Don’t Touch That Knob!

If there’s one thing that is the bane of contention in offices across the globe, it would be the right to adjust the thermostat.

The easiest way to upset someone within the office is to play with the temperature control. There are some office workers with fans on their desks because they are too hot, and others with the mandatory jacket slung across the back of their chair to protect them when it is freezing.

Temperature control in offices will never suit everyone. No matter the weather, office air control just never seems to be right.

While temperature control is a bane of contention, there are other, more important, issues that need to be addressed with office air conditioning. When was the HVAC last maintained and serviced? Have the filters been cleaned regularly? What bacteria, mould, or parasites are living inside the unit?

If you find that your staff are constantly suffering from colds, asthma or other breathing problems, then the office air conditioner could be the cause.

How Can I Improve the Indoor Air Quality?
Employers have an obligation to ensure a healthy working environment for employees. Scientists have proven that a healthier office environment with increased ventilation and improved indoor air quality, will increase the productivity and decision making of staff.

All regularly used air conditioners/heat pumps become infected with “microbial contamination” which includes fungi, mould, and bacteria. These units are the perfect environments for such contaminants and of course, become airborne every time you switch on your unit.

The American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) state “contaminants may originate from a variety of sources both inside and outside of a building, and may include airborne chemicals, bacteria, fungi, pollen and dust.” “… factors such as temperature, humidity, lighting, noise and personal and work-related stress can affect occupants’ perceptions of indoor air quality.”

Benefits of Regularly Cleaning Your Unit
Regular cleaning of air conditioners is critical to improving the quality of indoor air, but it also will make the HVAC unit more efficient. A well maintained and serviced unit will use less power and last longer.

Energy Efficiency
Large efficiency gains can be achieved through the maintenance of heating and cooling systems. While cleaning filters is important, the critical factor is the cleanliness of the heat transfer surface (coil) in order to achieve efficiencies. Immediate energy savings of between 10%-30% are expected from cleaning your air conditioner

Asset Protection
Every major manufacturer states on their warranty card that you must regularly clean your air conditioner, or the warranty is void. Unfortunately, none of them adequately provide a cost-effective means/method to clean them. Facilities routinely view the life of an air conditioner to be five years. But, when properly maintained, units should see lifespans of up to 15 years.

Disposal of air conditioners is rising at the highest rate that has ever been seen with over 550 000 to be thrown into landfill this year. By extending the life of your equipment through adequate cleaning and maintenance provides a 10:1 return on investment when compared to the replacement cost of those units.

Who Do I Trust to Clean the Unit Correctly?
There are many air conditioner cleaning companies that spruik they’re experts in cleaning air conditioning units. But, before you hire just anybody, ask them what is included in their service.

Make sure that they:
• Will remove and clean air filters and plastic fascia/s
• Will clean and sanitise the evaporator (coil), scroll fan and surround
• Will clean the condenser (outside unit)
• Will clean and check drains
• Will blow dry clean all electrical components
• Will offer a 12-month guarantee on regrowth of mould and other microbial bacteria
• Are approved by the National Asthma Council Australia’s Sensitive Choice Program

If an air conditioning unit is not cleaned adequately, the mould or bacteria will return in no time at all. A thorough and comprehensive program is required to rid the unit of airborne mould and bacteria.

To save time and money, before you start searching for a company that will meet all the above criteria go straight to www.hydrokleen.com.au

• HydroKleen is the only company that has patented technology and can guarantee the removal and prevention of mould in HVAC systems.
• HydroKleen is the only air conditioner cleaning company that is approved by the National Asthma Council Sensitive Choice Program.
• HydroKleen is a global industry leader. This national franchise company provides, through a ‘man-in-a-van’ model, a unique and innovative award-winning air conditioning cleaning service.

Improve the productivity of your team and reduce absenteeism by making your building healthy.
Click Here for more information about HydroKleen or call 1300 608 318 today, and we will help you to Breathe Healthy Air.