Split System Air Conditioning

If you’re using your split system air conditioner, I encourage you to check the pre-filter AND book a professional clean and service at least biannually. The pre-filters main job is to protect the motor, but they tend to collect a lot of dust. So, by removing the cover and releasing the filters, you can regularly clean off dust with warm soapy water, simply put the pre-filters in the shower and then completely dry out in the sun.

The insides of an air conditioning unit can harbor a load of allergens which, when switched on blow into the built environment and can move throughout air pathways. Dust is the main culprit, usually containing pollen, dirt as well as House Dust Mite (HDM), which are a very common allergen and what Asthma Australia confirms are an asthma trigger (Asthma Australia 2021).

Think of your air conditioner split system as the lungs of your house, inside air gets drawn in, refrigerated and is then blown out, taking with it whatever is hiding inside. How does mould fit in to this? Mould requires 2 things: a food source and a moisture source. This is why air cons are notorious for mould, because they gather dust and condensation in the drain pan, creating a strong breeding ground for mould that is difficult to access to clean and dry. So, with your air conditioner also containing mould, you can have an allergen cocktail being blown throughout your home.

Do your research to find a professional air conditioning technician in your local area that (at a minimum) follows these steps:

·       Disassemble the unit

·       Take parts outside to clean with solution and rinse

·       Attach a catch bag to the inside unit

·       Spray with solution containing hydrogen peroxide*, leave for 10+ minutes

·       Ensure the outside a/c pipe is connected to the drain

·       Check the conduit is clear to the outside drain

·       Inside, use a low-pressure hose from top to bottom to move dirt, dust and allergens into the catch bag

·       Remove catch bag from premises and discard safely

·       Once dry, reassemble the unit

I advise you DO NOT try to dismantle and clean an a/c unit yourself; a professional will be able to safely isolate the power, cover electrical holes, etc. It is not worth risking an electrical issue or breaking your unit, it is much cheaper to hire a professional rather than having to purchase a whole new unit.

Properly cleaning an a/c unit is not a fast process, it can take a few hours. Before you book your clean, I recommend you ask your technician what their process is and what products they use. You are entitled to know what you are paying for, you want your unit to work safely and effectively.

More to follow on appropriate air conditioning settings in the future.

*As per manufacturers directions

Reference:

Asthma Australia, What Are Asthma Triggers?, (online), Available: https://asthma.org.au/, 2021