Is your Air Conditioner a Mould incubator?

Is your Air Conditioner a Mould incubator?

Mould is a problem in air conditioners. It builds up inside and in the coils, if the unit is not professionally cleaned every 6 months.

Our Queensland climate is in the peak period and conditions are perfect for mould growth.

Below is a story from Climate Control News that is relevant to all buildings that have an air conditioner.

AIR-CONDITIONERS will be replaced in the women’s health and children’s units at Mackay Base Hospital in North Queensland in an effort to combat a growing mould problem.

The hospital’s CEO, Jo Whitehead sought expert advice on the cause of the mould growth and the best way to eradicate it, after Queensland Health confirmed last week that mould had been discovered “in several areas” of the hospital. An independent report recommended a combination of replacing air conditioning systems in older parts of the hospital and remediation in the new areas as the best way to eradicate mould throughout the buildings.

“I need to stress this is non-toxic mould and that air quality tests show airborne mould concentration samples do not include pathogens associated with invasive disease,” Whitehead said. “Pathology tests have been reviewed for the previous six months and have not revealed any hospital-acquired mould infections.”

A design engineer has been on-site redesigning the air-conditioning in B Block, which contains the Women’s Health and Child and Adolescent units. B Block was built in 1999 and was refurbished as part of the overall Mackay Base Hospital redevelopment. “It will take four to six weeks for this design work to be done and received, and then the next step will be to appoint a contractor to do the work,” Whitehead said.

Expert advice identified the source of the problem. It found a build-up of mould caused the drip trays to pool water, instead of drain, because they were not positioned in the correct angle. Humidity levels throughout the entire hospital will also be reviewed to ensure they are not conducive to the growth of mould.

Whitehead said a mould remediation contractor would be engaged to clean air conditioning ducts in newer sections of the hospital. The experts have advised mould has grown in new areas due to varying humidity levels and issues with joins in the ducting. “The works will take some time as we need to fully identify the scope of the work required,” she said.

Make sure your air conditioning is safe, by booking a HydroKleen today!

Click Here for more information about HydroKleen or call 1300 608 318

What We Do

HydroKleen clean air conditioners in the Maroochydore, Caloundra, Noosa, Tewantin and Mooloolaba areas. We specialise in sanitising split systems, window units, ceiling cassette units and even ducted.

Why choose HydroKleen?

Get a Free Quote

2 + 2 =

Hydrokleen are proud supporters of WishList – The Sunshine Coast Health Foundation supporting Sunshine Coast families for 20 years. It’s not clean if it’s not Hydrokleened, so call 1300 608 318 today!

HydroKleen are the ONLY Air Conditioning Cleaning company exclusively approved by the National Asthma Council Australia’s Sensitive Choice Program and we provide a written 12 month guarantee against Mould regrowth.

Click Here for more information about Hydrokleen.

Air Conditioners can cause house fires!

Your air conditioner can make your home a fire trap. Many homes have been burnt down due to poorly maintained or outdated air conditioners.

In between summer and winter, there are long periods when you probably do not use your air conditioning. This is when dust and mould builds up inside. Then, when you finally turn it on again, the internals of your air con warm up, get stifled by the dust etc., making them get hotter and hotter internally until they burst into flame.

Do you go to bed with your a/c still running, to keep you warm in winter or cool in summer? What would happen if it caught fire while you slept? What a frightening thought, but this is the reality for a number of homes and offices that have been damaged by a fire that started in their air conditioner.

During the extreme temperatures of summer and winter, we can put added pressure on our a/c units, especially if they are not well maintained. Air conditioners that are straining to work can become fire hazards.

In a report by ABC News dated 21 June 2017, reporter Kelly McCarthy states “the appliance many people rely on to keep their homes cool could potentially pose a fire risk.”

According to a US National Fire Protection Association Report in 2016 “air conditioners cause an average of 20 deaths, 140 injuries, and $82 million in property damage annually”.

What can you do to reduce the risk of fire?

There are five things that you can do to reduce the risk to your home or office. These five steps could save your property from extensive fire damage or total loss.

  1. Clean the Filters

All air conditioners have easy to remove filters. These should be removed and cleaned at least monthly. Set a date or time for the clean every month. Maybe the first Saturday of the month or the 1st of every month. Pick something that you can remember. If there is something you already do on a monthly basis, use this as a reminder to clean the filters. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines on how to efficiently clean the filters. Also, be aware that not cleaning these regularly could void the warranty on your unit.

