Air Conditioners Act as Air Purifiers: The Importance of Regular Cleaning
In the pursuit of a healthier and more comfortable living environment, the role of air conditioners extends far beyond just cooling the air. Air conditioning systems can also serve as effective air purifiers. Here’s how air conditioners can improve indoor air quality and why regular cleaning is crucial for their air purification capabilities.
Air Conditioners Act as Air Purifiers
Air conditioners are engineered to both cool the air and filter indoor air. By recirculating the indoor air, they remove contaminants as the air passes through the primary filters, thereby providing a dual function of cooling and purifying the air simultaneously.
Cleaning Filters Regularly
By cleaning the air conditioner filters regularly, ideally every 3 months or as frequently as every 4 weeks if used daily, they become significantly more effective at removing contaminant from the indoor air. The efficiency can improve by up to 10% by just cleaning the filters.
Mould Prevention
By maintaining optimal humidity levels, air conditioners help prevent the growth of mould which thrives in damp environments. However, the indoor coils are constantly wet and accumulate contaminants from recirculated air and this can become an ideal breeding ground for mould. To effectively remove mould it is essential to wash and physically clean the coils using products that are gentle yet effective, avoiding cross-contamination. Simply spraying the coils with the wrong product can exacerbate the mould issue, often making it worse.
Pet Dander Control
Pet dander is a common allergen that can be effectively managed by air conditioners with built-in air purifiers. These systems remove pet dander from the air, creating a more comfortable living environment for pet owners and their families. The pet dander must be removed from the filters and indoor coils or it will only encourage mould and bacteria to grow on the internal parts of the system.
Respiratory Health
The removal of pollutants and allergens by air conditioners helps alleviate symptoms of asthma, allergies, and other respiratory conditions. This can lead to fewer doctor visits and reduced reliance on medications, contributing to overall better health and well-being
The Importance of Regular Professional Cleaning
While air conditioners also act as air purifiers and can be highly effective, their performance can be significantly compromised if not maintained properly. Here are some reasons why regular cleaning is essential:
Filter Cleaning
Air conditioner filters accumulate pollutants over time, which can become a food source for mould and bacteria if not cleaned regularly. This can lead to the recirculation of pollutants back into the room, undermining the air conditioner's air purification benefits. Regular washing of filters are crucial to maintain optimal air quality.
Coil Cleaning
The indoor coils of air conditioners can also accumulate dust and other contaminants, which can reduce the system's efficiency and air purification capabilities. Cleaning these coils regularly ensures that the air conditioner operates effectively and maintains good indoor air quality.
Overall System Efficiency
Regular maintenance, including cleaning the filters and coils, helps to improve the energy efficiency of the air conditioning system. A clean system operates more efficiently, using less energy to maintain the desired temperature and air quality, which can lead to cost savings on electricity bills.
Air conditioners are more than just cooling devices; they can also serve as powerful air purifiers when equipped with the right technologies and maintained properly. By reducing allergens, preventing mould growth and eliminating harmful pathogens, air conditioners contribute significantly to a healthier and more comfortable indoor environment.
Regular cleaning of the filters and coils is essential to ensure these systems continue to perform optimally. Whether you suffer from allergies, asthma or simply want to breathe cleaner air, investing in a professional air conditioner clean can be a wise decision for your health and well-being.
An air conditioner that is well-maintained is not just a cooling device but a guardian of indoor air quality, making it an indispensable part of a healthy and comfortable living space.
Sanitair have a team of over 60 locations around Australia – simply Freecall 1800 130 168 and enter your post code to speak directly with your local Sanitair HVAC Hygienist.