If you’re using your air conditioner regularly it’s crucial you clean it to avoid odours, mould and other contaminants building up. The health risks posed by mould can be severe and you should deal with it as soon as it’s discovered.
With the humidity in Sydney’s Northern Beaches, mould can be a common problem. Thankfully, it has an easy solution and you can stop mould before it grows.
How does mould form in an air conditioner?
Mould loves a moist and humid environment. Air conditioners provide the perfect environment for mould to grow, especially if they are not cleaned and maintained regularly.
Air is continually passing from the outside through the filter and into your home. The filter can become clogged with bacteria particles and mould spores which over time can build up and get pushed back into the air.
Residual heat in the summer as well as condensation can also accelerate the growth of mould over time.
3 ways to know if your AC has mould in it
There are some sure-fire ways to determine if mould has compromised your AC:
1. If you can smell your air conditioner, that is your first sign that something is wrong. An AC should be odourless when operating, however if mould is present, it can emit a musty or unpleasant smell.
2. If you can see mould anywhere on or around the unit—look out for small black specks like you’d see in your bathroom.
3. If you are continually sick, are experiencing unusual coughing, sneezing, allergies, nausea or vomiting or have difficulty breathing then mould could be the culprit.
Why you should worry about mould in your air conditioner
Breathing in air pumped through a mouldy air conditioner can create or worsen respiratory conditions, including asthma. Families with young children, the elderly or pregnant women should be more vigilant as they are at higher risk.
Mould left in an air conditioner can also affect the efficiency of the unit over time, creating blockages that can become expensive and time consuming to fix.
Tackle mould head on as soon as you discover it by following your unit’s manual for cleaning or by booking an air conditioner maintenance service with Climate Care, the first choice for Sydney’s Northern Beaches.
The filter: your first line of defence
Your air conditioner filter is your first line of defence against mould and other airborne particles. If you routinely clean the filter, you’re guaranteed to improve the air quality in your home and prolong the life of your air conditioner.
Check out our tips for cleaning the air conditioner filter to keep your unit running smoothly or get a free quote for a professional service including filter replacement.
If mould is already present, take care when cleaning the filter. Wear protective gloves and a face mask to avoid inhaling spores. Wipe down the surfaces of the air conditioner with a damp cloth soaked in water and vinegar. You can add a few drops of essential oils such as tea tree or clove oil, both have terrific anti-fungal properties. Dispose of the gloves and mask after cleaning.
How you can stop mould before it grows
Why wait for mould to grow when you can take preventative action now.
Our comprehensive air conditioner maintenance service keeps your unit running at peak performance all season long and includes:
- a full system inspection,
- cleaning and tuning of the components, and
- replacement of the filters.
Protect your and your family’s health and keep your air conditioner running smoothly, keep an eye out for mould and take immediate action if you discover it.
