditioning unit? Well, like any contaminant, the symptoms vary in different people but research has linked poorly maintained and contaminated air conditioners and air ventilation to the following:
- Cold and flu
- Headaches
- Hay fever
- Asthma
- Respiratory or chest problems
Don’t worry, however. There is one simple thing you can do to ensure your air conditioning unit is not causing any health complaints – undertake regular, deep cleans of the entire machine. Remember, as a landlord, home owner or business owner, it is your responsibility to maintain a safe, healthy environment. Contact BASC Services today and arrange comprehensive servicing of all your air conditioning units to ensure they are correctly cleaned and properly functioning. By regularly maintaining your machines, you can be guaranteed your rooms receive efficient, cost-effective, and healthy air ventilation services.