Air conditioning units are incredibly valuable to a business, as well as a home. An expertly-designed and well-maintained HVAC unit improves the indoor air quality and thermal comfort of a domestic or commercial building.
How does Air Conditioning Work?
Domestic and commercial air conditioning units change the air temperature, humidity, and quality indoors. They make rooms more comfortable and cooler by drawing heat energy from outside, transferring that heat outdoors and replacing it with cooler air. Through internal ducts, coils and a fan unit, the central HVAC system passes chilled air into a room by circulating refrigerants. These refrigerants are converted into liquids before they enter the coils.
You can read more about how an HVAC system works by clicking here.
Many people are not aware of this, but air conditioning units heat rooms, with many commercial HVAC units fitted and supplied by Accurate Mechanical Services, providing optimum thermal comfort and humidity control. That being said, buildings are prone and susceptible to mould growth.
Importance of Preventing Mould
Mould can grow anywhere provided there is moisture present in the atmosphere. Warm, damp environments – such as bathrooms, kitchens and humid rooms – are particular hotspots for spores which can manifest into mould.
Health and wellbeing of people is, and should always be, the primary concern if there is any evidence of mould growth. Therefore, if you spot any, it should be dealt with as soon as possible.
Mould spores can cause mild and occasionally severe health concerns, such as:
- Itchy eyes
- Congestion
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Runny noses
- Asthma attacks
Air conditioning units can be straightforward and hassle-free solutions for preventing mould growth.
How Air Conditioning Prevents Mould
Air conditioning and ventilation systems don’t just create cool air and circulate it; they dehumidify air in rooms. Moisture-filled air will filter into the unit where it will be cooled, with the moisture condensing and turning into liquid droplets. These droplets gather in a central storage compartment.
The moisture in humid air is the main culprit of mould growth, so you’re making it less likely for it to grow by removing it.
Investing in a high-quality, efficient air conditioning system for your home or business can be a fantastic solution for long-term, mould-free environments. There are some other tips for preventing mould, such as:
- Not putting the temperature too low. Colder temperatures encourage water to condense across your space, creating more damp for mould to grow on.
- Fixing leaks as soon as possible. Water leaking from pipes, ceilings or walls can’t just lead to mould, but structural issues as well.
- Getting carpets regularly cleaned. Wet shoes can bring moisture into the building, encouraging mould growth on flooring and carpets.
- Running air conditioning units regularly, even while the place is uninhabited. Ensuring there is no stagnant or humid air in your home or office means you won’t return to an excess of mould.
Can Air Conditioning Make you Ill?
With a heating, ventilation and air conditioning unit circulating high-quality air throughout your premises, you’re doing wonders in preventing mould.
However, there is a suggestion out there that alludes to air conditioning units being responsible for people getting sick, or coughs. Illnesses are spread by viruses and bacteria, not cold air. Therefore the air conditioning itself does not make you sick, but they can still circulate air that’s contaminated with allergens or viruses.
Similarly to rooms, the units themselves can be prone to bacteria growth. Therefore, without proper, regular air conditioning maintenance and servicing, you’re taking higher risks with your health. If you are concerned about your health, or that of your staff, please speak to Accurate Mechanical Services for expert advice and assistance.
Book an Air Conditioning Service
If you know that your air conditioning or heating system needs servicing or maintenance, speak to AMS. Commercial premises with air conditioning systems (with a cooling capacity over 12kW) must have a TM44 energy inspection every five years.
The AMS team are accredited, authorised and experienced assessors and technicians, who regularly service air conditioning units, as well as boilers, ventilation units and more. We identify ways of improving air quality, efficiency and reducing costs and emissions where we can.
We also offer Planned, Preventative Maintenance (PPM) for clients who need regular servicing. Speak to us today to see how we can improve your air quality.
