by Ann | Air Conditioning Tips
Last week, a news story caught our attention, with a Melbourne woman finding her mouldy air conditioner had a part in creating the chronic health problems she had developed. In short, the woman had moved into a brand-new apartment, then not long after, started developing skin lesions, then fatigue, brain fog and other issues, eventually diagnosed as an auto-immune disease. Mould is a silent and often hidden bio toxin.
After many years of investigations however, a mould expert and microbiologist found the apartment to have extremely high levels of mould where the air conditioner was pumping out. Mould is a bio toxin and can be deadly. This resulted in a new diagnosis of a condition called Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS) otherwise known as toxic mould syndrome.
(File photo)
This woman is unfortunately a stark reminder of the reasons we believe a properly cleaned and sanitised air conditioner is so vital.
An air conditioner does not need to be old to grow mould. When in high use and not properly cleaned, it doesn’t take long for mould spores to develop. In this case, the apartment was new (as presumably, was the air conditioner). In a few short years, the mould spores coming from the air conditioner made the apartment virtually uninhabitable.
Although rare, mould related illnesses are reportedly on the rise and they’re tricky to identify. To reduce the chances of your air conditioner contributing to such an illness there’s a few things we recommend you review:
- Does your air conditioner smell musty?
The musty smell is created by the dust, bacteria, mould and mildew spores, leeching out of the air conditioner. This smell gets worse over time and is a sure sign the air coming from your air conditioner isn’t healthy.
- When did you last complete a visual check of your air conditioner?
Generally, people only take notice of their air conditioner when it doesn’t work as it’s supposed to. As part of your housekeeping routine, checking the air conditioner for dust, dirt, mould and mildew helps to prevent ongoing issues, plus, once cleaned, it’ll also help keep it running efficiently.
- Are you often sick?
As with the woman from Melbourne (although often not as severe), ongoing cold-like symptoms or skin irritations could be a sign that your air conditioner is desperate of a clean. Mould growth illnesses can be serious, which is why we recommend a regular, professional HydroKleen clean of your air conditioner. Our team are highly trained specialists, who understand that the health of you and your family is of the utmost importance. This also rings true for your business premises.
Keep your air conditioner free of mould and reduce the risks of mould related illnesses in your home or office. Contact our friendly HydroKleen team today for further information on how we can help you to Breathe Healthy Air.
by Ann | Air Conditioning Tips
WIN a FREE clean for your split system Aircon.
LIKE and SHARE to go in the draw to win.
Winner announced on the 14th July.
Don’t miss out.
by Ann | Air Conditioning Tips
Many businesses are unaware that they can be open to fines and possible lawsuits for not properly maintaining their air conditioning units in the workplace.
Below is an extract from Safe Work Australia on their guidelines for workplace air quality.
Safe Work Australia is an Australian Government statutory agency established in 2009.
2.7 Air quality
Workplaces should be adequately ventilated. Fresh, clean air should be drawn from outside the workplace, uncontaminated by discharge from flues or other outlets, and be circulated through the workplace.
Workplaces inside buildings may have natural ventilation, mechanical ventilation (fans or extraction units) or air-conditioning. An air-conditioning system should:
provide a comfortable environment in relation to air temperature, humidity and air movement
prevent the excessive accumulation of odours
reduce the levels of respiratory by-products, especially carbon dioxide, and other indoor contaminants that may arise from work activities
supply an amount of fresh air to the workplace, exhaust some of the stale air as well as filter and recirculate some of the indoor air.
Many businesses forget about keeping their air conditioners cleaned and sanitised. This will not only impact on the health of your employees, but also on their productivity.
Air conditioning is one of the greatest breakthroughs in healthy work environments. The people who get the most benefit from air conditioning in health terms are:
- People with respiratory conditions.
- People with allergies to airborne irritants.
- People under temperature stress from the environment, especially children and older Australians.
- People living in areas with air quality issues.
- People who suffer from asthma and other respiratory illnesses.
- People with arthritis, joint or muscle conditions.
- People who work in offices attached to a workshop or factory.
- People who work indoors for a prolonged period of time.
If you use your air conditioner year round, it should be cleaned at least twice a year to maintain adequate health and safety standards.
Hydrokleen is the original and best Air Conditioner cleaning company in Australia. Our cleaning agents and cleaning process have been approved by the National Asthma Council of Australia’s Sensitive Choice Program and constantly maintaining a high standard in service and professionalism.
Visit our website here, to contact HydroKleen today or call now on 1300 608 318
by Ann | Air Conditioning Tips
The National Asthma Council has issued a household mould prevention checklist, including tips for areas where clean ups are happening after floods. Associate Professor Sheryl Van Nunen, a Sydney-based Clinical Immunologist and Allergist, said that our recent rain, high humidity and unusually warmer winter temperatures provide excellent conditions for the growth and spread of toxic mould that can be damaging to health. “Mould in homes can trigger asthma symptoms for many people living with asthma or allergies, as they create spores which are airborne and can be inhaled.
“Symptoms for people with asthma may include increased coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath and a greater need for medications.” Adam Trumble, Manager of the National Asthma Council’s Sensitive Choice® Program, stressed the importance of not letting mould grow unchecked in your home. He said that mould is most commonly found in bathrooms, bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms and places with poor air circulation such as wardrobes.