  1. Check the Cord

While cleaning the filter have a look at then electrical cable and plug. Have they deteriorated? Are there any cracks or breaks in the cord or plug? If there are, then get an electrician to repair these before plugging in the appliance. Any damaged equipment must be replaced.

  1. Dust in the Ducts

Clean the unit free of dust. Vacuum behind the filter to remove any dust. Vacuum and wipe over all vents and the plastic surround of your unit. If possible, clean the ducts and remove any dust build up. This will also help to prevent potential hazards from building in your unit and stop you from blowing this back into the room when you switch on the unit.

  1. Check Out the Outside Unit

Split and ducted systems have an outside unit. When cleaning your filters have a look at the outside unit. Is it covered in leaves? Are there items stacked around it or on top of it? Is there rubbish, dust, dirt or insects clogging the unit? Have rodents claimed it as their home? Your exterior unit must be free from any other objects. Wipe it down when cleaning your filters. Remove any dust, dirt or grime.

  1. Maintenance is Key

The most common reason for an a/c unit to catch fire is because it isn’t maintained. Just like all other electrical or mechanical items you own, the a/c must be maintained. You get your car serviced regularly; you also need to do this for your a/c.  But, don’t just let anyone do this, once a year get a professional to do a thorough clean of your a/c unit. They will inspect all surfaces and components of the unit. They will thoroughly clean and test the unit reporting to you any faults. Use a reputable company that can guarantee their work. This step is one that should not be overlooked.

 Who Can Offer a Guarantee?

There is one company that provides the expertise and best technology to clean, sanitise and maintain air conditioning units. This is their speciality. Their process is so unique that it has been trademarked. This company is Hydrokleen.

If you want to see a demonstration of how they thoroughly clean air conditioning units check out the YouTube video at https://youtu.be/DswSrqOHXsw

A HydroKleened unit is one that will be well maintained, free of dust, dirt and other contaminants and will run efficiently. Our qualified technicians will make sure you’re a/c unit is safe to use and provide you with their 19-point checklist.

HydroKleen guarantee that if you are not happy with the clean, you don’t have to pay.

Click Here for more information about HydroKleen or call 1300 608 318

What We Do

HydroKleen clean air conditioners in the Maroochydore, Caloundra, Noosa, Tewantin and Mooloolaba areas. We specialise in sanitising split systems, window units, ceiling cassette units and even ducted.

Why choose HydroKleen?

Get a Free Quote

14 + 13 =

Hydrokleen are proud supporters of WishList – The Sunshine Coast Health Foundation supporting Sunshine Coast families for 20 years. It’s not clean if it’s not Hydrokleened, so call 1300 608 318 today!

HydroKleen are the ONLY Air Conditioning Cleaning company exclusively approved by the National Asthma Council Australia’s Sensitive Choice Program and we provide a written 12 month guarantee against Mould regrowth.

Click Here for more information about Hydrokleen.

Is your office making you sick?

Home is the first place we point the finger when allergies are aggravated, but many ignore how their workplace is impacting their health.

The clinical director of the Australian Allergy Centre, Dr Suzan Bekir, says “allergy is rife” in office spaces with mould, dust, mites and poor air quality contributing to sinus and chest problems.

“People don’t realise the impact of their workplace on their health, and I find doctors forget to ask about what patients are doing or what their occupational environment is like, because they’re there for hours,” Dr Bekir tells Coach. “Some people are in a room with no sunlight, no ventilation and no cleaners, it’s substandard what people are tolerating.”

The average home can be up to five times more polluted than the air outside, which means you’re breathing in potentially harmful toxins each day. “A lot of the time you’re just recirculating pollutants and allergens in offices, because they don’t open the windows,” says Dr Bekir. Office spaces are often much more highly contaminated.

Mould is one of the biggest aggravators of asthma and allergies. The air conditioning systems in office spaces are often forgotten when it comes to regular maintenance and 6 monthly professional cleaning.

If your staff are not pulling their weight, it could be because of a dirty air conditioning system.

The biggest issues exacerbating allergies in offices are dust mites, mould, bacteria and poor air quality..

Loss of productivity, illness and sick days, cost businesses thousands every year and a lot of the time can be prevented with regular maintenance of the air conditioning system.

You can pre-book your 6 monthly cleans at the beginning of the year, that way you won’t have to worry about remembering at the 6 month mark and your staff will thank you for it.

Healthy productive staff = healthy business = healthy bottom line.

Click Here for more information about HydroKleen or call 1300 608 318

What We Do

HydroKleen clean air conditioners in the Maroochydore, Caloundra, Noosa, Tewantin and Mooloolaba areas. We specialise in sanitising split systems, window units, ceiling cassette units and even ducted.

