Prepare your air conditioner: Neglect risks bacteria and higher bills

As summer approaches, experts urge homeowners to prepare their air conditioning units to prevent health risks and costly repairs. Neglected air conditioners can become breeding grounds for mold and bacteria, including Legionella, the cause of atypical pneumonia.

These microorganisms are dispersed into the room, potentially leading to respiratory issues, especially for allergy sufferers. Beyond health concerns, accumulated dust on filters and coils forces the system to work harder, increasing energy consumption and leading to higher electricity bills. This continuous strain also accelerates wear on key components like the compressor, shortening the unit's overall lifespan.

Basic maintenance, such as checking filters every two weeks and cleaning them monthly, is crucial. More thorough cleaning and professional servicing, ideally in spring before the heat intensifies, should be performed at least annually. If the unit is used for heating, two professional services are recommended, one before summer and one before winter, to ensure optimal performance and prevent breakdowns. While users can manage filter cleaning and exterior maintenance, deep cleaning of the evaporator, turbine, and condenser requires professional expertise and tools to avoid damaging sensitive parts.