“Reducing the amount of moisture in a house is the best way to control mould growth. After wet weather conditions, do a thorough clean and open all the doors and windows to dry out the area as quickly as possible. If you can, use fans or dehumidifiers to speed up the process. “Using white vinegar solution is an effective way to remove mould. Bleach will remove visible mould but won’t kill the spores underneath and it may also irritate sensitive noses. “Even if you have thoroughly cleaned your house you can still have problems with mould. It can grow in places we don’t even think to look – walls, clothes, books, toys and even CDs. “Home heating will reduce relative humidity, as will dehumidifiers and good ventilation.” The National Asthma Council Australia has issued this mould prevention checklist:
- Promptly remove any mould that appears
- Treat the cause of rising damp as soon as it is detected
- Make sure you have enough natural ventilation, including an extractor fan for the bathroom and laundry
- Seal any leaks in bathrooms and roofs
- Clear any overflowing gutters and blocked vents
- Remove indoor pot plants (which promote mould growth)
- Avoid the use of organic mulches and compost heaps.
Brisbane flood, The Centenary suburbs
If you have been flooded:
- Dry or remove wet carpets and furnishings as soon as you can
- Be ruthless with the clean out, if possible – hidden damp can cause ongoing problems
- Consider using a dehumidifier to help dry out the space
- Remove any visible mould by cleaning with naturally fermented white vinegar solution
- Keep an eye out for mould in all areas of the house.
Mr. Trumble said that it is important to get rid of household asthma and allergy triggers before the colder months hit.
Your air conditioner is the perfect breeding ground for deadly mould and bacteria and we highly recommend having your air conditioner professionally cleaned every 6 months, especially if you use your air conditioner for heating throughout the winter months.
More than seven million Australians have allergies, including asthma, which is often triggered when people spend more time indoors with mould, dust mites and indoor pollutants. The Sensitive Choice program has been developed by the National Asthma Council Australia to help people find products and services that may help reduce exposure to asthma and allergy triggers. Our cleaning agents and cleaning process have been exclusively approved by the National Asthma Council’s Sensitive Choice Program.
Call HydroKleen today on 1300 608 318 or visit HydroKleen Sunshine Coast for all your aircon cleaning.
by Ann | Air Conditioning Tips
Warning! This article contains a graphic medical image.
As a tenant, home or business owner are you aware of the impact of mould on the health of your family, employees or customers? Your air conditioner is a potential breeding ground for mould and bacteria.
MOULD SPORES
Mould is a known aggressor to asthmatics and people with respiratory conditions.
In order to reproduce, mould produces tiny particles called spores. Spores are carried in the air and may cause health problems if inhaled by people who are sensitive or allergic to them. These include a running or blocked nose, irritation of the eyes and skin and sometimes wheezing. Occasionally, people may have more severe reactions. Very rarely, people may develop a mould infection, usually in the lungs. It is important to note that most people will not experience any health problems from coming in contact with mould.
MOULD INFECTION INSIDE HUMAN LUNG
People with asthma, allergies, or other breathing conditions may be more sensitive to mould. For people with asthma, inhaling mould spores may cause an asthma attack. People with weakened immune systems (such as people with HIV infection, cancer patients taking chemotherapy or people who have received an organ transplant) and with chronic lung diseases (such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and emphysema) are more at risk of mould infection particularly in their lungs.
More and more children are diagnosed with asthma every year and mould is major trigger for attacks. Check your home, medical centre, childcare centre and school have had their air conditioner cleaned by a professional. Don’t put your loved ones at risk.
Over summer, mould can build up inside your air conditioner, on the coils, filters and on the inside of the unit. As soon as you turn it on for heating in the winter, the spores are blown into the room. We highly recommend having your air conditioner cleaned every 6 months (the beginning of winter and the beginning of summer) for peace of mind, health and wellness.
Call HydroKleen today on 1300 608 318 or visit HydroKleen Sunshine Coast for all your aircon cleaning.
by Ann | Air Conditioning Tips
Your air conditioner helps keep your home cool and comfortable during summer and warm in the winter. But, did you know that your air conditioner does more than just keep you comfortable?
Your air conditioner is actually an instrumental piece of equipment for keeping allergens at bay and you allergy-free. Air conditioning companies are always looking for better ways to not only maintain the temperature of your home, they are also very aware of how important it is to breathe clean healthy air. New advancements are always being made in the efficiency of air filtration in your air conditioner.
Mould
If left unattended, mould can cause respiratory problems and can heighten allergy issues.
Mould grows most commonly in areas high in moisture and humidity, making the inside of your air conditioner the perfect breeding ground for this allergy causing nasty.
Dust Mites
The thought that there are tiny living creatures around your house can be a little disconcerting, but they are present in most homes. Although nearly invisible, a regular household contains a great number of them.
The by-products of dust mites are a major cause of common allergies like coughing, wheezing and can trigger asthma attacks. While it is impossible to completely rid your home of dust mites, there are measures you can take to keep them at bay.
Like other mites and parasites, dust mites thrive in humid areas. It makes perfect sense then that keeping the air dry and cool limits their growth and population. Regular cleaning of the filters in your air conditioner will help keep them out of the air.
Purified Air
An air conditioner doesn’t just keep the air cool in summer and warm in winter, it also helps keep the air fresh and clean. When your air conditioner pulls stale air out of your house, it is also pulling significant amounts of pollen, dander, dust and even pet hair that may also be present. So, the air that remains has a lot less pollution, contaminants and allergens.
While you can help to maintain clean healthy air by cleaning your filters once a month, however, it is vitally important that you have your air conditioner professionally cleaned and sanitised by a trained technician twice a year.
Visit our website here, to contact HydroKleen today.
