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We all love a nice, cool home, especially during those scorching Australian summers. Your air conditioner works hard to keep you comfortable, but are you giving it the regular attention it needs? It’s not just about comfort and prolonged use of your air conditioning, it’s about your health, and even keeping your warranty valid.
Here in Australia, most air conditioning systems need to be serviced at least once a year for the first five years to keep that warranty intact. If your aircon unit starts looking a bit yellow, showing unusual faults, or putting out a nasty smell, it’s a clear sign it needs replacing immediately. For units that are seven to eight years old, I generally recommend a full replacement. And on a more frequent basis, those aircon filters should really be cleaned out every two to three months. Neglecting these simple steps can lead to some serious health risks.
You see, a poorly maintained air conditioning unit can become a breeding ground for harmful pathogens and moulds. You might be surprised at what can lurk in those dusty coils and filters, quietly circulating through your home.
Let’s talk about Legionnaires’ disease. This isn’t just a scary news headline; it’s a serious form of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria. These bacteria naturally live in freshwater environments, but they can grow and multiply in water systems like air conditioning cooling towers, humidifiers, and even large plumbing systems if not properly maintained. The bacteria spreads when people breathe in tiny water droplets containing Legionella. It’s not usually spread person-to-person. Symptoms can include a cough, shortness of breath, high fever, muscle aches, and headaches. It can be quite severe, especially for older individuals, smokers, or immunocompromised. Keeping your air conditioning system clean and well-serviced dramatically reduces this risk.
Then there’s the infamous and harrowing black mould. While “black mould” often refers to Stachybotrys chartarum, there are many types of mould that can appear black. These moulds thrive in damp, humid conditions, which is exactly what can build up in a neglected air conditioning unit. Black mould grows big and strong in cozy, damp areas, so not only is your air conditioning a risk, but this is also why damp spots on your ceilings or walls need to be attended to.
Black mould spreads through spores that become airborne and can easily be inhaled. Exposure to mould can lead to a range of health issues, especially for people with allergies, asthma, or respiratory conditions. Symptoms can vary from nasal stuffiness, throat irritation, coughing, and wheezing, to eye irritation, or skin rashes. For some, prolonged exposure can lead to more serious respiratory problems and chronic health complaints. A musty smell in your home is often the first sign you might have a mould problem, and your air conditioner could well be the culprit.
Beyond these more serious threats, general mould and mildew buildup in your unit can exacerbate allergies, cause sinus issues, and just generally contribute to poor indoor air quality, making your home feel less fresh and potentially impacting your overall well-being or mental health.
Regular maintenance, especially cleaning those filters and getting your unit professionally serviced, is crucial. It’s not just about ensuring your aircon runs efficiently, it’s about safeguarding your health and the health of your loved ones. Don’t wait until you see the yellowing, smell the must, or worse, start feeling unwell.
Sparc Electrical & Airconditioning is the perfect choice to assist you with all your air conditioning maintenance and installation needs. We offer fast turnaround times that absolutely never compromise on quality. A trusted name in Brisbane, Sparc Electrical & Airconditioning, is here to help with all your air conditioning and electrical needs. Get in touch with us today.