Why choose HydroKleen?

Get a Free Quote

11 + 6 =

Hydrokleen are proud supporters of WishList – The Sunshine Coast Health Foundation supporting Sunshine Coast families for 20 years. It’s not clean if it’s not Hydrokleened, so call 1300 608 318 today!

HydroKleen are the ONLY Air Conditioning Cleaning company exclusively approved by the National Asthma Council Australia’s Sensitive Choice Program and we provide a written 12 month guarantee against Mould regrowth.

Click Here for more information about Hydrokleen.

Some Air Conditioning Tips

Some Air Conditioning Tips

Follow our tips to save energy when using your air conditioner and learn how to manage your home energy use during peak demand times.

Many households use their air conditioner during daily peak demand times, increasing stress on the electricity network. Follow the tips below to save energy when using your air conditioner and learn how to manage your home energy use during peak demand times.

Choose an Energy Efficient Air Conditioner
It’s important to purchase the most energy efficient option you can when buying an air conditioner at home. In most cases, you may find it cheaper in the long run to completely replace an old inefficient air conditioning system rather than buying an additional one.

Optimal Temperature Setting
Every degree of extra cooling may increase your energy consumption by approximately 5 to 10%. Calculate your potential savings when you set your air conditioner at a temperature that keeps you comfortable but doesn’t use unnecessary electricity.
Set your air conditioner to an energy-efficient 24°C in summer and 18°C in winter and seal gaps and close doors, windows and curtains to cool or heat rooms quicker and keep them at a comfortable temperature for longer.

Maintenance
• Follow manufacturer instructions on how to clean the air conditioner filter. Regular dust build up can reduce airflow by up to 1% per week.
• Book a professional clean of both indoor and outdoor unit fins and coils every 6 months for improved energy efficiency and healthier air
• Keep your outdoor air conditioning unit shaded from the sun, this can increase your air conditioners efficiency by approximately 5% – 10%.

Mould, bacteria and contaminants can accumulate inside air conditioning units, which can lead to a loss of airflow, overworked motors, higher running costs and increased allergens in the home or office.

Remember a professionally cleaned and sanitised air conditioner will save you up to 30% on your energy bill.

What We Do

HydroKleen clean air conditioners in the Maroochydore, Caloundra, Noosa, Tewantin and Mooloolaba areas. We specialise in sanitising split systems, window units, ceiling cassette units and even ducted.

Why choose HydroKleen?

Get a Free Quote

13 + 6 =

Hydrokleen are proud supporters of WishList – The Sunshine Coast Health Foundation supporting Sunshine Coast families for 20 years. It’s not clean if it’s not Hydrokleened, so call 1300 608 318 today!

HydroKleen are the ONLY Air Conditioning Cleaning company exclusively approved by the National Asthma Council Australia’s Sensitive Choice Program and we provide a written 12 month guarantee against Mould regrowth.

Click Here for more information about Hydrokleen.

HydroKleen Sunshine Coast

HydroKleen Sunshine Coast clean air conditioners in the Caloundra, Maroochydore, Noosa, Tewantin and Mooloolaba areas.

