Air Conditioning

Home air conditioning maintenance

Wayne Clapham of Cold Snap Services, explains why maintaining your air conditioning is so important

The benefits of regular maintenance on any machine are well known, however there are a wide variety of types and numerous levels of quality. For domestic mini split airconditioning, the most basic level is washing filters and cleaning drains. But mini split filters cannot block particles of less than 40 to 50 microns. Mold spores, fine dust and other airborne contaminants can infiltrate the internal components resulting in an odorous, respiratoryirritating coating that gets distributed around the room.

This can be particularly detrimental for those who suffer from respiratory diseases such as asthma. Also, in April 2021 the CDC (Center for Disease Control) acknowledged that COVID-19 is primarily communicated through airborne transmission and not surface transmission. And indoor room air quality can be directly related to the cleanliness of parts not easily seen by users. A full strip and clean maintenance (deep clean) of the indoor unit at least once a year is highly recommended by the industry. A properly cleaned mini-split air conditioner has tri-fold value — it increases energy efficiency, extends the working life of the unit, and enhances indoor air quality (IAQ).

A good quality deep clean does take time, a single wall mount unit can take several hours to complete, and there are specialist cleaning materials designed to remove dirt but not cause corrosive damage to coils. Another optional extra to consider is a secondary layer of antibacterial filters.

When it comes to mitigating airborne particles, the finer the grade of air filter the better. However, with increased grade comes a detrimental effect on system efficiency, the system must work harder to move the same amount of air.

A cost-effective solution are antibacterial filters that come in a variety of options. They are smaller, and generally saturated in a substance which reacts with air-borne pollutants at a molecular level. There is an activated carbon option which is well known for deodorising and absorbing unpleasant smells. Catechin, a natural extract from green tea which effectively eliminates 95% of carcinogenic agents. Photocatalytic filters which oxidise and degrade organic contaminants. And the latest development from GREE is the silver ion filter which can sterilise 99% of bacteria.

The cooler months in Bermuda are an ideal time for deep clean maintenance. Many companies slow down after the summer madness and can spare the time for a thorough cleaning. For further enquires contact Cold Snap Services Ltd, service@coldsnapservices.com. Telephone 234-6227.

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