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Microbial Contamination
Jun 28, 2019
The definition of Microbial Contamination is the non-intended or accidental introduction of microbes such as bacteria, yeast, mould, fungi, virus, prions, protozoa or their toxins and by-products. This is a huge problem in the Top End. We have the perfect weather conditions for bacteria to breed and thrive in our air conditioners. We’ve all been warned of the health effects of mould, but do you consider this is what is growing inside your air conditioner and being spread through your house?
Is Microbial Contamination Affecting Your Health?
Air conditioning units have contributed to reducing the number of air pollution particles entering your house. However, if not properly maintained Microbial contamination within your air conditioning systems has been associated with many different health risks.The health risks include but are not limited to breathing problems, cold and flu, coughing, sore throat, nasal congestion and irritation, headaches, dizziness, nausea and asthma attacks.
Microbial contamination has also been to blame for Building Related Illnesses such as “Sick Building Syndrome”. A large number of commercial properties globally are affected by this, but with our tropical climate is a huge problem in Darwin, being linked with measurable declines in staff efficiency, increased absenteeism and reduced occupant wellbeing.
Microbial Contamination Affecting the Life Span of Your Air Conditioner
As microbial contamination circulates the systems airflow becomes restricted. Within the system pressures increase and the delivery of conditioned air into the occupied areas may be dramatically reduced. This increases the running cost of the unit, something that none of us can afford at the moment in Darwin. It also increases the costs of remediating a contaminated AC system.
Years ago, there was a case in the Northern Territory with a building that was no more than four years old. The microbial contamination
was so bad that the building was condemned whilst the remediation works took place. The total of the restoration bill was in excess of $1,400,000.00. Of which less than 10% was the remediation cost of the AC system. A comprehensive HVAC Hygiene program for a building this size would not even equaled $1,000,000.00 in more than thirty years. After severe fungal growth has been able to lay siege to a building or it’s AC System, many components may need costly repairs or replacement.
Can You Afford Not to Maintain Your Air Conditioner
Don’t risk it! The cost it takes to maintain your air conditioner regularly is far less than the cost of repairs or the cost to your family’s health if microbial contamination is circulating your home. Advanced Clean Air are experts in all kind of air conditioning systems and are here to help you rid your air conditioners of all those nasties. Get in contact with us
today, or better still book your air conditioner cleans online
with our online booking system.
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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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