Excellent service. Brendan was very thorough. We would use him again.Elizabeth JOY PRESTON
First time getting my air conditioning cleaned. Brendan is very knowledgeable in regard to air conditioning, explained what he was doing and why. I was very impressed with the final result. Would highly recommend.Dianne Hayes
2nd time I have HydroKleen to help. Excellent service and a super clean aircon. Reliable and fair price. I highly recommend them.Thomas Erlund
I have used Brendan at Hydrokleen for the cleaning of my air conditioner 3 times now. I live with chronic illness, which is exacerbated by mould and the use of toxic chemicals such as bleach. Brendan is knowledgeable in the area of Microbial air pollution and the "safe" treatment for the home and business environment. I happily recommend his service.Christina Cornilsen
Highly recommend Brendan at HydroKleen, he did a very thorough and professional job cleaning our 3 split systems to get them running as efficiently as possible. Will definitely be using their services again in the future!Rachel Evans
ivano La Placa
From start to finish Brendan was excellent. He was very helpful, prompt, knowledgeable, friendly and professional and did an extremely good job. I absolutely recommend Brendan to anyone who is considering AC cleaning. With the current weather conditions and high probability of mould I consider my expense to be very well spent.Glen Lynden
We recently had four AC units cleaned and checked by Brendan. His service was excellent with all units being thoroughly cleaned and checked. One wall unit was found to have a large live ant nest - which Brendan successfully treated and removed - saving the unit from an almost certain electrical fault. The air quality has significantly improved post clean and we highly recommend HydroKleen Sunshine Coast. Thank you Brendan.Megan Friend
Very friendly service and they go out of their way to make sure your system is clean and effective! They don't use cheap chemicals and explain everything so there is no hidden cost! Second time using them in 4 years and will be going back when I'm due for next clean!jack Stephens
Brendon went above and beyond to do the best job possible for us - speedy, professional and reliable with excellent results! He even had to deal with a snake that had unfortunately lodged itself in our aircon and had made quite a mess - nothing was too much trouble and we highly recommend him and his team! They take great pride and care in their work! Thanks team!Jo Eather
We chose HydroKleen Sunshine Coast because their sanitising process has been approved by the National Asthma Council. Brendan (owner) informed me on the products & process used. I was super impressed because he was able to squeeze us in at such short notice at a busy time of year. Brendan & co-worker turned up on time & also explained the process to me as he was doing the job. We have been left with crisp clean air that feels good to breathe in. We highly recommend!The Built In Boys
Roley K
Great job, was very careful and did not rush. ThanksBarry and Maree Jordan
The reviews don't lie. John and Brandon were amazing. The customer service is exceptional. Just complete value for money. The air that the AC unit blows smells great and is noticeably much stronger and cooler.desian 630
Had my Air Con cleaned and the difference is massive, can already see the savings on my power bill. Thanks Hydrokleen!Gary “Gaza” H
Had Hydrokleen come to clean 2 Aircons at Moffat Beach. Cannot speak more highly of the service, very professional, friendly, and did an amazing job. Would thoroughly recommendLaurene Daniels
Prompt and friendly service. It was Great to get pictures emailed of the AC Clean before/after. Works a treat and doesn't smell old and mouldy anymore 👍James “Jimmi” Atkinson
First official hot day of summer, air con was blowing warm air only. One phone call to HK and they were happy to help out over the phone to fix the issue, very helpful and without asking for anything in return. Old skool service A+++Wash My Car Detailing
Very Happy with service, I couldn't believe how dirty the air conditioner was, and we were breathing all that muck in! Great job.Carolyn Jupp

Want more energy and less illness?

Want more energy and less illness?

Exposure to mould and contaminants inside the home can have profound effects on our health. After all, we spend an average of sixteen hours per day at home and even more when aged under 7 and over 65.

Mould accumulates in damp and poorly ventilated buildings and inside air conditioners. Inhaling mould fragments or spores can inflame the airways, causing nasal congestion, wheezing, chest tightness, coughing, asthma attacks and throat irritation.

Prolonged exposure to high levels of mould spores and bacteria can reduce lung efficiency and cause chronic health problems such as asthma. Those who already suffer from asthma and allergies are more likely to have much more severe reactions when exposed.

According to the World Health Organization a large proportion of the world’s three hundred million cases of childhood asthma is attributable to exposure to indoor mould.

People who live in homes infected with mould spores and contaminants are also at increased risk of depression, illness and lack of energy.

Although those with pre-existing allergies or asthma are at greater risk, mould can also cause health effects in otherwise healthy people. So measures to prevent or reduce mould exposure are important to everyone.

Mould can also cause reactions such as rashes, hives, fungal infections and can also infect your airways.

The visible mould is easy to detect but hidden inside your air conditioner is a vast array of mould and contaminants. It is vitally important for your health to have your air conditioners cleaned every 6 months to ensure that the spores and bacteria are not blown into the room and subsequently inhaled.

Also make sure that the outdoor unit has free air flow and is also cleaned, as damp surroundings can attribute to the mould growth.

Studies have shown that your health and energy levels can be greatly improved by removing mould from your home.

What We Do

HydroKleen Sunshine Coast clean air conditioners in the Maroochydore, Caloundra, Noosa and Mooloolaba areas. We specialise in sanitising split systems, window units, ceiling cassette units and even ducted.

Why choose HydroKleen?

Get a Free Quote

9 + 5 =

Hydrokleen are proud supporters of WishList – The Sunshine Coast Health Foundation supporting Sunshine Coast families for 20 years. It’s not clean if it’s not Hydrokleened, so call 1300 608 318 today!

HydroKleen are the ONLY Air Conditioning Cleaning company exclusively approved by the National Asthma Council Australia’s Sensitive Choice Program and we provide a written 12 month guarantee against Mould regrowth.

Click Here for more information about Hydrokleen Sunshine Coast.

HydroKleen Sunshine Coast

HydroKleen Sunshine Coast clean air conditioners in the Caloundra, Maroochydore, Noosa and Mooloolaba areas.