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How to Clean Your Filters and Why It Saves You Money
Jun 27, 2019
You probably haven’t noticed the difference in your unit since you last cleaned the filters but it is more than likely you will notice the difference once you have done them now. The longer you leave it the more opportunity there is for dirt, mould and bacteria to build up and penetrate further into your system. Not only will this affect the quality of air you are breathing it can also have a negative affect on your health and the health of your family.
Air conditioners need to be regularly cleaned and serviced as they can harbour a variety of organisms such as mould, mildew, fungi, bacteria and microbial contamination, which can make you sick. Air conditioners are our best way to fight the heat in the Northern Territory, but if you don't get them cleaned regularly you could be breathing in all sorts of nasties. This can be especially devastating to those allergy sufferers around us. Air conditioners are a perfect breeding ground for these contaminants, and of course they become airborne every time you switch your air conditioner on. This can lead to more complicated health issues down the line e.g. asthma and breathing complications.
Clean Your Filters
As I have said before we all know we should be cleaning our filters but how many of us do it often? For us in the Top End our air conditioners are on non-stop. This means that there is more opportunity for dirt, grime and mould to build up in our air conditioner. And you won't even notice until you feel like it's not cooling as well as it used to. A build-up on the filters can reduce airflow and increase the amount of bacteria circulating your home. The most effective way to reduce the health risks and out of pocket expense of these build-ups is to clean your filters.
This couldn’t be easier. For split system air conditioning the filters are mainly located at the front of the unit. They can be accessed by lifting the front cover and gently sliding the filters out of the unit using the tabs provided. Once you have removed the filters you should check them for any damage. The smallest hole/tear could render the filter useless and this in turn will increase the amount of build-up that has made its way through to the rest of your air conditioner. These are easily replaceable so don’t worry. Better you have to replace the filter now than the whole unit later.
If there is no damage to the filters they will need to be washed. The easiest way to do this is probably with a hose. Remember to hose the filter down from the under side to prevent anything getting stuck in the filters. Once you have done this it is as easy as leaving them to dry before refitting them the same way. You can check out some more useful maintenance tips here.
Think of Your Health
You’ve heard it time and time again but have you ever paid any attention? Your air conditioners are just like all other appliances that you use regularly. You would never put your blender away without thoroughly cleaning it first! So why haven’t you cleaned your air conditioner yet? Unlike the blender, the air filtering through your air conditioner is the air you breathe every day. If you saw the layers the air has to pass through inside your air conditioner I am sure you would be thinking differently. It may seem like a lot of effort but taking 10 minutes out of your day each fortnight to clean your filters could help save you a lot of money in the long run.
Save Yourself Some Money
When considering why our power bills are so high we are quick to blame our air conditioners as a cause. We all know that running your air conditioner as much as we do in Darwin can be a costly event and accept the bill as such. But did you know that if you simply clean your filters you could reduce your air conditioners energy consumption by up to 15%. This is a huge amount when you consider how much we pay for power up here. By maintaining your air conditioner you can save on costly repair bills and reduce your power bill all at the same time. Consider it your good deed for the environment.
So start today! Make it a new year’s resolution to regularly maintain your air conditioner! You will see the difference in your next power bill. If you are not sure where to start you should contact a professional. Our technicians can attend and service your air conditioner so you can start with a clean slate. They can also advise of what needs to be done to maintain your air conditioner
and ultimately save yourself some more money.
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The first sign many people notice is a musty, mouldy odour. If you do a thorough clean of your office or commercial space and the smell is still there, it’s time to check your vents. Getting your Air Conditioning Contractor to remove the covers and take a quick look inside may confirm the issue, especially if you see mould or notice a stronger smell in that area. If the scent is stronger, but you can’t see the mould, then the growth is possibly further in the ducts. Another sign of a mould issue is the sudden onset of allergy symptoms. If you or a co-worker notices burning eyes, scratchy throat, or a runny nose that gets better when you leave the office, there could be an issue. Arranging for your HVAC technician to check your filters should be the first step. If it needs to be changed they can install a new one. If the symptoms continue they can do a quick check of your vents and a visual check of your ducts. Inspecting your duct work can also provide clues to a possible mould problem. An Air Systems Cleaning Specialist (ASCS) can check for signs of moisture build-up, such as condensation, dark spots, or actual leaks. Mould needs water to grow, so any signs of condensation or leaking could indicate a growth hot spot. Duct cleaning and coating is a specialised job and as such the majority of HVAC companies sub-contract duct cleaning and coating out to companies like ours. At Advanced Air we have our Air Systems Cleaning Specialist on staff ready to undertake any duct inspection, cleaning or coating project you may have.
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